I am a cat lover, and just took in a stray that is male and probably a year old or so. I have never had a cat to constantly nibble and lick me before and this is a little bit unnerving at times. Could anyone help shed some light on this situation. The sooner I understand, maybe it won't be so unnerving to me. Thank you in advance.
2006-12-11 03:38:12 · 17 answers · asked by dena m 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
It likes you and feels grateful. It's showing it's affection and is bonding with you through this action. Take it as a compliment.
2006-12-11 03:40:52 · answer #1 · answered by marklemoore 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stray cats can come complete with health problems including vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Minerals are important to cats too, and sodium is in a good cat food. The poor kitty might ike your salt. Also, if the poor kitty became a stray at a very early age, as in baby, it may still have the suckling tendency. It isn't necesarilly aware it wants its mommy, but it does happen that cats can have developmental adjustment problems. If it kneeds you like it's sucking on mom, too, that is even more likely the adjustment problem. Try a good cat food that says it is high in nutrients and minerals, and try to teach it a more appropriate way to be close to you, like scratching it under the chin so it can't be using its mouth to get loving.
2006-12-11 03:48:40 · answer #2 · answered by campin/dogs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mehranduh is right, he is showing affection and the nibbling is probably him mimicking nursing, however, i just thought I'd mention cat's do this when they are taken from their mothers too early. this often happens to stray, they loose their mom too soon. don't be bothered by it, take it as a compliment, he trusts you. whatever tyou do DON'T scold him. cats that were taken from their mothers too soon need to do this for comfort, as long as you're not allergic to cat spit and getting hives just let him "nurse"
I HIGHLY doubt the cat is licking you for vitamins. however, to be sure your cat does get proper nutrition it is important he eats both wet and dry food. wet food is healthier and provides him with need nutrients, and dry food cleans his teeth. we give our cat a quarter of a can in the morning and a quarter f a can at dinner and fill up the dry food bowl about halfway once a day. all of our cats have always been healthy and the oldest lived to be 22. PLEASE do not feed you cat all dry food as some advise, this causes MANY problems, especially in male cats. they are prone to urinary tract problems and dry food only diets help contribute to it. I'm not sure if anyone has suggested only dry food yet but if they do, don't listen.
2006-12-11 04:36:35 · answer #3 · answered by Kylie Anne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like others have said, when he licks you it's his version of saying thank you. He's grooming you to show you his thanks and how much he adores/appreciates you. :)
As far as the nibbles, it might be a little like nursing, I'm not sure. A lot of grown adults do a little mock nursing on people that they love, because (you guessed it!) they think of you as their parent. Something else cats do that is associated to that is "kneading". When they do their little massage thing with their paws on your thigh or where ever they are sitting on you, they are actually mimicking them massaging their mother to get more milk from her.
It's sweet that cats think of us in this light, and congratulations on becoming a great pet owner already!
2006-12-11 03:48:50 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He is just treating you like another cat. He isn't being aggressive or anything. Cats often groom each other, and they do it out of affection. He's doing the same to you. You shouldn't discipline him for this behavior, but you can try and push him away gently, or allow him to lick just your hand or something so the behavior is more contained.
2006-12-11 03:42:18 · answer #5 · answered by ilovesubasketball 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you just taste good....or it could be out of affection. I had a kitty once that loved to "nurse" on a stuffed alligator of mine...even when he was well into his teens. Perhaps it's something he does to comfort himself.
If it bothers you from time to time, just gently push him away...he'll get the idea that there are times you like it, and times you don't.
2006-12-11 03:59:55 · answer #6 · answered by VA Mamma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat is in love with you. It likes the way you taste and smell! Aways remember that cat are not complicated, like humans; they have few hidden motives.
2006-12-11 03:50:58 · answer #7 · answered by Paul K 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because he loves you. He appreciates the kindness you show him and that's your reward. He's grooming you, (caring for you), and the nibbles are a sign of affection.
2006-12-11 03:42:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe its happy you took it in and wants to express its gratitude. I had the same problem with a rabbit. I eventually ate it. I hope this helps you.
2006-12-11 03:51:46 · answer #9 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Because he might like the taste of your skin or thinks your his mum and does it out of love my kitten did that
2006-12-11 05:00:38 · answer #10 · answered by Lola 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋