
Does your favorite feline favor you with copious licks throughout the day? Have you ever wondered if this form of grooming is normal?
According to various veterinary and behavioral experts, this cute and quirky behavior is, indeed, quite normal and have offered the following explanations for it.
Your cat is grooming you because she wants, quite literally, to clean you. When she grooms you, she’s expressing her affection for you and trust in you, and communicating that she considers you family. What could be more gratifying than feeling that soft, prickly tongue on your skin, secure in the knowledge that you’re the lucky recipient of your kitty’s loving attention?
Your cat is grooming you as a way of “claiming” you. It’s quite similar to her endearing habit of constantly rubbing up against you. Since all cats mark their territory through the scent glands located in their saliva, by grooming their pet parents with their tongues, they’re doing so to reinforce the special bond they have with them.
Your cat is grooming you because she wants attention. Far from subtle, when your cat insistently lick, lick, licks you, this is clearly her way of letting you know that your complete and undivided attention is needed -- or rather demanded -- at that very moment.
Your cat is grooming you because she likes the way you taste and/or smell. Renowned for their keen sense of smell and endless curiosity, cats may enjoy the salty taste of their owners’ skin or the scent of their perfume, shampoo or soap. If, however, your own kitty begins grooming you after you’ve applied such products as insect repellent, sunscreen or a topical medication, offer her a lickable cat treat instead. Why? These products are harmful if ingested, and the treat will distract her and satisfy her craving.
Your cat is grooming you as a way of relieving stress. Just like kneading and sucking on blankets, grooming can be an effective self-soothing mechanism for felines. Should your favorite feline feel especially anxious or stressed, she might engage in this practice to seek comfort and reassurance. If you suspect that she’s suffering from some form of stress, offer her extra cuddles, snuggles and pets and speak to her, softly and calmly, over and over and over again.
If, however, you would prefer NOT to be licked clean aka groomed by your kitty, these same experts offer the following suggestions:
Gently redirect her attention. Keep her otherwise entertained with several new and exciting toys or engage her in some intense interactive play sessions whenever she’s about to groom you.
Walk away from her briefly. Before you do, though, offer her an alternative to the affection she clearly craves by brushing, stroking or petting her.
Change your perfume, shampoo and/or soap. Through trial and error, find scented substitutes that please YOU – not her – or consider fragrance-free options instead.
Provide her with a quiet, stress-free space. Should her grooming be caused by anxiety or fear, set aside a small corner of your home complete with a natural sound machine, calming chews and anxiety-reducing plush toys.