Why Does My Cat Lick My Hand? About This Common Cat Behavior

You’re sitting on the couch, scratching your purring cat behind their ears, when suddenly, they grab your hand and start licking it like it’s the most delicious thing they’ve ever tasted. It’s cute, ticklish, and maybe gross, depending on how much cat food they’ve had that day. But have you ever stopped to wonder why your cat does this? 

Cats aren’t known for slobbering affection like dogs, but some seem downright obsessed with licking their humans. Is it love, grooming, or something else? 

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While your cat’s sandpaper tongue may feel like an unexpected exfoliation treatment, licking is an ingrained feline behavior with various meanings. Studies show that grooming, or allogrooming, plays a crucial role in cat social bonding, helping to strengthen relationships between feline companions. 

But what does it mean when your cat applies this instinct to you? Whether showing affection, claiming you as their own, or wondering if your skin tastes like their favorite treats, there’s a reason behind this quirky feline behavior. 

Most common reasons your cat licks your hand 

They are showing affection or bonding 

Licking in the cat world is a love language. When kittens are born, their mother grooms them constantly to keep them clean and establish a social and emotional bond. This behavior carries over into adulthood, with cats licking their favorite companions as a sign of affection and trust. 

So, if your cat licks your hand, it’s likely their way of saying, “You are my family.” Think of it as the feline equivalent of a warm hug. 

They are grooming you in return for petting them.

Cats often groom each other as a social activity. If your cat licks your hand after you’ve pet them, they may be reciprocating the favor. This can also be a way for a cat to maintain their version of order. In multi-cat households, dominant cats groom most, while submissive cats accept it. If your cat frequently grooms you, they may see you as an equal or a less tidy subordinate. 

According to Dr. Crista Coppola, a certified applied animal behaviorist from Southern Arizona, “Cats are master groomers. Sometimes, this grooming behavior can extend to social companions, including humans.” 

They want to taste your hand.

Before you start thinking that your cat sees you as a snack, consider that this is more about curiosity than hunger. Cats explore the world through their senses of smell and taste. So, if you’ve recently handled food, applied lotion, or sweat, your skin may have an appealing scent tantalizing your feline’s tastebuds. 

Your cat may lick you to investigate a lingering flavor, especially something salty. Some cats are drawn to human skin after their pet parents have eaten, exercised, or handled treats. 

They are stressed or anxious.

Licking can be self-soothing, in the same way that some humans bite their nails or twirl their hair when nervous. If your cat licks excessively, especially in moments of uncertainty or change, they may use the behavior as a coping mechanism for stress. 

Some cats develop a condition called psychogenic alopecia, where stress leads to over-grooming (not just of themselves). If your cat is licking you compulsively and over-grooming their fur, it may be worth looking into environmental stressors. Has anything changed in your home, like a new pet, a move, or a new family member?  

They want attention.

Cats are clever creatures. If they realize that licking elicits a response from you, they’ll use it to get attention regularly. Your reaction reinforces the behavior whether you laugh, pet them, or move your hand away. Some cats will lick to remind you of mealtime, playtime, or time for affection. Unlike dogs, who often demand attention with barking or nudging, cats use subtle tactics, such as licking your hand, to get what they want. 

If your cat seems to lick you at specific times, they may be trying to redirect your attention to what they need or want. In their minds, it’s a foolproof plan to be the center of your focus. 

They are marking their territory.

Cats are territorial, and marking doesn’t just involve scratching and spraying. Licking is a claim to ownership, especially over their favorite humans. A cat’s saliva contains their scent, and by licking you, they are saying, “This human is mine.” This is especially true in multi-pet households where a cat may feel like they are vying for your attention. 

Territorial marking through licking is often paired with head-butting, rubbing against you, or kneading. If your cat consistently licks you and follows up with these actions, they are making it clear that you belong to them. 

They have a medical issue or illness.

Although licking is usually harmless, excessive licking can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. Cats who experience nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, or dental pain may lick compulsively to soothe themselves. Some cats with skin allergies or neurological conditions may develop repetitive, self-soothing licking habits. 

A vet visit is a good idea if your cat suddenly increases their licking behavior, especially if they seem restless, lose weight, or show behavioral or habitual changes. Licking can be a way for cats to comfort themselves when they feel sick, so drastic changes should be taken seriously. 

Related article

Why Does My Cat Lick My Face?

It’s sweet, but a little much.

What does it mean when my cat licks me after I pet them? 

Your cat is reciprocating affection when they lick your hand after petting them. Mutual grooming is common among bonded felines, and by licking you, they may be “petting” you back as a sign of love and trust. However, if the licking is quickly followed by a nip or a flick of the tail, your cat is signaling overstimulation, so lay off the petting for a while. 

Is it safe and healthy to let your cat lick you? 

In most cases, allowing your cat to lick you is harmless, but remember that their saliva carries bacteria. While the risk of infection is low, those with weakened immune systems should be cautious. Never allow a cat to lick an open wound. Outdoor or hunting cats may carry additional bacteria or parasites, so wash your hands after your cat has licked you. 

Related article

Love Bite or Aggression? This Is Why Your Cat Licks Then Bites You

Cats can be such enigmas.

How do you get your cat to stop licking you if it’s excessive? 

If your cat’s licking becomes too much, gently remove your hand, distract them with a toy, engage them in play, or walk away to another room. Avoid reacting too strongly. Never yell or lash out at your cat. If stress is the cause of excessive licking, identify and eliminate the trigger to reduce the problem. 

Bottom line 

• When cats lick your hand, it’s often a sign of love, trust, or communication. 

• However, excessive licking can indicate stress or health concerns. 

• Understanding the reason behind your cat’s behavior strengthens your bond and ensures you and your cat’s well-being. 

References

• “Cat Licking - Why Does My Cat Lick Me? | Purina.” www.purina.co.uk, www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/behaviour/understanding-cats/why-does-my-cat-lick-me.

• “Cats That Lick Too Much.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 9 Oct. 2017, www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/cats-lick-too-much.

• Kriss, Randa, and Randa Kriss. “Why Does My Cat Lick Me? 9 Possible Reasons.” Pumpkin®, 2 Aug. 2020, www.pumpkin.care/blog/why-does-cat-lick-me.