Behaviors of cats

If you own a cat, then you probably might have experienced its licks too. Perhaps on your face, feet and hands? This may sometimes make you wonder Why Do Cats Knead and Sneeze. Let me tell you why your cat behaves like this. 

As an owner, you will certainly know how your cat’s behavior changes. If you happen to see your cat licking excessively and indifferently then soothe your kitty. Give her a nice clean bath and take her to the vet so that her skin is examined. If there are any problems noticed in its fur, have the right treatment done at the right time.

The first things kittens experience before they open their eyes is their mother licking and washing them. Grooming is a sign of love and caring but they also get a lot of information through licking. They start to explore the world through their tongue. Kittens also learn to associate licking or being licked with the safe, secure feeling they have around their mother when they are still little.

This could mean that if a cat is licking you, he is grooming you and also accepts you and wants to take care of you–he loves you. Grooming is a form of social interaction. Some cats might like the salty taste of your skin, but it could also be the hand lotion you just put on. Or the taste of your shower gel. They may also be trying to get rid of the weird taste you have on your skin.

Behavior

When your cat keeps licking you–even keeping you awake at night–you might consider options to stop this behavior.

§  Spray a bit of bitter apple or citrus fruit on your face. Cats hate the taste (watch out for your eyes).

§  Make things more appealing to them. For example: You can place a warmed blanket by your feet. They may prefer the warmth of the blanket to licking your hands.

§  Praise good behavior. You can do this with treats or just simple petting. But every time your cat licks you, you ignore him. If he doesn’t lick you for about ten seconds, you praise him.

§  You can also distract your cat. If you figure out he is grooming you because he is bored, go play with him.

Besides showing their love and affection by licking, there can be something beyond too. When your cat licks in excess, remember that it is a red sign. The first thing kittens experience before even opening their eyes is their mom licking & washing them. Undoubtedly, grooming is a sign of affection, feeling secured and care but excess licking could mean that it is in pain. For instance, if you have a cat that has never shown you such affection until now but all of a sudden starts licking you or your clothes then pay attention. This is the time when you have to change its behavior.

Cats begin to lick vigorously when they have

• Skin Irritations
• Insect Bites
• Fleas
• Infections

Cat Behavior

Cats are meticulously clean animals & spend many hours of the day licking and grooming themselves. They have an amazing “barbed” tongue, which if you’ve ever been licked, you would know feels like sandpaper. This abrasive surface helps the grooming process by removing dirt & loose hairs.

Licking also makes sense from a survival point of view as it helps remove traces of blood from their fur after they have eaten. In fact, you may have noticed after your cat has fed, she will sit quietly and groom herself.

Licking and grooming also act to calm a cat and over-grooming is a stress-related disorder which can be classified as obsessive compulsive behavior.  Self grooming is relaxing to the cat, so it seems quite natural that when the cat becomes stressed it attempts to calm itself down by pursuing a relaxing activity such as grooming. Over-grooming may start out as a result of an environmental change (new member to the household, moved house etc.,) but over time this behavior becomes compulsive, even if the original cause of the stress is no longer around. Read here for more information on over grooming in cats.

Licking and grooming can also indicate the health of your cat. Failure of a cat to groom and lick itself is an indicator of sickness. If you notice your cat has stopped grooming yourself, it is a good idea to speak to your vet. Licking a particular spot could be over-grooming or caused by other medical problems such as an abscess.

Licking and grooming also help the cat to regulate body temperature during the warmer months. Evaporation helps cool the cat down.

Reasons for the fact Why Do Cats Knead and Sneeze?

Cat licking other cats:

A mother cat will groom her kittens, not only does this keep them clean (and in the wild removing scent helps protect kittens from predators), but she will also lick their anogenital which stimulates them to urinate and defecate.

Mutual grooming and licking among cats who share a house is common too and a good indicator of their happy relationship. This is their way of communicating a bond for one another and provides comfort and acceptance.

Cat licking humans:

Unless you have recently bathed in tuna and your cat tastes you, the most logical reason for your cat to lick you is for the same reason they lick feline companions. They are showing their affection towards you & you should consider yourself loved.

Another possible reason for your cat licking you is that it is also believed that cats like the salty taste on our skin.