Why does my cat lick me?

Many people think animals lick us to show love. Is that true, or are there other reasons? Dogs are known for their wet, slobbery licks, but a cat's lick feels quite different. Whatever your cat's breed, most cats like to lick.

Why a cat's tongue feels rough

A cat's tongue is covered in tiny barbs called papillae, which face backwards towards the throat. You can sometimes see them when your cat yawns. These barbs make the tongue feel rough on your skin.

The barbs help a cat groom its fur and pull scraps of meat from a bone. They can also cause problems. Loose hair swallowed during grooming can build up into a hairball, and if something gets stuck in a cat's mouth, the barbs can make it hard to spit out.

Reasons your cat licks you

To show affection

Licking is one way cats show affection to their favourite people and to other cats. If your cat is relaxed with you and you have a strong bond, they may lick you to show it, a little like a hug between people.

Scent and territory

Many owners notice that after they stroke their cat, the cat immediately grooms itself. This may help the cat restore its own scent on its coat.

Cats like their territory to smell familiar, so they rub their face and body against things to leave their scent. When something new comes into the home, your cat will often rub against it.

You taste interesting

Cats may lick hands that are salty from sweat, or that have been handling meat or fish.

Grooming

From birth, a mother cat licks her kittens to clean them, help them breathe and feed, and keep them close. Grooming makes cats feel safe, and cats that get on well often groom each other. Licking you can be part of the same behaviour.

When to speak to your vet

If your cat suddenly starts licking you or themselves much more than usual, or over-grooms to the point of bald patches, speak to your vet.