It’s a common scenario for cat lovers: you’re gently petting your feline friend, enjoying the soft fur and purrs, when suddenly, you’re met with a sandpaper-like lick. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why Does My Cat Lick Me When I Pet Him?”, you’re definitely not alone. Many cat owners interpret these licks as feline “kisses,” a sign of affection. But is that truly what your cat is communicating when they groom you mid-petting session?
While we might like to think our cats are giving us human-style kisses, the reality is a little more nuanced and rooted in feline behavior. A cat’s lick is indeed a form of communication, but its meaning is likely different from our interpretation of a kiss. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of feline behavior to understand why your cat might lick you while you’re petting them.
The Allogrooming Explanation: “You Pet Me, I Lick You Back”
Why do we pet cats in the first place? For most of us, it’s a comforting and enjoyable interaction. The act of stroking a soft, warm creature can be incredibly soothing. We assume it’s pleasurable for our cats too, perhaps akin to a gentle massage or back scratch. But for cats, being petted is not just a simple backrub. It taps into a deeper instinct related to how cats interact with each other.
Research into feline behavior suggests that cats perceive petting from humans as a form of social grooming, known as allogrooming. In the cat world, allogrooming and allorubbing (rubbing bodies together) are behaviors exclusively reserved for cats who share a close bond. These are “affiliative” actions, reinforcing social connections between feline friends.
Scientists studying cat-human interaction discovered that when humans pet cats, the cats interpret it as grooming behavior, specifically allogrooming, rather than allorubbing. How did they reach this conclusion? By observing the specific patterns of how cats allorub and allogroom each other. Allorubbing usually follows a precise sequence, focusing on scent gland locations like the lips, chin, cheeks, between the eyes and ears, and the tail base. Allogrooming, on the other hand, involves licking body parts in a less structured order.
Interestingly, the cats in the study showed no preference for the order in which humans petted them, indicating they likely view petting as allogrooming. Therefore, when your cat licks your hand while you’re petting them, they are likely reciprocating the grooming gesture. It’s their way of saying, “Yes, we are friends, and I’m grooming you back!” This reciprocal licking reinforces the bond between you and your cat, mirroring how cats strengthen their relationships with each other.
Beyond Grooming: Other Reasons Your Cat Might Lick You
While the allogrooming theory is the most scientifically supported explanation for why cats lick us when we pet them, there could be other contributing factors. The internet is full of theories, some more credible than others. Common suggestions include that cats lick to show love, because they were groomed by their mothers as kittens, or due to early separation from their mothers. While these ideas are heartwarming, they lack scientific backing and are largely based on speculation.
However, one theory with some merit is that cats might lick you because they enjoy the taste of your skin. This is where observant cat owners can provide anecdotal evidence. Does your cat lick you more after you’ve applied a certain lotion? It’s possible they are attracted to the scent or taste. Similarly, some cats seem drawn to the salty taste of human skin, especially after exercise. Observing when and where your cat licks you can offer clues into whether taste plays a role in their licking behavior.
It’s important to remember that every cat is an individual, and their motivations can be complex. While allogrooming is likely the primary driver behind licking during petting, other factors like taste or even seeking attention could also be at play.
The Sandpaper Tongue: Why Cat Licks Feel Rough
Anyone who has experienced a cat’s lick knows it’s not like being licked by a dog. A cat’s tongue has a distinctive sandpaper-like texture. This roughness comes from hundreds of tiny spines called papillae that cover the surface of the tongue. These papillae are made of keratin, the same material as our fingernails.
These papillae are shaped like miniature cat claws with sharp tips, making them incredibly effective grooming tools. They help cats untangle fur, remove loose hair, and even wick saliva deep into their coats for cleaning. Mechanical engineer Alexis Noel, fascinated by the unique structure of cat tongues, created a 3D-printed model mimicking these papillae. Her research demonstrated that this cat-tongue design is remarkably efficient at cleaning fur compared to traditional brushes, and much easier to clean itself. The papillae effectively trap fur but release it easily with a simple swipe, unlike brush bristles that become clogged and difficult to clean.
This sandpaper-like tongue, while sometimes surprising to us, is perfectly designed for a cat’s grooming needs, and when they lick you, you’re experiencing this evolutionary adaptation firsthand.
Is Cat Licking Safe? Potential Health Concerns
While a cat’s lick might be a sign of affection, it’s important to consider the potential health implications, especially when it comes to face-licking. A cat’s mouth, like any animal’s, can harbor bacteria. While these bacteria are usually harmless to cats, they can pose a risk to humans, particularly young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Bacteria like Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Pasteurella multocida are commonly found in cat mouths and can cause infections in vulnerable people. Even individuals with healthy immune systems can, although less likely, become infected.
The risks are further amplified if your cat eats a raw food diet. Raw food can contain higher levels of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Studies by the FDA have found significantly higher rates of these bacteria in raw pet foods compared to cooked commercial pet foods. The FDA advises against allowing pets, especially those on raw diets, to lick faces, particularly after eating.
While you don’t need to panic about every cat lick, it’s wise to be mindful of hygiene. Avoid letting your cat lick your face, especially if you or someone in your household is immunocompromised. Washing your hands after interacting with your cat is always a good practice to minimize the risk of bacterial transmission.
Managing Excessive Licking: When Licks Become Too Much
While some licking is a normal part of cat-human interaction, excessive licking can become problematic. Some cats may lick obsessively, sometimes even to the point of causing skin irritation in themselves or their owners. Excessive licking can be a sign of underlying stress or anxiety in cats.
Cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett highlights stress as a primary cause of excessive licking. As responsible cat owners, it’s our role to identify potential stressors in our cat’s environment. Indoor cats are particularly reliant on us to create a comfortable and stress-free living space.
In multi-cat households, friction between cats can be a significant stressor. Ensure you provide ample resources like food bowls, water dishes, litter boxes, toys, and beds, and create enough space, especially vertical space, to minimize competition and tension.
Boredom and lack of stimulation can also lead to stress and excessive licking. Make sure your cat gets enough playtime, especially if they are young and energetic. Puzzle toys and window perches can provide mental enrichment and help alleviate boredom.
If you’re concerned about excessive licking, observe your cat’s behavior to identify potential triggers. Try to gently redirect their attention with a toy or by placing an object between you and your cat when you notice the licking starting.
Avoid using negative methods to stop licking, such as applying unpleasant tastes to your skin. This can create negative associations with you and damage your bond with your cat. Never resort to punishment like hitting or yelling, which is harmful and ineffective. Instead, focus on understanding the underlying reasons for the licking and creating a more enriching and stress-free environment for your feline companion.
In conclusion, when your cat licks you while you pet them, it’s most likely a sign of affection rooted in allogrooming behavior. They are reciprocating your touch in a way that is natural for them, strengthening your bond. While occasional licking is normal and often endearing, be mindful of excessive licking and potential health considerations. By understanding the reasons behind feline licking, we can better appreciate our cats’ communication and ensure their well-being.
References
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[2] Terry, Sarah Jeanne. “Why Does My Cat Lick Me When I Pet Her?: Cuteness.” Cuteness.com, 31 Oct. 2019, www.cuteness.com/13721775/why-does-my-cat-lick-me-when-i-pet-her.
[3] Cassidy, Joshua. “Ever Wondered Why Your Cat’s Tongue Feels like Sandpaper?” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 1 Mar. 2017, www.pbs.org/newshour/science/kqed-deep-look-cats-tongue-sandpaper.
[4] Noel, Alexis C., and David L. Hu. “Cats Use Hollow Papillae to Wick Saliva into Fur.” PNAS, National Academy of Sciences, 4 Dec. 2018, www.pnas.org/content/115/49/12377.
[5] Solomon, Donna. “Safely Living With Pets: Don’t Let Your Pet Lick Your Face and Other Helpful Tips.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 4 Jan. 2015, www.huffpost.com/entry/safely-living-with-pets-d_b_6069134.
[6] Medicine, Center for Veterinary. “Raw Pet Food Diets Can Be Dangerous to You and Your Pet.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet.
[7] Johnson-Bennett, Pam. “Why Does My Cat Lick Me So Much? – Part 2.” Pam Johnson-Bennett Answers the Why, When & How of Cat Behavior Issues, 9 Sept. 2020, catbehaviorassociates.com/why-does-my-cat-lick-me-so-much/2/.
[8] “Why Does My Cat Lick Me?” PetMD, 16 Feb. 2016, www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/evr_ct_why-does-my-cat-lick-me.
