Cat licks are an attention that every owner knows and receives, but there are many reasons behind this gesture
Anyone who owns a cat (or more) knows that our beloved feline shows the love he feels towards us in his own way and in addition to purring and clamps, he usually gives us quite a few licks. This expression of affection may or may not be appreciated - also because the effect is like feeling sandpaper on the skin - but have you ever wondered why the cat behaves like this? Why does your cat lick you, especially your hands?
Veterinarians, scholars, but also many owners argue that there are many reasons why cats lick their human. First it must be said that la cat's tongue is made up of many long filiform papillae which therefore make it rough and at the same time perfect for cleaning the hair, but also for much more, it is no coincidence that licking the owner. But then why does he do it? These are the most plausible answers to the question according to experts:
- to take care of you and show you her love just like a mother cat does her kittens by licking and cleaning their fur under her watchful attention. Licking someone you care about is a way to strengthen your bond for the cat;
- to get your attention since maybe it will have happened to caress him, cuddle him or give him a treat after a lick of his. In this case the cat knows how to get noticed and repeats an attitude that has borne good results, but he could also do it because he knows that through a lick you will devote more attention to him;
- because you are part of his group and by licking you he can easily identify and recognize you and at the same time show other cats that you belong to him and no one else. You are part of his territory, not just him of your family;
- because you have an interesting smell who has hit him and therefore wants to know, licking the taste of your skin. Maybe it's a particular shampoo or cream, but rest assured that he has noticed it;
- to relieve stress. The cat could have this behavior, especially if repeated too frequently, because he is stressed or suffers from anxiety and in this case the cause must be discovered as soon as possible: a new animal tenant, a move, a change in routine;
In most cases, licking your favorite human is a pure show of affection and there is nothing more beautiful, but if the cat were to repeat this behavior excessively, perhaps in conjunction with other signals that it is sending you, then it is always better to consult a veterinarian to remove any doubts.
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