My cat has this problem where he wants to be petted but he won't let me pet him more then 2 seconds before he starts licking my hands and arms! I will push his face away and stuff but then he will grab my arm with his paw and pull my arm to his mouth to lick my hand! I just don't understand why he does it. Also if I push him away from me completely {which I feel so cruel doing!} he will come and lay on my chest and sit close to my arms and hands and lick them. He just won't stop! If I see him coming up to me I have to put my arms in the air and he still even follows them and stares at them and tries to get to them. It's crazy lol. Has anyone dealt with this before?? Can anyone tell me how I could possibly break him of this? Because it's so annoying, I can't stand it but I don't want him to think I don't love him. Just everytime I try to show him affection he won't stop licking my hands and arms!!! Can anyone help plz! Thanks!!
2007-11-11 06:37:39 · 9 answers · asked by livindead_zombie13 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Your question made me smile because our 2 year old male cat is exactly the same as yours. He enjoys washing us so much, that he actually drools. I have tried various ways of deterring him, such as telling him no, gently blowing on him, moving him aside. He just waits a couple of minutes or till he thinks I've forgotten and then starts licking again. Night time is the worst, and I have to tuck my hands under the pillows to stop him getting to them.
Our situation isn't helped by the fact that our female cat loves it when he washes her, so he probably can't understand why we don't appreciate it.
I tried bitter bite, but he actually liked the taste (lol). The only thing I have found that helps, is to use a hand cream or body lotion that he dislikes the smell of. Most cats hate the smell of menthol or eucalyptus, and I have found that peppermint cream puts him off wanting to lick me. Perhaps this or something similar will work for you.
2007-11-11 08:23:38 · answer #1 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a cat licks, that's grooming behavior. Many domesticated cats retain kitten-like traits when they are adults. Kittens in litters often groom each other, so the cat thinks you are grooming him, and he is returning the favor. He can't show you affection any other way except by licking. Some cats also will lick if you scratch them in a certain spot.
Learn to accept your kitty licking you and be glad you have such an affectionate cat. And be glad he doesn't lick your face!
2007-11-11 06:48:40 · answer #2 · answered by VeggieTart -- Let's Go Caps! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's true your cat is showing you affection. Just let your cat lick you, it's not harmful to him or you :). I have four cats and the good thing about it is that when I don't have time to play with them or pet them, they have each other to play with and lick. When I see one licking the other, it always reminds me I need to make time to play with them and let them lick me. Also (although I'm not sure if this is true for all cats) when I've been away or inattentive for a long time, some of them really demand my attention by sitting on my chest or on lap.
You have a healthy and normal cat, be happy! :)
2007-11-11 07:03:00 · answer #3 · answered by kate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Actually this type of behaviour has nothing to do with grooming. It is comforting behaviour that is usually found in cats that were separated from their mothers before 12 weeks. This behavior is linked with the cat kneading its paws (paw pressing) on its owner. This is the same behaviour it used to exhibit when it used to suckle at its mother's teats." (www.pets.ca)
We got our cat from the humane society as a kitten who was listed as a stray. He obviously was one of those kittens who was taken from his mother too early as he licks the skin right off my face if i let him.
Today, he licked the contact out of my eye.
I take it as a sign of affection too though because he purrs when he does it, and he'll only do it to immediate family members.
2007-11-14 05:54:43 · answer #4 · answered by frogger6 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try putting something distasteful where you think he'll start licking, like maybe lemon juice.
2007-11-11 06:44:27 · answer #5 · answered by Smoky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u have a strong bond beetween u two. it's his way of showing his affection back to you. my cat does the same thing. but in my face! lol it's like tey are kissing us back.
2007-11-11 07:00:06 · answer #6 · answered by fashnchck 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey ..... my grandmas cat has that same problem the vet said it was because he was taken a way form his mom to early and was not properly weaned. the vet told my granny to let him do it till he doesn't want to anymore.
2007-11-11 07:00:30 · answer #7 · answered by trina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is simply returning your love! This is like asking a cat not to purr!!
2007-11-11 06:54:36 · answer #8 · answered by Jerrier 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dunno, maybe he just wants you to pay more attention to him, it's not a licking problem
or buy some kind of thing he/she can lick for fun instead of you (lol)
2007-11-11 06:42:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋