Mary Allen
If your cat licks your nose, it is very likely a compliment for you. But what exactly does that mean? Your animal world has the answer.
Licking often has a different meaning for cats than it does for us humans – after all, they not only drink with the help of their tongues, they also use it to clean their fur or strengthen their bond with one another. Sometimes cats also slouch their humans. And maybe your cat even licks your nose.
There can be various reasons behind the behavior:
Show Affection and Love
Licking means affection – cats learn that from their mothers as kittens. Therefore it is like a language of love for the velvet paws. Especially if your kitty has just made herself comfortable on your chest, the tongue can quickly get lost to your nose.
Strengthen Bond and Show Belonging
If your cat licks your nose, it is like marking out territory. Your velvet paw shows that you are part of my family. Cats lick and groom each other to strengthen their bond. And the same goes for the human part of the cat pack.
Get Attention
Have you been inattentive lately? Then your puss may just want to get your attention. Maybe she wants to play or cuddle with you, but you have ignored her so far. Some cats also choose this route to let them know that something is hurting them. If you suspect this is the trigger, you should have your vet check it out.
Your Nose Tastes Salty to Your Cat
People sweat – and when the sweat evaporates, the salt residue remains on the skin. As a result, you are practically a walking lick stone for your cat. Delicious!
Make You Clean
An important function of the cat’s tongue is still that of a brush. So it may well be that your cat just licks you clean – even if your nose may not be dirty at all.
This Will Keep Your Cat From Licking Your Nose
Do you find it uncomfortable when your cat licks your nose? Then you can stop her from doing so by first distracting her when she moves on to the next tongue attack. For example, some food or a (feather) toy is suitable for this.
On the other hand, you shouldn’t just push your kitty away. She could feel rejected by it and believe that you don’t want any affection from her. If the distraction doesn’t work, you could also cuddle to keep your cat from licking. Or, in the last step, get up and walk away.