Is This Affection? 3 Reasons Your Cat Licks Your Face

Your cat wakes you up by licking your face. It hurts a little, but... quite a few owners get to enjoy mornings like this.

When your cat licks your face, you're probably curious about how they feel and what it means. In this article, we'll explain why cats lick their owners' faces.

Why do cats lick their bodies so often?

Cats are very clean animals, and it's well known that they lick themselves to keep their bodies clean.

Self-grooming, also known asgrooming, involves using that rough tongue like a brush to smooth their fur and keep itclean. It also helps them remove their scent so predators won't find them.

The roughness comes from tiny spines calledfiliform papillae, which also help cats scrape meat off bones when eating prey. These spines are why it hurts when your cat licks you.

Grooming also seems to help cats calm down andrelax. When friendly cats groom one another, it's calledallogrooming, and it's also a way of showingaffection.

Why does my cat lick my face?

Cats' behavior toward their owners can have many different meanings. Licking their owner's face is one example.

There are several reasons why a cat might lick your face.

1. Showing affection

Cats see their owners as“important companions” and lick them to show affection. It's similar to allogrooming between cats.

Licking yourface in particular is said to be one of the strongest expressions of affection a cat can show. They may well be purring as they lick you. It can be a sign that they want you to feel safe and that they're happy to be with you.

2. Trying to remove a scent

Cats have a habit of licking themselves to get rid of smells they don't like. They may be doing the same thing when they lick your face—trying to remove a scent they find unpleasant.

Your nose, mouth, and forehead can have particularly strong smells to a cat, so they may lick these areas to try to get rid of the scent.

3. Wanting attention or playtime

As kittens, cats are licked by their mothers and grow up feeling loved. Your cat may think of the owner who always feeds them as their“mom” and lick your face to show affection and ask for attention.

Cats also lick and bite one another during play. Your cat may lick your face as part of playing with you.

Why does my cat lick my face to wake me up in the morning?

When your cat licks your face to wake you up in the morning, it may be showing affection, asking for attention, or wanting to play. They may also lick your face to let you know they want something.

They're hungry

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they're most active at dawn and dusk. If they get hungry early in the morning, they may lick your face to ask for food.

Their litter box is dirty

If their litter box is dirty or out of litter, your cat may lick your face to let you know.

If licking doesn't wake you, they may bite...

If your cat meows or licks your face and you still don't wake up, they might give your nose a sharp bite or swat you with a paw. Licking your face and then biting you is a way ofprotesting when you don't respond to their request.

What to watch out for when your cat licks your face

While it's nice to have your cat lick your face, some owners also struggle with pain or skin irritation... You may also wonder whether it's safe for your cat to lick cosmetics off your face.

Here are some things to keep in mind when your cat licks your face.

Be careful with skincare products!

After a bath, your cat may try to lick your face while you're applying toner.

Toner, hand cream, and sunscreen contain various ingredients and fragrances that may attract your cat. Alternatively, they may smell something unfamiliar and be trying to lick it off.

Some ingredients may make your cat sick if ingested. If your cat keeps trying to lick your face, consider switching to fragrance-free or additive-free products and see if that helps.

Take care if you have irritated skin

If your cat licks irritated skin, such as acne, it may bleed or get worse. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to cat saliva.

Your cat may be trying to help by licking the area, but it can be dangerous if they lick medicated skin creams too. If you're using a topical medication, it's best to cover the area with a mask or gauze if possible.

Summary

Cats may lick their owners' faces to show affection, to communicate a need, or because they notice a smell they don't like. There are many possible reasons.

Having your cat lick your face may be one of the strongest signs of affection, but it's also natural to be concerned about how it might affect your cat's health.

To stop your cat from licking your face, it's important to acknowledge how they're feeling—for example, by redirecting their attention with a toy or treat, or responding to what they're asking for.

Pay close attention to your cat's behavior and enjoy communicating with them.