To be safe, avoid kissing your cat on the lips. A peck on the head is just as affectionate and carries far less chance of disease.
However, it is not advised that you kiss a cat who is sick, nor do I recommend kissing cats on the lips. Many diseases can be passed on from cats to humans (zoonotic). Cats and humans can become infected with common bacteria such as Pasteurella, staphylococcus, E-Coli and salmonella. All of which are highly contagious.
Cats pick up the same bacteria when they clean themselves, too, so letting your cat lick your mouth, nose or eyes is not recommended.
Showing affection
“It's ok [to kiss your cat] as long as both owner and cat are medically healthy and the cat is well socialised and used to this level of contact from you,” said Nicky Trevorrow, behaviour manager at Cats Protection.
Zoonotic diseases that your cat can pass onto you through kissing include cat scratch fever, the fungal infection ringworm, highly contagious common bacteria like E-coli and salmonella, and nasty parasites such as toxoplasmosis.
Cats who are used to being held and kissed as kittens will probably enjoy these expressions of love, while those who haven't had that kind of exposure will likely try to get away as soon as you put your arms around them. Generally speaking, holding your cat tightly can be stressful for them.
They often will make eye contact with lowered eyelids and steady, slow blinks. This is considered a feline version of a kiss, and you can even try slow blinking to show love back to cats.
When going in for a kiss, the most important thing is to avoid kissing on the lips, for hygiene reasons. It's best to avoid the stomach too as most cats don't like having their tummy touched. Cats usually prefer brief interactions so if you do want a kiss, a quick peck is best.
Conclusion. Most cats don't understand that kisses from humans are a sign of affection. A cat will surely let you know if they enjoy being kissed or not. The best ways to show your cat that you love them are to give them toys, treats, and plenty of one-on-one time.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.
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.
Some cats do seem to like or at least tolerate human kisses. If your cat leans in, purrs, and rubs his head on you when you kiss him, he probably understands that you're trying to show him affection.
If your cat is licking for attention, ignoring the licking should cause the behavior to subside. Don't ignore your cat completely, but only when they lick you. If it does not stop after a week, there is likely another motivation for the licking that needs to be addressed, and you should talk to your vet.
“Throughout their lives, cats lick one another if they live in a multi-cat household.” Since cats give and receive love to one another through licking, it only makes sense that they'd lick their favorite people, too! Think of it as their way of giving you kisses and showing how much they love and appreciate you.
*Discourage your pet from licking your face.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Pasteurella multocida are two bacterial infections that can cause severe disease in these two high-risk groups. In addition, pets frequently lick their anus and can possibly transmit fecal pathogens to you when they lick your mouth.
Cats only make eye contact with people they like and are even known to make 'eye kisses'! This is when a cat will stare with half closed eyelids and slowly blink, repeatedly. It's a gesture that can be reciprocated, so if you notice your cat giving you a 'kiss', why not give them one in return?
Sorry to break it to you, but human meows mean nothing to cats. At most, you can get your cat's attention and they may even appreciate your attempts to communicate by purring or even meowing back. But to most cats, human meows sound like human language.
However, cats contain certain other bacteria in their mouths, which cause gum disease. As predators, they also eat animals and insects that may harbor diseases. To be safe, avoid kissing your cat on the lips. A peck on the head is just as affectionate and carries far less chance of disease.
Your cat might not understand human crying, but she'll gather as many clues as she can and use them to adjust her behavior.
Some cats may gently nibble or bite their owners as a sign of affection. It is thought to be reminiscent of how a mother cat will groom her kittens with small bites and is more common in cats who have had litters. This is not usually a problem form of biting.
You can show your cat love by simply spending time with them. Let them sit on your lap to watch a movie or snuggle up while you read a book. Cats need to play in order to stay happy and healthy. You can help them play by providing toys and interacting with them.
When your cat is snuggling up to you, it's pretty obvious she's displaying her thanks for all that you do. Kisses, in the form of gentle licks or full-on grooming, are that extra special way she shows you thanks. In a cat's world, to groom is to be grateful.