When your cat licks your face, hair and body (constantly and persistently), is there any medical harm?

Question

I'm new to owning cats, even though I've loved them and adored them forever. I owned a new little darling. I want to ask about when your cat licks you. I've read many FAQ's and scientific pages on this but none answered my question. I know that when your cat licks you, it's a sign of affection and acceptance. What I want to know is this: my cat licks my hair, face and upper body a whole lot. No matter how many times I push her away she just keeps on doing it, especially if I just released her (she has a special room for when I sleep). So, is there any medical harm from this? Does cat saliva contain harmful bacteria or anything that can hurt you, especially when they lick a sensitive part such as your face? Does licking harm your hair, skin or well-being? I'm looking for a *scientific* answer if possible (a link to a credible source, preferably). Many thanks in advance.

Answer 1

You really don't have to worry. Your skin is a protective barrier from disease, and although a cat's mouth is extremely dirty (yes, bacteria is prevalent) you don't have to worry unless she punctures your skin. I would advising washing at least your hands after she licks you.

As far as a link - here's one about zoonotic diseases - http://www.infovets.com/free/feline/default.asp?page=/F998.htm - go to section F and then the page all the way at the bottom.

Answer 2

They like the salt on your body. I could deal with most of it, but when my cat once licked my back, I shot sky high. I've been licked by my pets all of my life and am rarely sick for any reason. Four animals (2 cats and 2 dogs) have licked me and I never had a sick day the entire year. I have no fondness for being licked in my face, but my dog trainer lets them lick her mouth all the time! Yuck! She's a nurse at a hospital, and shows no worry over this, nor does she appear to get sick, but rarely.

Answer 3

Honestly,this could be the same situation many ask with a dog.She could be missing something in her diet(I.e. Salt).That can be solved by changing her diet.Although,when this happens generally they lick nearly everything in sight,not just you but the floor,the furniture,possibly even when she uses the bathroom.Just as you said,it could be she is showing you affection she could be trying to receive what she is missing in what she eats.However,she could be showing ownership and trying to make you understand that she views you as hers.You cannot be hurt from this medically,no.It doesnt harm your skin or well being.Saliva of any kind from anything can contain bacteria but it will not harm you.

Answer 4

i dont have a scientific answer for you or anything, but i know for sure that there is no harm in a cat licking you at all. i have plenty of cats and they all lick me all the time, and even bite me all the time. the only thing that can hurt you is if you get scratched by a wild cat and it gives you cat scratch fever. other than that, you could be licked by your cat everyday for the rest of your life, and you would be perfectly fine!

Answer 5

Your cat is licking you because your cat is grooming you as it would another cat it had accepted into it's family. Actually cat salivia does have bateria in it, it generally will not harm you for your cat to lick your hair, body or face.