Why cats lick us: a behavioral analysis If you live with a cat, you've probably already been surprised by this unexpected behavior: your feline friend starts licking your hand, face, or even your hair. This gesture may seem harmless, even cute, but it actually hides some profound scientific explanations. In this article, we'll explore the biological, social, and emotional reasons why cats lick humans. A behavior inherited from the neonatal period In cats, licking behavior begins in the first moments of life. The mother licks her kittens to clean them, stimulate their breathing, and strengthen the bond. In response, the kittens learn this behavior as a sign of comfort and security. Thus, when an adult cat licks a human, it may be reproducing this infant behavior as a sign of trust and attachment . According to several ethological studies, licking is a social grooming behavior known as "allo-grooming" in mammals. This behavior aims to strengthen social bonds within a group. Although cats are often described as solitary, they sometimes form lasting alliances, particularly with other cats or their primary caregivers. When a cat licks you, it considers you part of its primary social network, treating you almost as a member of its species. Olfactory marking and territoriality Licking also has a chemical function. Indeed, a cat's saliva contains pheromones that play a crucial role in communication. By licking you, a cat can "mark" you with its scent. This behavior is similar to rubbing its cheeks or flank against certain objects or people. It's a way of asserting territorial or emotional belonging . This means your cat identifies you as part of its safe environment. Scientists call this behavioral strategy "affiliative marking." So, if your feline friend licks you, it might simply be trying to tell other animals that you belong to it! Stress or anxiety in cats While generally positive, licking can also be an indicator of stress. Some cats develop compulsive licking , w...
Why cats lick us: a behavioral analysis If you live with a cat, you've probably already been surprised by this unexpected behavior: your feline friend starts licking your hand, face, or even your hair. This gesture may seem harmless, even cute, but it actually hides some profound scientific explanations. In this article, we'll explore the biological, social, and emotional reasons why cats lick humans. A behavior inherited from the neonatal period In cats, licking behavior begins in the first moments of life. The mother licks her kittens to clean them, stimulate their breathing, and strengthen the bond. In response, the kittens learn this behavior as a sign of comfort and security. Thus, when an adult cat licks a human, it may be reproducing this infant behavior as a sign of trust and attachment . According to several ethological studies, licking is a social grooming behavior known as "allo-grooming" in mammals. This behavior aims to strengthen social bonds within a group. Although cats are often described as solitary, they sometimes form lasting alliances, particularly with other cats or their primary caregivers. When a cat licks you, it considers you part of its primary social network, treating you almost as a member of its species. Olfactory marking and territoriality Licking also has a chemical function. Indeed, a cat's saliva contains pheromones that play a crucial role in communication. By licking you, a cat can "mark" you with its scent. This behavior is similar to rubbing its cheeks or flank against certain objects or people. It's a way of asserting territorial or emotional belonging . This means your cat identifies you as part of its safe environment. Scientists call this behavioral strategy "affiliative marking." So, if your feline friend licks you, it might simply be trying to tell other animals that you belong to it! Stress or anxiety in cats While generally positive, licking can also be an indicator of stress. Some cats develop compulsive licking , which reflects a form of anxiety or discomfort. In this case, the licking extends to furniture, excessive licking of themselves, or excessive licking of humans. This behavior can occur following changes in the environment, such as moving house, the arrival of a new pet, or a lack of stimulation. It's essential to observe the frequency and context of the licking. If your cat seems nervous or shows other signs of distress (loss of appetite, unusual meowing, isolation), it might be wise to consult a veterinary behaviorist. Reinforcing reassuring routines and providing an enriched environment are also recommended to prevent stressful behaviors . Why can some licking hurt? While occasional licking is gentle and pleasant, some cats use their tongues more forcefully, to the point that it can be painful. This is due to the unique morphology of a cat's tongue , covered in sharp, backward-pointing, horny papillae. These structures, called filiform papillae, are designed to help remove loose fur and consume the meat of prey. Therefore, when your feline friend licks you vigorously, it can create a rough sensation, even slightly scratching your skin. This somewhat rough contact doesn't signify aggression, but rather reflects intensive grooming that the cat considers necessary. It shows how much they include you in their grooming routine. Licking and taste: attraction to certain substances Another aspect not to be overlooked: cats are sometimes attracted to certain smells or tastes present on our skin, such as sweat, creams, or food residue. The salt in human sweat, in particular, can trigger licking for its taste, without any particular social significance. The cat then explores its environment with its tongue, just as it does with its sense of smell. It's important to be mindful of the cosmetic products you use, as some may contain substances toxic to cats. For example, essential oils, often found in lotions and creams, are potentially dangerous. If your cat shows excessive interest in a particular scent, it's best to redirect its attention with a suitable toy or treat. Conclusion: a multifactorial behavior In short, licking in cats is a complex behavior, inherited from instinct, social patterns, and interaction with their environment. When a cat licks you, it may be expressing affection , wanting to mark you, or simply exploring a particular taste. Gentle and occasional licking is a sign of a good relationship between you and your pet. However, if it becomes excessive or repetitive, it's important to examine the cat's emotional state. At petzeal.fr , we help you better understand your feline companions to strengthen the bond you share with them. Feel free to browse our products and guides to provide your cat with a harmonious and stimulating environment.
