Why Does My Cat Lick Me? - Blue Cross

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Why does my cat lick me?

There are a number of reasons why your cat may lick you, but it's usually a sign of affection.

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If your cat has licked you before, you'll have felt the rough surface of their tongue. Cats often groom themselves using their barbed tongue. This can remove loose hair and debris, which helps keep their fur in good condition. But you may be wondering why your cat licks you as well.

Affection and bonding

According to Blue Cross animal behaviourist Claire Stallard, your cat is most likely licking you because they like you and are showing you affection. Cats have unusual social needs and many like to keep themselves to themselves. But cats who get on well will affectionately groom each other – this is known as allo-grooming. You can return the affection for your cat by combing their fur with a brush.

Sharing a scent

Cats groom other cats in their social group partly to reinforce their bond. By licking the cats in their social group, they create a group odour. This scent helps domesticated cats tell who is in their social group. So your cat may be licking you as they view you as part of their family.

Stress or anxiety

Cats spend a great deal of time grooming and washing themselves, but if this becomes excessive it can be a sign of stress or anxiety, or a health condition. While occasional licking is fine, if it happens more frequently or you spot bald patches, scabs or red skin, you may need to speak to your vet. They'll try to work out the underlying cause of stress.

Cats may also lick you when they are being held or stroked but do not want to be. If they are not left alone, your cat may eventually bite or scratch you. Be mindful of your cat's body language, and give them plenty of space if they do not want to be handled or stroked.

Look out for these signs that your cat wants to be left alone:

• Their ears are flattened to their head
• They are swallowing or licking their lips more frequently
• Their tail is swishing or flicking

Page details

Reviewed

• 23 May 2024

Next review

• 21 May 2027

Approved by

Claire Stallard

Animal Behaviourist ABTC-CAB

Approved by

Anna Ewers Clark

Veterinary Surgeon MRCVS

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