Why does my cat lick me when I pet him

The most straightforward explanation for your cat grooming after you pet them is that they just want to.So you can feel good each time you feel that rough little sandpaper tongue that you and your kitty are becoming closer and happier and snugglier together.That's because grooming can take up to 8 percent of a cat's waking hours, according to petmd.Cats groom each other to forge social bonds and if you are petting your cat she may think that you are socially grooming her so she may just be returning the favor.Cats are intended to groom themselves, whether it's by licking their front paws, their backs, or the rest of their bodies.Moreover, when you pet your cat, it likely thinks that you are socially grooming them.

Licking is another means dogs can say i like you without actually saying it.Your cat has a medical issue.If your cat's licking is excessive or just started recently, take them to be evaluated.If your cat licks you often, or licks himself compulsively, try to.Cats think you are another cat or mother cat, and he is socializing with you;Normally this conduct will manifest within the type of your cat licking himself compulsively (resulting in hair loss, reddened pores and skin, rashes, and so on.)—however sometimes it'll emerge as licking people.

It's quite possible that your cat is simply trying to return the favor when you groom it by grooming you at the same time.When your cat responds to your scratching his back by instantly licking you, it sometimes means that he likes that you're stroking him and kindly wants to reciprocate.You should know that sometimes cats chew or gnaw on their fur to remove debris or help smooth things out before licking.It's a common question many cat owners have.Some cats may bite after licking us as a warning sign so that we stop petting them, others may do it as a sign of affection and a third group could do it as another sequence that leads to grooming, i.e they think that biting is part of the process of grooming.Possible reasons why your cat licks you;