The feeling of a sandpaper tongue on your hand is familiar to every cat owner. But why do they do it?
1. Social Bonding
Just like mother cats lick their kittens, adult cats lick each other to bond. When your cat licks you, they are effectively saying, "You are part of my family." It's a huge compliment!
2. Marking Territory
Licking deposits your cat's scent on you. They are marking you as their property, letting other cats know that you are taken.
3. Anxiety Relief
For some cats, licking can be a self-soothing mechanism, similar to thumb-sucking in children. If the licking becomes compulsive, it might indicate stress.
4. You Taste Good
Sometimes the answer is simple: they like the salty taste of your skin after a workout or the smell of the lotion you used.
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Is it Harmful?
Generally, no. But because cats carry bacteria in their mouths, you shouldn't let them lick open wounds or your face.