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Cats are known for their independent nature, with a character generally very different from that of the dog. But, this does not mean that they are affectionate, even as much or more than dogs! Cats can show us their affection in many ways: lying next to us, rubbing or … sucking.
If you have ever wondered why does my cat lick me then bite me, you are in the right place to find out.
When you live with a cat, you discover how incredible they are as pets. Do not be surprised if he only approaches you when he wants something: food, attention or, almost as if by a miracle, a dose of pampering. Perhaps this is why, every little show of affection you give them, they value it and receive it with much more enthusiasm.
If you have seen yourself in the situation of petting your cat and that it responds to you with a lick and a subsequent bite, it is natural to be intrigued by why does my cat lick me all the time and it’s meaning. If you follow us, you will discover the answer to why my cat licks me and then bites me.
The lick has a clear connotation of hygiene, and you should know that they only groom those they consider as their family. The bite, on the other hand, requires paying attention to the animal’s body language to know how to interpret the message that accompanies it correctly.
Why Do Cats Lick?
Surely more than once, you have wondered why, suddenly, your cat goes crazy licking you … as if he really loved you! These outbursts of tenderness and affection have a motive, but it is not always the same. Cats continually communicate with us, but they don’t do it in our own language. That is why it is important to know their body language to learn to interpret their behavior, understand them, and communicate with them.
Why Does Your Cat Lick You?
We have been analyzing the different situations in which a cat licks, and we can tell you the various possible causes of this behavior. A behavior that sometimes we do not understand, but that comforts us and, without a doubt, strengthens the bond with our feline. Usually, it is a positive social behavior, but we will tell you the possible options to help you better understand your cat.
My Cat Licks Me As A Sign of Love
Cats do not share our language, and to relate to them, understand them, and enjoy their company is necessary to learn it. Yes, as you probably thought most of the time, your cat licks you to express his love. It is his way of showing that he loves you and that he feels happy by your side. Just like when they lick each other or their kittens, it is a way of telling you that you are their family.
My Cat Licks Me to Socialize
Yes, as simple as socialization. Licking is one of the ways cats have to interact with people and other animals. In this way, they show their interest in you and convey confidence and security. Surely you will have seen how cats lick each other by way of affection and, other times, as an aid to clean the areas that they do not reach themselves.
My Cat Licks Me as a Protection
Cats lick their young to protect them. By cleaning them with their tongue, they not only take care of their hygiene, but they also eliminate the bacteria that may be in their body. Your cat can lick you for this same reason, to clean you and protect you from viruses. This clearly translates to his desire to keep you close and healthy.
My Cat Licks Me When He Is Playing
Licking and biting is a game for cats. While biting you softly, you don’t have to worry or scold him, it is his way of having fun, and he doesn’t do it with the intention of hurting you.
If your cat licks you and then bites you hard and you notice that his hair is frizzy, it is a sign that he is not comfortable or is behaving aggressively. Be patient if this happens in the first months of having you at home and teach him not to act like this.
My Cat Licks Me to Clean Me
Licking is a grooming behavior. Just as they lick themselves to wash, remove dirt and remove dead hair, they lick other cats and their humans. But don’t believe that they do this with anyone; they need to have a strong bond to do it.
My Cat Licks Me Because He’s Stressed
Licking is not always related to something good or with signs of affection. When cats are nervous or going through a time of anxiety, they need to lick. It can be yourself, a carpet, a piece of furniture, a toy, or you.
This lick can be somewhat compulsive; Don’t panic, it’s normal. Try to find out the reason that makes them feel this way and try to avoid it. It may be related to some annoying sound, changes in the house, in your daily routine, or the visit of a person or other animal. Sometimes it is impossible to avoid it, but surely you can take some measures to reduce the impact it produces on your cat.
Cats also lick to mark their territory and to exchange odors. Surely your cat has licked your fingers many times after having been cooking, right?; They also usually do it if you have been touching aromatic plants that are attractive to them.
The Bite, How Do You Know What it Means?
According to the experience of the ethologists, among the cats that have been separated before the month of life of their mother and their siblings, it is usually usual that while we caress them, they begin to bite.
This is because they have not had the opportunity to learn, along with their brothers, to moderate their impulses. Enabling him to smell you before caressing him usually helps. Get used to bringing your hand toward your nose slowly and so it can recognize you.
If, on the contrary, the bites are soft and repetitive, it is a clear symptom that your pet is well socialized and indicates that there is a healthy bond between you. It has enough body self-control to communicate that it wants to play with you.
On other occasions, the bite reveals certain tiredness or preference not to maintain physical contact. It is his particular way of expressing himself that he has had enough fun for today and wants to be alone.
If despite its good purpose, this ritual is not to your liking or if its bites really hurt you, you should comply with the following recommendations:
- Don’t lose your temper or scold him.
- Stop caressing him and take distance from him.
- On the other hand, reinforce the behaviors that you like, such as purring or licking, rewarding it with, for example, your favorite snack or treat.
- Give it time to internalize it, don’t expect me to learn it overnight.
In summary, if you want to know why does my cat lick me and then bite me? Pay close attention to the bond you two have and how much you mean to him. This would help you know why, and the next time it happens, give him a good dose of pampering.