Is It OK for My Cat to Lick Me? Uncover the Truth!

If you're a cat owner, you’ve probably been on the receiving end of a kitty lick or two (or twenty). But have you ever stopped to think: Is it OK for my cat to lick me? I mean, it's cute, right? But, should I be worried? Well, let's dive into this. I’ll share some surprising insights and a personal story that might make you think twice.

Why Do Cats Lick You?

Before you get freaked out about your cat's licking habits, it's important to understand why they do it. Spoiler alert: it’s not always about love and affection. Though that’s definitely part of it!

1. It's a Sign of Affection (Mostly)

Licking is often a way for your cat to show you that it loves and trusts you. Cats lick each other for grooming purposes in the wild or among other cats in your home, so when your feline licks you, they might be treating you like another cat. It’s their way of bonding and showing care.

I remember once, my cat, Whiskers, started licking my hand after I had a long day at work. I was exhausted and didn't think much of it. But then, I realized it was her way of saying, "Hey, I’m here for you!" And honestly, that was the sweetest thing ever.

2. Grooming Behavior

Cats are naturally groomers. They spend a significant part of their day licking their own fur to stay clean. When they lick you, it might simply be them trying to give you a "little bath." If you’re sweaty or have some sort of scent, they might just be cleaning you up, even if it’s a bit awkward.

Should You Be Concerned About the Hygiene?

Okay, here’s where it gets tricky. We all know that cats, no matter how cute, aren’t always the cleanest creatures, and their tongues are pretty rough. So, should you be worried about hygiene when your cat licks you?

1. Cats’ Licks Aren’t That Dirty… Usually

Generally, cats’ mouths are cleaner than dogs’ mouths (thank goodness), and they’re typically not harmful when they lick you. That said, it’s still possible for them to carry bacteria, especially if they’ve been outside or if you have open wounds. If your cat licks an injury, you might want to clean it afterward just to be safe.

2. Allergies and Sensitivities

If you’re allergic to cats or have sensitive skin, you might want to be a little more cautious. Repeated licking can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially if your cat has been grooming itself with flea treatment or licking something toxic (like plants).

It’s funny because my friend Sarah is super allergic to cats. I remember once she let my cat lick her hand, and within minutes, she had an itchy rash. Poor Sarah! So, keep your own health in mind when you’re letting your cat show affection.

Can Licking Be a Sign of Something Else?

Sometimes, licking isn't all about affection or grooming. If your cat is licking you constantly or excessively, it could indicate something else.

1. Stress or Anxiety

Some cats lick excessively when they’re stressed or anxious. It’s a coping mechanism, like how humans might bite their nails or fidget when nervous. If your cat’s licking has become an obsessive behavior, it might be worth checking in with a vet to rule out any emotional or behavioral issues.

2. Health Problems

Occasionally, excessive licking can be a sign that something’s wrong with your cat’s health. Skin issues, parasites, or even pain can make your cat lick more than usual. Keep an eye on your cat’s general health, and if you notice any odd behaviors or excessive licking, don’t hesitate to ask your vet about it.

Conclusion: Is It Really OK for My Cat to Lick Me?

So, is it OK for your cat to lick you? In most cases, yes, it’s totally fine! It's a natural, loving behavior that most cats do to bond with you or just groom you. That being said, always keep an eye on the context and your health. If the licking becomes excessive, or if your cat seems stressed or sick, it's time to get some advice from a professional.

And hey, if you’re like me, sometimes you’ll just have to accept it as one of the quirky little joys of having a cat. After all, you’re their family, right? So, let them show you some love in their own special way.

What about you? Does your cat lick you a lot, or do you have any funny licking stories? Let me know in the comments!

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.