Why Does Your Cat Lick You?

Have you ever felt your cat’s sandpaper-like tongue on your skin? You may be wondering why they sometimes lick us.
The reason cats lick their owners is not because they think we taste good or need a bath, it's more likely that they want to form a close bond with us.
There are actually several possible reasons why our feline friends might choose to give us some affectionate licks: if the owner takes care of them and shows love for him/her in return; as an invitation from the pet into his personal space (which often means he trusts you); or maybe even just out of curiosity! In any case, there’s no harm done by giving back those kisses every once in awhile.

1. SHARING SCENT
Cats lick other cats they're bonded with so that the scents can mix and help them tell, by a simple sniff, if the cat is part of their social group or not. This helps to ensure safety for all those involved as everyone knows who belongs where in terms of hierarchy within this community-family unit which means there should be no surprises when it comes time to dine! Cats also use scent sharing as an emotional way to communicate love and support between family members since licking one another has been proven beneficial on both sides from stress reduction benefits among many others according To science!!

2. IT JUST FEELS GOOD
Cats naturally release endorphins in their brains when they lick themselves. This, along with the fact that licking feels good to them and helps cleanse their bodies of dirt and debris, may be why cats tend to over-lick themselves.

3. THEY WANT TO BOND WITH YOU
Cats are usually quite happy to just groom themselves, using their rough tongue to remove any dirt and excess fur from their body. However, if they’re in the same social group as another cat, they may lend a helping hand by grooming each other known as allogrooming which helps them form close friendships with one another. So when your cats lick you cuddled up together it could be that they're trying to show affection or make friends with you! Don't think this means kittens want you licking back though--they'd prefer use of a brush instead.

4. THEY'RE STRESSED
Your cat licking excessively could be a sign that they're stressed or anxious. If your feline friend is licking you for prolonged periods of time, take them to the vet because their anxiety might need treatment. Also make sure not to force interactions with your pet if it seems like they don't want it - this can cause unnecessary stress and even lead to scratching or biting! The next time you see these symptoms in your furry friend, leave them alone until after taking care of any medical issues at home.

HOW DO DISCOURAGE YOUR CAT FROM LIKING YOU
If you don't want your cat to lick you, then it’s important not to push them away or punish them. They won’t understand what they have done wrong and will likely become stressed which can lead up more problem behaviours. When your cat starts licking you, try distracting with something else that they enjoy instead like grooming the brush or playing their favourite toy.