If you have a cat it might be that you are a cat lover. You often see your cat licking your hair. You might have wondered, “Why does my cat do this?”. Does your hair taste good or do they think you need good grooming?
You are not alone. There are many cats that seem to enjoy licking human’s hair. In this article we see why your cat does this and also give some tips to fix this problem.
The 7 reasons why cats lick hair
Affection and bonding
If your cat licks your hair it looks like a cat loves you. In this way cats express love and affection with you. It is a compliment for you. Cats often groom each other to show affection to you. Your cat may see you as part of their family and wants to share this bonding experience with you.
Claiming Territory
Beyond showing affection, your cat is quite possibly marking you as their property. Cats have scent glands in their mouths, and whey they lick you, they’re depositing their scent on you. Licking is a way of claiming your as a part of its territory.
Seeking comfort
Cats often engage in grooming behavior when they are relaxed or seeking comfort. If your cats lick your hair it is a sign that they feel safe in the presence of you. This is a common behavior of cats. Humans express his feelings of love by hugging and kissing, cats express these feelings by tongue.
Attention seeking
Sometimes, cats lick their owners to get attention. If your cat notices you get your attention by licking hair then your cat continues to do this. Cats understand engaging with you by licking your hair. They want reactions such as laughter, talking, or petting.
Tasty Hair
Many people put products on their hair such as oil, cream that smell nice, and it’s quite possible that your cat is attracted to the scent. It’s also possible that your cat actually enjoys the taste of the natural oils or the products in your hair.
Mimicking Kitten Behavior
Adult cats sometimes exhibit behaviours that they learned as kittens. If your cat was licked and groomed by their mother as a kitten, they might replicate this behavior with you. It's a comforting, familiar action that brings them back to their early days of care and security.
Stress Relief
Licking can be a self-soothing behavior for cats, much like how humans might fidget or pace when they're stressed. If your cat is feeling anxious or stressed, licking your hair might be a way for them to calm themselves down. Providing a safe and stress-free environment for your cat can help reduce this behavior.
Curiosity
Cats are naturally curious creatures, and your hair might simply intrigue them. The texture, smell, or movement of your hair could be interesting to your cat, prompting them to investigate it further by licking.
How to Manage This Behavior
While hair licking is generally harmless, it can sometimes be annoying or unpleasant for the cat owner. Here are a few tips to manage this behavior:
Redirect Attention: Distract your cat with a toy or engage them in playtime when they start licking your hair.
Provide Alternatives: Offer your cat a soft blanket or a plush toy to lick instead.
Grooming Routine: Regularly brush your cat to fulfill their grooming needs, reducing the likelihood that they will turn to grooming you.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat for appropriate behaviors with treats or affection to encourage them to stop licking your hair.
Consult a Veterinarian: If the behavior becomes excessive or seems linked to stress or anxiety, consult with a veterinarian for further advice.
Understanding the reasons behind your cat's hair-licking behavior can help you respond appropriately and ensure that both you and your feline friend remain happy and comfortable. Whether it's a sign of affection, a territorial mark, or a stress reliever, knowing why your cat licks your hair is the first step in managing this quirky yet endearing behavior.
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