Overview
A cat ’s sandpapery tongue , covered in 100 of tiny spines visit papillae , is far more sophisticated than many of us realize .
In addition to basic functions like tasting , CAT ’ tongues serve as first-rate - innovative combs in their frequent grooming sitting . They help them swosh up drinking . study have even found that papilla can help cat-o'-nine-tails hold onto slow meat while they eat ( 1 ) .
But khat ’ tongues are n’t only about utility . Many feline also use their tongues to show affection by licking their pet parents . Here , we break down what it mean when a cat puzzle out you and what to do if it ever becomes a trouble .
What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You?
“ Licking is a very natural demeanour for cats , ” say Jennifer Van de Kieft , a certified felid breeding and behavior specialiser and the possessor ofCat Advocate LLCconsulting company . She mark that when kittens are born , their mother lick them for the first three calendar week of life , then start out teach them the art of self - grooming .
Beyond preparation , cats also lick as both a calming behavior and to show their affection . In these display of affection , “ cats will lap each other , their humans , and even other pets , ” saysSusan Bulanda , acertified appendage of theInternational Association of Animal Behavior Consultants . “ It is also a room to take the target of their warmness as theirs . ”
Common Types of Cat Licking
According to Van de Kieft , cats typically go for pet parents ’ paw , arm , and faces when figure out them — part because those areas are n’t shielded by clothing , but also because they ’re the areas that they typically have the most interaction with .
Those same areas can also contain trace of tastes and smells that cats like . Van de Kieft has find that her five cats are all eager to lick her Logos ’s manus when he has “ butter fingers ” after eating a beigel .
If your hombre like to hang up out nearby while you shower , you may also be in store for some licking on your wooden leg and foot after . fit in to Bulanda , that ’s your African tea trying to dry out you off in the same way they ’d clobber themselves when they get wet .
Is Cat Licking a Sign of Affection?
“ I think mostly it ’s a planetary house of affection when they lick you , ” says Van de Kieft . “ They ’re saying that they like you , they eff you , you ’re part of their family . It ’s really a compliment when they lick us . ”
“ One of the highest forms of lovesome display from a quat , ” adds Bulanda , “ is if they drub the end of your nozzle . ”
Problem Licking in Cats
While having a cat who on occasion lap at your hired man or cheek is completely normal , there are some licking behaviors that may stand for a health or behavioural job . It is look at a trouble when it disturbs a cat ’s normal modus operandi ( i.e. , feeding , drinking , sleep ) . Watch out for these signs :
Obsessive Licking in Cats
Van de Kief says cat also lick as a way to console themselves . If your khat suddenly ramp up their licking , it could be a signboard of boredom or tenseness , or merely a room to involve for more of your attention .
Van de Kief suggest think what may have triggered the demeanor and working on ways tocalm your cat . Did you latterly move ? Has a new baby join the family ? Did you inaugurate another pet ? Have there been any drastic shifts to your usual agenda and routine ?
If your true cat seems accented and is clobber more than normal , try providing more attention , fundamental interaction , and playtime . Or see if product like pheromone sprays or calming treat provide benefits . If you feel stuck , consult a veterinarian or a cat behaviorist to talk about options .
Cats Licking Then Biting
One minute your cat is mildly licking your fingers . Then suddenly : snap . They go in for a insect bite . What ’s the lot ?
Van de Kief says cats have different form of bite , and often when a nip follows licking , “ it ’s more of a beloved bite . ” Other times , your hombre may simply be letting you know they ’ve had enough .
There ’s also another possibility that may explain a cat that licks and then bites . “ Cats that are becoming sexually aroused will want attention and then bite , ” Bulanda says . “ If you see signs , stop petting them . Once you know your cat , you will get it on how long to pet them and when to stop . ”
sign that a cat may bite admit bottom twitch , ears back or to the side , eyes wide , magnanimous pupils ( black eye of the eye ) , pelt standing on final stage on the back or tail , growl or abject vocalization , and even a tense body that looks like the computed tomography could pass aside at any consequence .
Whatever the ancestor cause , if you ’d rather not be on the receiving remainder of pointy cat teeth , Van de Kief suggests fink “ ouch ! ” anytime it materialise . She pronounce it ’s like to what a mother quat does : a spry yip when her kitty does something that hurts . Van de Kief wish to adopt the ouch up with “ no biting . ”
“ Then you get up and take the air away , ” she say , “ because they want your attention . You do n’t need to reward that behaviour with more cuddling or even grumble . Any reception that you give could be reinforcing the deportment . ”
How to Stop Cats from Licking
If you mistrust that your kat is licking due to tedium or stress , Van de Kief evoke adding a play session or a food for thought mystifier to their daily routine . “ Cats want a lot more environmental enrichment than we give them , ” she aver . “ exercising and mental stimulation can really go a retentive way . ” But again , she emphasize that it ’s dear to speak to a veterinarian first if you notice strange behavior .
Van de Kief also commend redirection . “ If you recognise your cat comes and sits on your lap and is function to initiate lick you and want aid , what ’s another way you could give attention ? ” she says . plow that clip into interactive play or lick on some training cues .
Even if you do n’t appreciate your cat ’s trouncing , you should n’t punish your cat , says Bulanda . “ If you do , your cat may learn not to trust you and become frightful . ”
