If your cat has been licking your neck a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat lick my neck? Likely reasons why your cat licks your neck are that your cat is grooming you, your cat likes how you taste or that your cat is being affectionate.
There are a number of possible reasons why your cat licks your neck and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat lick my neck?
Below are likely reasons why your cat licks your neck and what would make them more likely.
Your cat is grooming you
Cats will often groom each other to help keep their fur clean and to show affection. The reason why your cat licks your neck could be that it is grooming you. This would be more likely if your cat doesn’t only lick your neck and if it also licks things such as your face or chest.
Your cat likes how you taste
The reason why your cat licks your neck could also be that it likes the way that your skin tastes. This would be more likely if your cat only licks your cat seems to lick your neck more at a certain time such as after you have put something on your neck.
Affection
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 could also be the case that your cat has been doing it in order to mark its scent on to you. This would be more likely if your cat also rubs itself on you when it does it. 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.
Nature
It could be the case that your cat is playing and naturally trying to interact with your neck like it would do with prey. This would be more likely if your cat does it when full of energy in the morning or late evening when cats would normally hunt.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always licked your neck
If your cat did not always lick your neck, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started. 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 such as by letting your cat sit on your chest.
The timing of when your cat licks you neck
It would also help to consider the timing of when your cat licks your neck since the timing might have something to do with it. 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 my cat licking my neck?
Below are some things you can do about your cat licking your neck.
Redirect its focus
The first option would be to redirect your cat’s focus when it seems likely to start licking your neck. One way to do so could be to pet it in a different spot or to hold it differently.
Give your cat distractions
If your cat also licks your neck when you are not petting it, another option would be to give your cat things to be distracted by such as toys.
Get your cat to go elsewhere
If your cat tends to lick your neck 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 neck.