{"id":20300,"date":"2022-05-25T06:55:59","date_gmt":"2022-05-25T12:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/?p=20300"},"modified":"2022-05-25T06:56:08","modified_gmt":"2022-05-25T12:56:08","slug":"why-does-my-cat-lick-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/cats\/why-does-my-cat-lick-me","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Cat Lick Me? And What&#8217;s With the Sandpaper Tongue?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Have you thought about how much time your cat spends self-grooming?&nbsp;Many cat lovers and pet parents are surprised to discover their furry feline spends <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vet.cornell.edu\/departments-centers-and-institutes\/cornell-feline-health-center\/health-information\/feline-health-topics\/cats-lick-too-much#:~:text=Cats%20typically%20spend%20between%2030,their%20day%2C%22%20she%20says.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">30-50%<\/a> of their waking hours licking themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apparently, those sandpaper-like tongues have a lot of work to do. It turns out their rough tongues are covered in tiny spikes called papillae and their purpose is to help detangle kitty fur and redistribute oils.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a cat lover, that makes sense for the felines, but not so much for your cat licking you. After all, they\u2019re not trying to detangle your arm hair with their rough tongues when they lick your hand or elbow. So what is the purpose?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Why Do Cats Lick You?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-hand-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"what does it mean when a cat licks you\" class=\"wp-image-20302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-hand-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-hand-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-hand-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-hand.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Since your feline friend spends a huge portion of their waking hours grooming, it makes sense they take that natural cat behavior to you, their \u201cperson.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cat-world.com\/team\/janet-cutler-phd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Janet Cutler, <\/a>Ph.D., a Certified Cat Behaviorist at Cat World, says, \u201cCats can lick for many different reasons, and scientists have begun to research interactions between people and cats; however, we still don\u2019t have many answers.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, scientists have a few possible reasons <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/nature\/why-do-cats-lick-people\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">why your cat licks you<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>It&#8217;s a sign of affection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-262-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"woman with cat. are cats colorblind\" class=\"wp-image-18614\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-262-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-262-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-262-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-262.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Your cat cares. If you watch mother cats with their kittens, the cat moms spend a lot of time grooming their offspring with their tongues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll see regular cat grooms with adult cats who\u2019ve bonded. This licking behavior, called<a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/BF02896348\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> allogrooming<\/a>, is where cat grooms strengthen the social bond when a group of cats live together and one kitty tends to be the primary groomer for the others. Watch your crew and see if your \u201ctop cat\u201d usually grooms the others.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under this theory, it means that licking you is a way for your kitty to <a href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/cats\/how-do-you-know-your-cat-loves-you\">show affection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>They\u2019re Claiming You <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/cat-on-chest-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"why do cats lay on your chest\" class=\"wp-image-16183\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/cat-on-chest-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/cat-on-chest-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/cat-on-chest-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/cat-on-chest.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Pheromones are scent glands in your kitty\u2019s face and they operate as a language all their own in the cat world. They establish territorial boundaries and help a cat feel safe and secure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve watched your kitty purr and rub his face against a chair leg, that\u2019s how your kitty \u201cclaims\u201d that chair and the surrounding area. Your cat might groom a favorite cat toy too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, licking you leaves pheromones that let other cats know you\u2019re taken.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Attention-Seeking <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/cat-kneading-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"why do cats make biscuits\" class=\"wp-image-17320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/cat-kneading-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/cat-kneading-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/cat-kneading-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/cat-kneading.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Why is my cat licking me? Well, that cat food can isn\u2019t going to open itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it\u2019s dinner-time and you\u2019re still glued to the computer, your cat will demand your attention. It\u2019s common to have your cat licking you, head butting, <a href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/cats\/why-do-cats-make-biscuits\">kneading<\/a>, and doing what it takes to get you to pay attention. Or, maybe it\u2019s playtime and they want you to wriggle a cat toy around for them. Cats need playtime too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/cats\/why-do-cats-make-biscuits\">Related reading: Why Do Cats Make Biscuits?<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>You Taste Good <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Salt, food, and your skin itself might taste good to your kitty. Imagine pouring a little tuna juice on your finger from a can of tuna. Your cat will definitely enjoy licking your tuna finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Illness or Sign of Stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/can-cats-get-depressed-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"can cats get depressed\" class=\"wp-image-19690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/can-cats-get-depressed-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/can-cats-get-depressed-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/can-cats-get-depressed-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/can-cats-get-depressed.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes cats lick more when they\u2019re anxious or stressed. Licking is a form of self-soothing and if you have a new pet they may lick more as they\u2019re adjusting to their new home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or they could have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vet.cornell.edu\/departments-centers-and-institutes\/cornell-feline-health-center\/health-information\/feline-health-topics\/cats-lick-too-much\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical condition<\/a>. Cats have been known to lick the fur from certain parts of their body in extreme cases. If your furry friend suddenly starts excessive licking, talk with your veterinarian. You want to make sure there\u2019s not a medical issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You and Then Bites You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-383-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"cat with puzzle toy\" class=\"wp-image-18633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-383-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-383-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-383-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-383.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Every cat parent\u2019s lived the experience of having a purring cuddling feline lick you and then whip around and bite you. It feels like a transgression. Like somehow, your kitty broke the rules of cuddling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One does not then bite the hand that feeds it. Except, cats do. Often. And we put up with it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Janet Cutler, Ph.D, says, \u201cThere are generally two types of cats that do this: cats that want to be near a person but don\u2019t actually want to be pet and will bite; or cats that do want to be pet but the interaction lasts longer than they would like, so they bite.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re probably nodding your head in recognition. If you watch your <a href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/cats\/cat-body-language-whats-your-kitty-telling-you\">cat\u2019s body language<\/a>, they\u2019ll usually tell you when then they\u2019re done with the petting. A twitching tail, ears pressed to the head, tense body, and fidgeting are signs your furry friend\u2019s had enough. If you don\u2019t move away, you risk more aggressive action.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Should I Let My Cat Lick Me?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you look at having your furry friend lick you as a form of endearment, why not? If your cat wants to lick you to show you\u2019re part of the family, that seems sweet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you do want to be aware if you have any open wounds, you don\u2019t want your kitty licking them. Cats do carry bacteria in their mouths.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Why Are Cats Tongues So Rough?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-human-face-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"why does my cat lick me\" class=\"wp-image-20303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-human-face-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-human-face-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-human-face-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cat-licking-human-face.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier I mentioned the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/11\/21\/669294706\/freaked-out-by-your-cats-scratchy-tongue-don-t-be-it-s-keeping-them-cleaner#:~:text=AFP%2FGetty%20Images-,A%20cat's%20tongue%20is%20covered%20in%20hundreds%20of%20tiny%2C%20backward,to%20store%20and%20hold%20saliva.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">papillae<\/a> which is the name for the tiny concave spines you feel. They\u2019re hollow like a spoon and shaped backward designed to separate the fur. Once separated, cat saliva can reach the skin, and with the combination of moisture and pressure, your cat\u2019s tongue can release dirt and detangle fur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, all cat breeds from the lion to the smallest house cat have papillae of the same shape and size. They\u2019re made of keratin, the same as fingernails.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How to Stop Your Kitty from Licking You&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"900\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-272.jpg\" alt=\"cat with puzzle\" class=\"wp-image-18617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-272.jpg 900w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-272-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-272-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-272-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-272-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-272-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/cat_boston_2022-272-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you have a little more insight into the mysteries of cat licking, you might look at your kitty\u2019s tongue in a new light. Maybe you don\u2019t want them licking you. Some people have sensitive skin and find it painful or irritating.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to curtail their licking, you can offer a cat toy, catnip, or enrichment puzzle when they start licking you. You can also wear perfume or a lotion your kitty doesn\u2019t like the smell of or refuse to pay attention to your kitty when they lick you. Stand up and walk away and maybe toss a kitty toy, your furry friend deserves some fun.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, cats lick cat owners for many reasons. However, if you suspect your kitty\u2019s behavior has changed, it\u2019s worth consulting with your DVM.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Don&#8217;t Want Sandpaper Tongue on Your Skin? Distract Them With a Cat Puzzle.<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"featuredproduct-block_628cdd1753008\" class=\"block featuredproduct wp-block-acf-featured-product\">\n\t<div class=\"section-title\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"featuredproduct\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/rainy-day-puzzle-play-cat-game.html?utm_source=Furtropolis&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_content=Why+Does+My+Cat+Lick+Me%3F+And+What%26%238217%3Bs+With+the+Sandpaper+Tongue%3F\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-asivtkjxr8\/products\/2835\/images\/10870\/srh7yoatszdfwzq7shpi__83098.1635866404.386.513.jpg?c=1\" alt=\"Product image for Rainy Day Puzzle &amp; Play Cat Game, White\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/rainy-day-puzzle-play-cat-game.html?utm_source=Furtropolis&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_content=Why+Does+My+Cat+Lick+Me%3F+And+What%26%238217%3Bs+With+the+Sandpaper+Tongue%3F\">Rainy Day Puzzle &#038; Play Cat Game, White<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"price\"><strike>$24.99<\/strike> $23.99<\/h4>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"description\">Your smarty cats will love the challenge of the Rainy Day Puzzle &#038; Play by Nina Ottosson. Cats bat at the pegs and swivel the rain drops to uncover the 14 hidden treat compartments. Adjust the difficulty of the puzzle to make it easier for beginners or more challenging for super smarty cats. Each puzzle comes with a Tips and Tricks info sheet to help you get the most out of your puzzle.\n \nReplace your&#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p><a class=\"button button-pill-cart\" href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/rainy-day-puzzle-play-cat-game.html?utm_source=Furtropolis&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_content=Why+Does+My+Cat+Lick+Me%3F+And+What%26%238217%3Bs+With+the+Sandpaper+Tongue%3F\">View Details<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"featuredproduct-block_628cdd1f53009\" class=\"block featuredproduct wp-block-acf-featured-product\">\n\t<div class=\"section-title\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"featuredproduct\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/melon-madness-puzzle-play.html?utm_source=Furtropolis&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_content=Why+Does+My+Cat+Lick+Me%3F+And+What%26%238217%3Bs+With+the+Sandpaper+Tongue%3F\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cdn11.bigcommerce.com\/s-asivtkjxr8\/products\/2834\/images\/10860\/a85a71bf36186bd8ddd8d7db6a2c116a83dbe737__49541.1630215864.386.513.jpg?c=1\" alt=\"Product image for Melon Madness Puzzle &amp; Play Cat Game, Pink\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"content\">\n\t\t\t<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/melon-madness-puzzle-play.html?utm_source=Furtropolis&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_content=Why+Does+My+Cat+Lick+Me%3F+And+What%26%238217%3Bs+With+the+Sandpaper+Tongue%3F\">Melon Madness Puzzle &#038; Play Cat Game, Pink<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"price\"><strike>$19.99<\/strike> $15.99<\/h4>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"description\">Your smarty cats will love the challenge of the Melon Madness Puzzle &#038; Play by Nina Ottosson. Cats bat at the pegs and swivel the seeds to uncover the 12 hidden treat compartments. Adjust the difficulty of the puzzle to make it easier for beginners or more challenging for super smarty cats. Each puzzle comes with a Tips and Tricks info sheet to help you get the most out of your puzzle.\n \nReplace your&#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p><a class=\"button button-pill-cart\" href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/melon-madness-puzzle-play.html?utm_source=Furtropolis&#038;utm_medium=blog&#038;utm_content=Why+Does+My+Cat+Lick+Me%3F+And+What%26%238217%3Bs+With+the+Sandpaper+Tongue%3F\">View Details<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you thought about how much time your cat spends self-grooming?&nbsp;Many cat lovers and pet&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6125,"featured_media":20303,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[416,428],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v17.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why Does My Cat Lick Me? Plus: Why Their Tongues Feel Like Sandpaper<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Why does my cat lick me? What does it mean when a cat licks you? Learn this and more (including why their tongues feel like sandpaper).\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/cats\/why-does-my-cat-lick-me\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why Does My Cat Lick Me? And What&#039;s With the Sandpaper Tongue?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Why does my cat lick me? What does it mean when a cat licks you? Cats lick their owners for a variety of reasons. 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