Cats are sensitive and respond well to their owners’ mood. When their owner is feeling depressed or ill, they are more affectionate. Their intent is to calm and relive the owner. Cats lick as a form of affection, and their backward-facing hooks on the tip of their tongues are designed to brush your hair. Despite the fact that it may hurt, cats think it is a form of communication.
Displacement behavior
The psychological reason behind over-the-top licking in cats is not clear. This behavior is usually the result of cumulative stressors. The endorphins in licking relieve emotional tension. Cats tend to develop psychogenic alopecia around puberty. Psychogenic alopecia can affect both male and female cats and is more common in females. The symptoms may vary depending on the particular cat and the severity of the condition.
The behavior may appear uncontrollable and frustrating. However, if you notice it happening frequently, the behavior could be related to stress. According to pet behavior consultant and author Wayne Hunthausen, displacement behavior is a natural response for animals to experience stressful situations. Cats can lick themselves or humans as a way to relieve stress. But if the stress is not treated, it may develop into a compulsion.
Attention-seeking behavior
Cats licking and biting are both common behaviors in cats. Cats lick to receive attention or to engage in play, and the behavior can quickly escalate. Some cats have trouble learning how to play appropriately and may react to this behavior by biting or licking you. Cats are not trying to harm you, but simply seek attention. To stop this behavior, first learn to understand why cats are licking and biting.
Your cat licking may be a sign of affection or even membership in a social group. While it is usually cute, it can become a serious health concern if it becomes an obsessive behavior. If you’re worried about the health of your cat, a full check-up may be in order. Listed below are the possible causes of excessive licking. If you’re wondering why your cat keeps licking you, contact your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.
Bonding behavior
Cats lick their owners for a variety of reasons. Some cats lick to share their scent and some lick because they want to communicate with their owner. Other cats lick to include you in their social group, while others lick to show their affection. Whatever the reason, your cat’s licking behavior is a sign of bonding. Let’s learn why cats lick and how to encourage this bonding behavior in your home.
Often, cats lick you to mark their territory, but the same is true for humans. They lick to vent their stress or to attract attention. Cats also lick to establish a mother cat’s territory. If two kittens from different litters begin to lick each other, this is also a form of bonding between the two cats. This behavior is common in both cats and humans, and it is an important part of your cat’s social development.
Sign of illness
If your cat licks you more than usual, it might have a health problem. Cats lick their bodies to clean themselves, but they will also do so when they notice you are unwell. It may be a sign of an infection or a wound from an injury. If you notice your cat licking you more than usual, you should consult your veterinarian. Here are some common signs of illness:
Over-licking: Cats may over-lick themselves when they are stressed. Excessive licking is a sign of urinary tract infections and can signal other issues. Consult your vet to determine if your cat has an underlying health problem. If they don’t, it may be time to seek medical attention. Cats often hide illnesses and symptoms, so if you notice excessive licking, you should take it to a vet right away.
