Why Does My Cat Lick Me?
Does your cat sometimes lick you when you're holding her? She's most likely purring and rubbing against you at the same time.We intuitively understand that these activities are positive and signal pleasant sentiments, but have you ever considered why? We can't ask our cats (well, we can, but they won't respond), so we must rely on science.
Many social animals have a behavioural repertoire of interactions, but cats have traditionally been regarded to be less sociable. However, according to a research published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, cats may survive as solitary animals, but given environments with enough resources (such as abundant food and resting areas), cats can also live happily in a colony or group.
Licking and grooming seem to be designed in colonies to preserve social relationships with valued partners, relieve stress, and display social rank within a colony. Our interactions with our pets are no exception.
Furthermore, several cats in the group seemed to acquire affinities, dubbed "preferred companions." These favourite companions are the most often groomed and licked.
This indicates that when your cat licks you, he is treating you as a "chosen associate," family member, or someone he considers to be his favourite. When your cat licks you, whether you like it or not, he is just stating, "I love you."
Many social animals have a behavioural repertoire of interactions, but cats have traditionally been regarded to be less sociable. However, according to a research published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, cats may survive as solitary animals, but given environments with enough resources (such as abundant food and resting areas), cats can also live happily in a colony or group.
Licking and grooming seem to be designed in colonies to preserve social relationships with valued partners, relieve stress, and display social rank within a colony. Our interactions with our pets are no exception.
Furthermore, several cats in the group seemed to acquire affinities, dubbed "preferred companions." These favourite companions are the most often groomed and licked.
This indicates that when your cat licks you, he is treating you as a "chosen associate," family member, or someone he considers to be his favourite. When your cat licks you, whether you like it or not, he is just stating, "I love you."
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