This post will show you why your cat might lick your mouth and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat lick my mouth? Likely reasons why your cat licks your mouth are that it is grooming you, it likes the taste of your mouth, or that it is being affectionate.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat could be licking your mouth and it might be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main reason and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat lick my mouth?
Below are some possible causes and what would make them more likely.
It is grooming you
Cats will often groom each other to help keep their fur clean and to show affection. It might be the case that your cat licks around your mouth because it is actually grooming you. This would be more likely if your cat doesn’t only lick your mouth and if it also licks things such as your hair.
It likes how you taste
The reason why your cat licks your mouth could also be that it likes the way that your mouth tastes. This would be more likely if your cat only licks your cat seems to lick your mouth more at a certain time such as after you have put something on your mouth or around your mouth or after eating.
Related: Why does my cat lick my eyes?
It is being affectionate
A part of the reason is likely to be that your cat is showing you affection. This would be more likely if your cat tends to lick you more when you are petting it.
To mark its scent
It might also be the case that your cat has been licking you in order to spread its scent on to you. This would be more likely if your cat also rubs itself on you when it does it and if it does not only lick your mouth. By marking its scent on to you, it will be that other animals will enter its territory and will help to keep your cat safer.
Related: Why does my cat lick my hands?
Anxiety
It could also be the case that it has some anxiety. This would be more likely if your cat tends to do it more when you are leaving home or when something else could be causing it to be anxious.
Things to consider about your cat licking your mouth
Here are some things to consider to help figure out why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat has always licked your mouth
If your cat did not always lick your mouth, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If your cat started doing it suddenly, it might be the case that your cat became more comfortable around you or because you started interacting with it differently.
What else is different when your cat licks your mouth
It would also help to consider if there is a certain time that your cat tends to lick your mouth. For example, if your cat does it more when you are holding it, the cause would be more likely that it is showing affection.
What to do about your cat licking your mouth
Below are some things you can do about your cat licking your mouth.
Redirect its focus
The first option would be to redirect your cat’s focus when it seems likely to start licking your mouth. One way to do so could be to pet it in a different spot or to hold it differently.
Give it distractions
If your cat also licks your mouth when you are not petting it, another option would be to give your cat things to be distracted by such as toys.
Get it to sit in a different spot
If your cat tends to lick your mouth when it is sitting with you, you could also get your cat to sit in a different spot. By doing so, it will be harder for your cat to lick your mouth.