*Discourage your pet from licking your face. Pets can harbor many bacterial organisms in their mouth that may NOT be problematic to them but can be to elderly or immunocompromised people.
To show affection
Licking is not only a grooming mechanism but also a way cats show that they love you. Your cat is creating a social bond by licking you, other cats, or pets. This sign of affection may stem from kittenhood when your cat's mother licked them to groom them and show care and affection.
Cats carry bacteria in their mouths, which can lead to local or systemic infection if a cat licks an open wound. Immunocompromised people are most at risk. Acquiring a disease from your cat is very rare, but to be safe, don't let your cat lick your face or any cuts on your skin.
To keep it on the safe side, wash your face with antibacterial soap after your cat licks it. Also, if you have any cuts or open wounds, keep your cat away from them.
It's really often that simple. Your cat is expressing her affection for you in the most significant way she knows how–by sharing a grooming experience like her mother did with her as a kitten. By licking you, she's actually petting you.
Affection: The Love Bite
If your cat licks then bites you out of the blue then you might be in the presence of a love bite, lucky you! This is a very common (and usually gentle) interaction with cats, especially kittens. If your cat does this they might be trying to show you affection.
They may do this to express affection, request our attention, or simply enjoy some alone time. Cats lick to express love, form bonds with people and other cats, and groom. Licking and biting are their ways of telling us what they want or how they are feeling, so we must pay attention.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
Companionship
Cats are often thought of as being independent creatures who are happy in their own company. But your cat can get lonely. Interacting with the human they love helps to enrich their lives (and yours). If your cat sleeps with you this indicates that they enjoy your company and want to spend time with you.
Ziskin says that cats' “gentle 'love' nibbles or light licks” are a way of showing affection, and that some cats even give kisses! She says that your pet may also show affection by purring, nuzzling up to you or rubbing their head against your body.
Only kiss your cat when he or she is calm and relaxed. Keep vaccinations up to date and treat your cat regularly for fleas and parasites. Avoid kissing your cat on the lips. Wash your hands well after handling your cat, especially before preparing food.
Is it Safe for Cats to Groom Humans? Anything your cat's tongue makes contact with could end up being ingested, so if you use medicinal products on your head or skin, don't let her lick that area, Kirby-Madden says. “There certainly are topicals that humans put on their skin that can be dangerous to cats,” she says.
Another distraction technique you could use is food. Distracting your cat with a tasty treat is a great way to encourage them to stop licking you. We do however recommend trying to play with them first, as too many treats aren't good for their health – they should always be part of their daily food allowance.
Sleeping near you
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.
You're the favorite.
Cats, like many other pets, can bond more closely with one family member. The reasons for this are varied, but generally speaking, it is the person who cares for them each day.
If you're not familiar with the term, splooting is when a cat lays out flat on their stomach while having both of its hind legs spread all the way to the back. Usually, cats keep their hind legs tucked neatly under them and spread their forelegs, but sometimes, they spread both their fore and hind legs.
Your cat follows you into the bathroom because they want to be a part of this daily ritual. Your cat may also follow you into the bathroom because they associate your routine with something else. For example, your kitty may have figured out you always feed them after your morning shower.
Kneading to convey comfort — Happy cats appear to knead to show pleasure. Cats often knead while being petted, or when snuggling into a napping spot. Your cat may also knead on your lap to show her love and contentment, and then settle in for a pat or nap. A stressed cat may knead to create a soothing, calm mood.
Cats recognize each other (and us) by scent. Raising the butt is your cat's way of getting their anal glands closer to your nose so you can get a whiff of their pheromones. This is how cats introduce themselves to other cats. It is simply their way of saying “oh, hey.
Your Cat Stares at You to Show Affection
Cats can use staring as a nonverbal way of communicating. Even though a long, unblinking stare may not be the best way for humans to show affection, when your fur baby does this, it may mean they're showing love to their favourite owner.
It's how they show love and trust. Your cat may lie on your chest to show that you're their protector. They love the warmth coming from your body and listening to your heartbeat. If you have more than one pet, your cat might simply be marking their territory around you to tell other pets to stay away.