Kittens lick for all kinds of reasons, and figuring out why can help bring you closer to your furry friend.
Let’s take a look at five common reasons your kitten might be licking you, including expert insights from Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff.
1. It’s a sign of affection
Dr. Liff advises that licking is often a kitten’s way of showing love and trust. In the wild, cats groom each other to strengthen social bonds—a behavior known as allogrooming. When your kitten licks you, they may see you as part of their “family” or social group.
“Grooming behavior is social behavior. Depending on the kitten’s age and history—like whether they had littermates or were taken early—they may incorporate you into their pack differently.”
-Dr. Stephanie Liff
2. They’re mimicking their mother cat
Kittens learn many behaviors from their mothers, including licking. In the wild, a mother cat licks her kittens to groom them, create social bonds, and provide comfort. Your kitten might lick you as a way of replicating this instinctual behavior.
3. Their upbringing
Not all cats lick their owners as frequently, and the answer might lie in your kitten’s upbringing. Dr. Liff explains that early socialization and interactions with littermates play a big role in shaping your kitten’s grooming habits:
“An eight-week-old kitten weaned at the right time is likely to spend more time grooming itself and less time grooming humans, unlike a kitten that was taken away from their litter early or had fewer siblings.”
-Dr. Stephanie Liff
4. They’re exploring their environment
A kitten’s tongue is a fascinating tool. Covered in tiny, sandpaper-like structures called papillae, a kitten uses their tongue to explore the world. Licking you could simply be your kitten’s way of discovering new textures, scents, or even the taste of your lotion or skin.
5. It’s soothing for them
Licking can be relaxing for kittens. Much like how cats find comfort in kneading or purring, licking might help your kitten calm down if they’re feeling stressed. If your kitten is licking you during cuddle time, they’re likely feeling safe and content.
When should I be concerned about my kitten’s licking?
While licking is usually normal behavior, excessive licking could signal a problem. If your kitten’s licking becomes obsessive or is accompanied by other behaviors (like biting or aggression), it’s worth exploring further. Dr. Liff warns, “If the licking is obsessive or progressing to aggression, it could indicate a behavioral issue.”
Certain situations may require a closer look:
If your kitten licks themself excessively, leading to hair loss or skin irritation, it could indicate over-grooming or stress
If your kitten licks their open wounds or areas where you’ve applied topical creams or ointments, it could be harmful to them
Licking behavior paired with signs of illness, such as lethargy, vomiting, or changes in appetite, may require a vet visit
What are common medical issues linked to kittens licking humans?
If your kitten is licking a lot, it might be a sign of an underlying health issue. Here’s a quick look at some common problems that could be behind the frequent licking:
Oral pain or teething: Kittens may lick more if they’re experiencing discomfort in their mouth
Nausea: While rare, nausea can lead to excessive licking of objects or people, though Dr. Liff notes that nauseous cats are more likely to drool and lick or chew objects rather than people
Fleas or skin irritation: Your kitten licking themself may also indicate that your kitten is trying to soothe irritated skin—whether that irritation stems from fleas or even allergies
If you notice these signs or think your kitten’s licking could be due to a behavioral or medical issue, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet.
Why does my kitten lick me and then bite?
If your kitten alternates between licking and biting, it might seem confusing. This behavior is another normal part of cat behavior and can have several explanations:
Playfulness: Your kitten might be engaging in play, and the bite is their way of interacting
Overstimulation: Cats can become overstimulated during grooming or petting, leading to a quick nip
Communication: A gentle cat bite can signify that your kitten wants attention or is setting boundaries
Pay attention to your kitten’s body language to understand their mood and avoid overstimulation.
How can I manage my kitten’s licking behavior?
If your kitten’s licking becomes frequent or bothersome, here are a few tips to manage it:
Redirect their attention: Offer toys or engage them in play to distract them from licking.
Use pheromones: Products like Feliway can help reduce stress and create a calming environment.
Set boundaries: Gently discourage licking by moving your hand away and offering an alternative, like a soft blanket.
Monitor their behavior: If the licking persists or seems compulsive, consult your vet to rule out underlying issues. They may even recommend taking your cat to see a pet behaviorist.
Dr. Liff expresses that dealing with a behavioral issue—like a social dynamic that’s causing aggression—can be tough to manage. Generally, the earlier you intervene with behavioral issues, the better.
“Behavioral issues in cats can be pretty frustrating, kind of like dealing with behavioral issues in kids. It takes careful and consistent management, which can be tough for people to stick to. You’ve got to stay on top of it and know how to handle it properly.
-Dr. Stephanie Liff
A lot of the time, that means bringing in a professional, which can get expensive. So, if you’re in that kind of situation, having pet insurance coverage for behavioral issues can be super helpful.”
Does pet insurance cover behavioral issues in cats?
Yes! Pet insurance can often help cover the costs of treatment for behavioral conditions in cats. For example, Lemonade pet insurance offers an optional behavioral conditions add-on in most states*, which can take a bite out of costs related to treating your furry friend’s behavioral issues.
Can Lemonade’s behavioral conditions add-on cover compulsive licking or grooming?
Yep! Lemonade’s behavioral conditions add-on can help cover the costs of diagnostics and vet-recommended treatments and therapies related to eligible behavioral conditions–including compulsive licking or grooming–such as:
Keep in mind: The behavioral conditions add-on is subject to your base policy’s co-insurance and annual deductible, and has a separate annual limit of $1,000. The add-on will not provide coverage for general training (such as obedience training), training equipment, or pre-existing conditions.
Before we go…
When your kitten licks you, it’s their way of bonding and showing affection. It could be a habit they picked up from their mom or just plain curiosity. Understanding this behavior can help bring you closer.
If their licking seems a bit off or you’re worried it might be health-related, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet. And having pet insurance can give you extra peace of mind while you take care of your kitten.
By the way, did you know you can cover your kitten from the time they’re two months old? Get your quote today.
Why does my kitten lick me and purr at the same time?
Licking and purring together are your kitten’s way of expressing contentment and affection. It’s a sign that they feel safe and happy in your presence.
Is it normal for a kitten to lick their littermates?
Yes, licking among littermates is a natural behavior that helps establish social bonds. It’s part of their grooming routine and a way to show affection.
What’s the difference between licking and over-grooming?
Licking is normal, but over-grooming involves excessive licking that leads to hair loss or skin issues. Over-grooming can be a sign of stress, allergies, or other underlying problems. If you notice these signs, it’s time to consult your vet.
What makes a cat’s tongue so unique?
A cat’s tongue isn’t just for licking—it’s a multi-functional tool. The papillae on their tongue are designed to help with grooming, eating, and drinking. These tiny, backward-facing barbs feel like sandpaper and are perfect for removing dirt and loose fur.
However, this rough texture can feel strange when your kitten licks you, especially if they focus on a specific spot.
Is licking a normal behavior for adult cats?
Yes, adult cats may continue to lick their owners, but it’s typically less frequent than in kittens. As cats mature, they often become more independent and focus their grooming habits on themselves. However, some adult cats may still lick as a way to show affection or seek comfort.
*Not available in New Jersey or Florida
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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