Why Does My Cat Lick Me?
If you’re a cat owner, then you know that cats love to lick. They lick themselves for grooming and cleaning purposes, but why do they also like to lick their human companions? Understanding why your cat licks you can help strengthen the bond between the two of you and make sure everyone is comfortable.
A Sign Of Affection
The most likely reason why cats lick people is out of affection. Cats groom each other as a friendly gesture, so it’s reasonable to assume that licking us demonstrates love in the same way. Generally, if cats are licking your hands or face then this means they trust you and feel safe with you – though beware if they start trying to chew on your hair or clothes!
Cats Groom To Bond
Grooming has always been an important part of feline social interactions. When cats groom each other, it helps them form strong bonds which can be beneficial in many ways such as forming hunting partnerships or providing comfort during stressful times. By licking us too, cats might be trying to show us how much they appreciate our presence by bonding with us in the same way we bond with them through petting and cuddling.
Marking Their Territory
Another possible reason behind your cat’s sudden display of affection could be marking its territory by placing its scent onto us through saliva – particularly when cats start rubbing against our legs after licking us all over! This kind of behavior isn’t only seen in domestic cats; wild felines often use scent marking as well due to their strong territorial instincts so it’s not surprising that our pets have adapted these habits too.