Posted on 08/17/2012 12:40:58 PM PDT by Slings and Arrows
When a cat jumps into your lap, settles in, relaxes and shortly thereafter starts licking your face, you have just received the feline version of a huge compliment. Since this behavior is an expression of deep affection and trust, it is truly a moment for cat guardians to treasure.
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[O]ne of the most common questions asked by folks who live with felines is, What does it mean when my cat licks me?
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As social beings, cats lick each other for a variety of reasons. As newborn kittens, their very first worldly experience is being licked clean by their mother and as they get older, for grooming. Kittens groom one another, and adult cats who are not related, but get along well who get along often spend considerable time grooming one another.
If you have ever watched cats licking one other, its obvious that the cats receive great enjoyment from the tactile sensation of a rough, moist tongue grooming their bodies. It is not only pleasant and calming, while exchanging their scents, mutual licking helps to build and maintain close bonds.
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But even the most passionate cat lovers dont lick their kitties to return the favor. Instead, we pet them. The sensation cats feel, as we gently stroke their fur, may in fact resemble their mothers loving touch. Of course there are some of us who do sniff our kitties, since the scent of a healthy cat is delightfully subtle to feline connoisseurs. But dont knock cat-sniffing until you try it.
(Excerpt) Read more at petside.com ...
Because you taste like meat?
Why does your cat lick you?
Are you salty?
Who the hell cares?
Because you just mixed tuna salad with your bare hands. Don’t you remember?
Because they can.
“Who the hell cares?”
Kitty?
To see if you are worth killing and eating, of course.
To get that butt taste out of his mouth. Well you asked...
I dunno, let’s axe the 0bama gubmint to research it fer a couple of millun dolarz . . .
Some cats maul shoes.
Why does your cat lick you?
To clean his tongue after he licks his butt.
As a corollary, part of the food you eat is later detectable on your skin. He's checking to see whether you've been holding out the good stuff for yourself.
I get love nips and nose bumps from my two.
Ping.
The answer is simple: Cats lick you to smooth down the hair on your face/hands/feet or to give you the ultimate in what it’s like to be a kitten. OR! Maybe they just want to taste you!
My Hannah ahs done that a few times. Her loves me! :)
I would rather have this though.
Kitty Massage Therapy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=598IdFlOXcQ
They love taste and smell and lick each other because they are loving pets. I love mine.
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