Why do cats lick people, why do they lick the owner”s hands, face or feet?

One of the unusual ways that cats express their affection for their owners is by licking them. A cat’s tongue can be surprisingly expressive, whether it’s on your hands, face, or even your feet. Why, though, do they act in this way?

Licking is a common way for cats to bond. Their mother grooms them when they are kittens, which is when this behavior first appears. Your cat may be attempting to establish the same intimate bond with you when it licks you.

This behavior has a practical aspect as well. Cats may lick you to mark you as a member of their territory or to learn more about your scent. Additionally, licking may indicate comfort or even a way to decompress.

"Master, wash yourself!» – the cat does not like the smell, and it licks the person

Cats consider their owner’s natural body odor to be both familiar and native. They connect it to security. Members of the feline family typically view the owners as their property and mark them with unique markings that only they and their made-up adversaries can sense.

Compared to humans, cats have far more subtle senses of smell. The animal will attempt to lick the scent of a perfume or cosmetic product off the owner’s body after smelling something sharp and disagreeable, even overpowering the owner’s natural scent. One of the most evident explanations for why a cat willfully licks its owner is this.

It’s not just that the pet’s favorite scent of the owner’s body is muted by another scent. The untamed predecessors of contemporary felines attempted to avoid being welcomed by noxious predators. Strong odors put them in danger of being discovered. The instinct for self-preservation still exists in their domesticated descendants, even though they no longer need to hide from enemies. In addition, cats lick their owners in an attempt to ward off intruders who can track them down by scent.

Gratitude for care: a pet licks hands when stroked or fed

A cat will most likely lick its owner’s fingers as a way of saying thank you for love or a delicious treat. When it comes to expressing their emotions, people can use words, looks, and gestures, but members of the feline family are limited in what they can do.

See also: Why cats poop in inappropriate places, expert advice on weaning a pet from this behavior, and home cures for the problem

Most cat owners have probably noticed that their pet starts to look into your eyes when you stroke them or give them something tasty to eat. A few of the cats will lick when they are feeling very strongly. When an animal becomes overly attached to its owner, it is genuinely responding to kindness by licking them; therefore, you should not ignore it and allow it to carry out its "duty" until the very end.

Cats lick humans for a variety of purposes, such as grooming, marking their territory, or simply to express affection. Similar to how they groom other cats, licking is a natural behavior that strengthens the bond between cats and their owners. It might also be an indication of solace or a means of stress relief for them. When a cat licks you, it’s usually to establish a stronger bond and feel more intimate with you, whether it’s on your hands, face, or feet.

Caring for the owner: a cat licks a person like a kitten

A newborn kitten receives its first emotions from its mother. It is still utterly defenseless in this new world, and touch allows it to communicate with its mother. These emotions stay with the baby for the rest of its life. There is no connection at all between cats licking their cubs’ bellies and strong feelings. This is the manifestation of maternal care. Thus, kittens raised by four-legged moms have increased intestinal peristalsis, which calms them down and aids in their ability to unwind and fall asleep. A kitten that has been prematurely weaned from its mother will naturally reach out to its owner, expressing its need for love and attention.

After giving birth, some cats pass on their maternal instinct to humans. The pet shows her concern for her owner if she licks him. This is typical. It is a sign of special affection, trust, and love for the owner and should not be taken as a reason for alarm.

"What did you eat?» – the cat licks its face or hands because they smell like food

Cats enjoy eating delicious food, and they will never turn down a treat, even when they are full. Their nose’s arrangement allows it to pick up scents that are hardly perceptible. The likelihood is that a four-legged pet licked the owner’s face or hands because it smelled food, especially if the owner had just left the table or was preparing food and did not have time to wash his hands. The cat will only end its ritual once it realizes that the "aromatic" parts of the body are licked clean and will not be treated.

See also: How to deal with a hyperactive cat and what medication can be administered to a 2-3 month old kitten that is too active?

Lack of essential substances: the cat licks the owner"s ears

Unusual as it may seem, some cats lick their owners’ ears in order to get at the wax in the ears. There’s a belief that its aroma draws them in rather than its flavor. Human external auditory canal sulfur glands secrete a peculiar, foul-smelling substance along with dead cells that contain protein. It reminds animals of a satiating, nutrient-rich protein environment.

Ear wax includes:

• proteins, some of which are immunoglobulins;
• fats;
• free fatty acids;
• mineral salts;
• dead cells;
• sebum and other inclusions, such as dirt, dust.

It is precisely with the rich composition of sulfur that the second version is associated, explaining why the pet is trying to get to human ears. According to it, he does this due to a lack of some elements in the body. If this happened once, there is no reason to worry – it means that the cat just wanted to explore an unfamiliar "object". If he constantly climbs into a person"s ear, licks it, persistently trying to get sulfur, you need to review his diet for missing essential substances. Perhaps the problem is not in nutrition, but in some disease, so it is better to entrust the clarification of its cause to a veterinarian.

The pet asks for food or attention

When an owner smells like food, these animals don’t always lick them. They can grovel for their preferred treat in this way. This is generally the case with pets that were fed artificial food. They practically have an instinct to lick the owner’s hands since they identify them with food. Licking the hands is frequently followed by front paw shuffling. When they were younger, four-legged beggars used to knead their mother’s breast in an attempt to extract as much milk as they could.

Cats will occasionally lick themselves to get attention. It is improper to ignore an obnoxious pet. You should pet or play with the master for a few minutes at least if he indicates he’s bored and wants to talk by licking his hand or face. It won’t take long for the animal to become content and cease disturbing the occupants of the house.

Also read: How to teach a cat or kitten to sleep through the night so it doesn’t play and drive you crazy if it won’t let you sleep at all?

The animal complains about its health

A pet can express their discomfort by licking someone. Due to their lack of speech, cats attempt to express their emotions through other means, such as licking their owner’s hands or feet. It is advisable to seek the advice of a veterinarian as it is improbable that you will be able to determine the cause of your four-legged friend’s illness on your own.

Cats lick people for a variety of reasons, most frequently to express love or strengthen their bonds with their owners. Similar to how they groom other cats in the wild, this behavior can be interpreted as a sign of comfort and trust.

Cats can mark their territory by licking as well. They are claiming you as a part of their safe space and strengthening their bond when they lick your hands, face, or feet.

Licking could occasionally be an indication of tension or worry. If your cat is licking a lot, it’s crucial to observe other behaviors to make sure they’re comfortable and safe in their surroundings.

In general, your cat licking you indicates that they are comfortable and close to you. One of the special ways cats communicate with their humans is through this unique way of expressing love and trust.

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