Some cats show affection by licking their owners, but when the licking becomes excessive, it can be bothersome or even uncomfortable. While licking is a natural feline behavior, excessive licking may be a sign of stress, overattachment, or even an underlying medical issue.
In this guide, we’ll explore why cats lick their owners excessively and how to redirect this behavior in a gentle way.
Why Do Cats Lick Their Owners?
Cats lick humans for several reasons, including:
✔ Grooming Instinct – Licking is part of their natural social bonding behavior.
✔ Affection – Your cat may lick you as a way to show love and trust.
✔ Taste and Scent Marking – Cats are attracted to salty skin or certain lotions.
✔ Stress or Anxiety – Some cats lick compulsively when they’re nervous.
✔ Attention-Seeking – If licking gets a reaction, they may repeat the behavior.
Now, let’s go over how to reduce excessive licking.
Step 1: Redirect the Behavior to a Toy or Object
If your cat licks you too much, offer an alternative.
✔ Give them a soft chew toy or blanket when they start licking.
✔ Offer a treat-dispensing toy to engage them in another activity.
✔ If they like textures, introduce a fleece or microfiber fabric to lick instead.
✔ Providing an alternative satisfies their licking instinct.
Step 2: Gently Remove Yourself When They Start Licking
If licking becomes excessive, avoid reinforcing the behavior.
✔ When they start licking, slowly move your hand or arm away.
✔ Don’t react dramatically—stay calm and neutral.
✔ If they stop licking, reward them with gentle petting or play.
✔ Consistently removing attention teaches them boundaries.
Step 3: Reduce Stress and Anxiety
If licking is stress-related, help your cat feel more secure.
✔ Use pheromone diffusers (like Feliway) to create a calming environment.
✔ Maintain a consistent routine to reduce anxiety.
✔ Ensure they have hiding spots, cat trees, or cozy resting areas for comfort.
✔ A relaxed cat is less likely to develop compulsive licking habits.
Step 4: Avoid Reinforcing the Behavior Unintentionally
If your cat learns that licking gets them attention, they’ll keep doing it.
✔ Avoid talking to them or petting them when they lick excessively.
✔ Instead, reward calm and non-licking behaviors with affection.
✔ Set clear boundaries while still providing love in other ways.
✔ Changing your response helps break the habit.
Step 5: Check for Medical Issues
In some cases, excessive licking may be linked to a health concern.
✔ If licking is paired with excessive grooming, check for skin allergies or fleas.
✔ If they lick non-food objects, they may have pica (a condition linked to nutrient deficiencies).
✔ If licking behavior suddenly increases, consult a veterinarian.
✔ A health check ensures there’s no medical reason behind excessive licking.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Punishing the Cat for Licking
❌ Mistake: Yelling or pushing them away aggressively.
✅ Solution: Gently remove yourself and redirect them instead.
2. Giving Attention When They Lick
❌ Mistake: Petting or talking to them while they lick excessively.
✅ Solution: Only give attention when they stop licking.
3. Ignoring Possible Anxiety or Medical Issues
❌ Mistake: Assuming it’s just a habit without investigating causes.
✅ Solution: Monitor for stress or health problems and address them.
When to Seek Professional Help
If excessive licking continues despite training, consult a:
✔ Veterinarian – To rule out allergies, stress, or nutrient deficiencies.
✔ Feline Behaviorist – For additional behavioral modification strategies.
Conclusion
Reducing excessive licking requires patience, redirection, and addressing potential causes. By providing alternatives, setting boundaries, and ensuring your cat is stress-free, you can help them develop healthier habits.
With consistent training and care, your cat will learn to express affection in a more comfortable way!