Why do cats lick you? A cat behavioural expert explains the sweet reason behind the habit

If you get licked on the hand by your cat (mine just playfully bites me), consider yourself lucky, in a way.

Clinical cat behaviourist Amanda Campion, who has three decades of experience, has revealed the surprising and touching reason our felines lick us.

In a TikTok video, the UK-based expert shared it’s all a part of a “bonding” experience and cats do it as we’re “part of their family unit”.

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A bonding experience

“Licking is part of social grooming and bonding,” Campion explains in the clip.

“And it’s what one cat will do to another cat when they’re considered part of their family unit.

“So therefore if your cat is licking you, you’re considered part of their family unit too.”

So cute!

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Self-soothe

Campion explains that cats release hormones when they lick.

“Some cats will lick and self-soothe, when they’re licking they’re releasing happy hormones and this will make them feel better,” she says.

“Especially when they’re stressed.”

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When it becomes a problem

However, while it’s all sweet and cute, if it’s too much or overboard, you might have a problem, Campion says.

“Over-licking humans or objects can become a compulsive driver, like a complusive behaviour, so do keep an eye on this.”

She recommends looking at why your cat might be stressed and addressing that for over-licking. You can read some reasons why your cat might be stressed here.

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She added “redirecting” the cat to do such things as playing with their toys is a good idea for over-licking.

One viewer commented underneath Campion’s video: “My cat 🐈‍ Frankie, 15 months old, licks my face every morning and then bites my chin! 🤣🤣🤣”

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It comes after Dr. Katrina Warren revealed how pet owners can deal with a clingy cat, telling owners to keep an eye out for medical issues with their pets to make sure they have a safe ‘retreat’, or even have some quick play time with you clingy cat.

But she did say: “Ignore attention-seeking behaviours like meowing excessively or pawing at you for constant attention.”

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