Hair licking is unlikely to harm your feline. “Unless the cat is eating the hair or obviously becomes sick after licking human hair, this is usually not something to worry about,” says Dr.
A lot of cats lick their owner's hair, or even their beard and brows! This strange behaviour to humans can be easily explained: Cats groom the head area of their “preferred peers”. Grooming is hence simply a sign of feline affection!
They're showing you affection
But some cats will also groom their human companions, and this is the most likely reason for your cat licking your hair, according to Delgado. Licking your hair or skin is one way your cat shows affection for you, just like kneading and bringing you a dead animal or soggy toy as a gift.
Cats have their own quirks, and sometimes they'll show their love by focusing their grooming skills on your hair. Yes, that's right — your cat chewing on your hair is a sign of affection. If you've ever asked yourself, "Why does my cat eat my hair?," then you've come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more!
My cat likes my shampoo.
Do you notice your cat starts licking your hair right after a shower like mine sometimes does? It's not really because cats like wet hair. It's more likely that they like our shampoo! As just mentioned, cats have strong senses of smell.
The technical term for this behavior is allogrooming, and it typically centers around the head and neck of a cat—thus, it would make sense for your cat to attempt to allogroom your head, as well. "So if your cat is licking your hair," Wieber says, "they may be showing affection."
If your cat is grooming your hair, it is likely to be using grooming as social behavior. Cats groom other cats in their family group when they like each other and have friendly relationships. The licking also spreads scent, so the cats that sleep together and groom each other smell alike.
Your cat's licking may be an affiliative behavior, which is a friendly, altruistic behavior. Mothers groom their kittens, and cats may groom one another, which is called allogrooming. This grooming strengthens their social bonds, so your cat may groom you to nurture your relationship.
Headbutting is a way for cats to mark you with pheromones and bond with you. However, sometimes headbutting can be a way for cats to seek attention. As a general rule, cats like to be scratched under the chin and on the head, so a cat may just be presenting their head to you for some attention and good scratches.
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.
If your feline friend loves to lick you, it probably means they would like some affection in return. Which, honestly, is one of the best parts of owning a cat. Just think of those little licks as your cat's way of giving you a kiss.
Your Cat Is Grooming You
It's an "affiliated response"; you're grooming them with your petting, and they're returning the favor by cleaning off your hand. Cats groom each other by licking themselves clean, and Wieber says you can test the theory by stopping the petting of your cat as she licks you.
It probably feels like your four-legged fur baby has got it in for you, but these perceived acts of aggression are actually an indicator of affection. That can be quite difficult to fathom, right? But it's true; they're actually “love bites” rather than a defense mechanism.
The Elizabethan collar, commonly known as an E-collar, is often the most effective way to prevent licking. The collar fits around the neck and looks like a lampshade that surrounds the cat's head. This can prevent licking and removal of fur.
Not only is rubbing against you a sign of a happy “hello” or “welcome home,” but cats also want to make sure that they have marked you with their scent.
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.
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.
Should You Headbutt Your Cat? If you know your cat likes to put their head close to yours, go ahead and try out your own headbutt. Keep it slow and gentle and see how your cat reacts. She'll most likely return the gesture and headbutt you back.
Your cat wants affection.
While a gentle pat from the paw would do, a bum in the face is a sure-fire way to get into your line of sight and snag a little extra attention. So, when your cat puts his bum in your face, he might just want some lovin'.
For example, a study published in the journal "Animal Cognition" in 2013 found that cats are capable of recognizing human faces, particularly those of their owners. In this study, cats were presented with images of their owners' faces, as well as those of strangers, and they were able to distinguish between them.
Yes! According to Teresa Manucy, DVM, a veterinarian at VCA Fleming Island Animal Hospital, cats can recognize and differentiate their name from other household pets' names. She says this recognition is likely due to positive reinforcement or a cat's association of their name with attention, food, or play.
Cheek rubs and head-butts
Both are ways in which cats build bonds and affection with other animals and by extension, with the humans they do it to.
Sniffing your face allows your cat to familiarize themselves with your scent so that they can recognize it, and you, in the future. Once they commit your scent to memory, they are better able to identify you going forward.
She Loves You. 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.