Cat, this little guy who is loved and unpredictable, is sometimes cold and sometimes clingy. For example, when it gently licks you with its wet little tongue, does it warm your heart and think it is full of love? Hehe, don’t rush to indulge yourself. The cat licks you, not just because of love!
Today, let's explore the "subtext" of cats licking people in depth and see what secrets are hidden in their little thoughts.
01. Hygiene inspection: Be careful of hygiene
Cats are famous for being clean and spend a large part of the day cleaning themselves. When it licks you, this may be their "hygiene inspection" process, it may be because it feels that there is a odor on you (such as sweat or other unfamiliar smells), and wants to "clean" you to make sure that your "large roommate" also meets the hygiene standards of cats.
02. Smell mark: You are mine!
The cat's tongue is covered with tiny barbs, and these gadgets are not only used to cleanse, but also help them leave a scent on you. That's right, when you are licked by a cat, they are actually scent marking and declaring sovereignty: "This person belongs to me!" This behavior is quite common in cat society. They define territories and tribe members through scent. You are officially accepted as a member of the "Meow Family", which is a manifestation of the cat's exclusive possessiveness and sense of belonging.
03, Social interaction: Cat people's greetings
In the cat world, licking each other's hair is a manifestation of intimacy. When it performs "licking" on you, it may be imitating the scene when my mother licked it when she was a child. This is a warm social behavior, which means: "We have a good relationship!" Next time it "kisses" to you, you might as well respond gently to enhance your intimacy index.
04. Sense of belonging and comfort: I feel at ease with you
Sometimes, when cats are nervous or uneasy, they will also comfort themselves by licking. If you find it coming over to lick you after a “adventure” (like encountering a stranger or pet), it may be looking for a sense of security and hope to calm yourself down through this behavior, just like we gnaw on our nails when we are nervous. At this time, giving it a sense of security and a quiet environment is more effective than any language.
05. Curious Exploration: What does this taste like? Try it!
Don't forget, cats are born curious babies. It may just be curious about some smell on you, such as the sunscreen you just applied or the scent left over from lunch. The licking at this time is purely an exploration of unknown tastes, just like the reaction of a child when he tastes novel food for the first time.
06. Emotional communication: The alternative expression of love
Although it is not directly equivalent to "I love you", cat licking you is indeed a form of emotional communication. The licking behavior between cats is a manifestation of intimacy and trust. So, when your cat is willing to touch you with his tongue, it at least means that it is safe enough for you and is willing to share this intimate way of communication with you. Although this is different from the direct hugs and kisses of humans, it is their unique way of expressing closeness and trust.
Tips for keeping pets:
Keep yourself clean: Take a bath and change clothes frequently to reduce frequent licking of cats due to the odor on your body.
Pay attention to emotional changes: Pay attention to the background of the cat when licking and its emotional state, and provide comfort and companionship in time.
Adjust guidance: If your cat's licking makes you uncomfortable, you can gently divert its attention, such as using a toy or snack.
Every cat is a unique emotional master, they love the world in a unique way, including you who are a little silly but full of love. Next time you get licked, give them a warm response and tell them in your words: "I love you too, little guy."