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The following are some of the reasons why your cat may be licking you.
1. Your cat is expressing affection for you and creating a bond. As soon as kittens are born, their mother licks them as a way of grooming, but also to show affection. Some adult cats may carry this behavior into adulthood and may lick their owners as a way to foster their relationship and show their affection.
2. Your cat is seeking attention. Often when a pet licks us, we respond by petting or talking to them. Your cat may have learned that by licking you they’ll get attention. Even if you gently push them away to stop unwanted licking, this negative attention is better than no attention at all.
3. Your cat is marking you. Cats like to mark their territory and one way they do this is through licking. If they see you as “theirs,” they may begin to lick you to mark you as part of their territory. Licking leaves their scent on objects and lets other cats know who you belong to!
4. Your cat likes your taste. You may have interesting scents on you—especially if you just prepared salmon or trout for dinner! Even lotions, shampoos and other topical products can be attractive to your feline companion. Salts and sugars left on your skin from perspiration can also be appealing to cats.
5. Your cat is stressed. It’s common for stressed or anxious cats to begin licking items—including people. Usually stress leads to excessive self-grooming, but in some cases, licking can be directed to family members. If you think something is causing your pet to experience anxiety, try to identify the source and remove it if possible.
Finally, if your cat’s licking becomes excessive, it could be due to a medical problem. Nausea or pain, such as pain or discomfort from osteoarthritis, can lead to licking of the affected areas—and even you. Call your veterinary healthcare team with any questions you may have regarding your cat’s licking or to book an appointment for an exam.
*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.
**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.
Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.
Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.
