If your cat can’t seem to resist licking you, you’re not alone. Many pet owners notice this affectionate yet puzzling behaviour and wonder what it really means, and whether it’s entirely safe.
According to veterinarians, licking is a natural part of how cats (and even dogs) communicate. It can signal love, comfort, or attention-seeking, but it also involves a mix of biology and instinct that dates back thousands of years. Still, even though a little lick is usually harmless, there are times when caution is wise.
The information in this article is collected from reputable online sources and veterinary research. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not replace direct professional advice (about your specific pet) from a qualified veterinarian or medical expert.
Why Pets Lick Their Owners
Licking is one of the oldest and most instinctive behaviours in both cats and dogs. For some, it’s an expression of affection, similar to a human hug or handshake. For others, it’s a learned habit reinforced by positive responses from their owners. When your pet licks you and receives a smile, petting, or soothing words in return, that behaviour becomes part of how they bond with you.
According to Rustin Moore, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University, the connection between humans and their pets “has a profound power to heal, comfort and connect us.” This bond influences many aspects of animal behaviour, including the way pets use physical touch to communicate empathy and reassurance.
Research supports how common this behaviour is. A 2020 Belgian study found that 86 percent of dog owners reported hand-licking and half reported face-licking. Cats also engage in social licking, often as part of grooming or bonding within their own species. When your cat licks you, it may be treating you like a trusted companion or member of its group.
Why Cats And Dogs Lick Each Other – And You
In the animal world, licking serves many purposes beyond affection. Cleaning and protection: New mothers lick their newborns to clean them and stimulate circulation. Saliva itself also contains mild antibacterial enzymes, which may explain why animals lick their wounds.
Then there is the aspect of social grooming. Especially common among cats, this reinforces trust and companionship. Pets may also lick exposed skin for its salty taste or if they detect traces of food, lotion, or sweat.
In some cases, licking is also a way for pets to gain attention. If your dog or cat learns that licking brings praise, cuddles, or conversation, they’ll repeat it as a way to interact with you.
The Health Side Of Pet Licks
While a lick from a healthy, well-cared-for pet is typically safe for most adults, a pet’s mouth does contain bacteria. Two of the more concerning ones are Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Pasteurella multocida, both of which are commonly found in dogs and cats.
Capnocytophaga is present in more than 70% of dogs and about 55% of cats, while pasteurella appears in over 50% of dogs and 70% of cats.
For healthy individuals, the immune system easily handles occasional exposure. But for people with weakened immune systems, including infants, older adults, cancer patients, transplant recipients, or those without a functioning spleen, these bacteria can, in rare cases, cause severe infections.
When To Be Cautious
Though alarming stories sometimes appear in the news, serious infections from pet licks are exceptionally rare. Out of millions of pet interactions each year, fewer than 600 cases of Capnocytophaga infection and about 20 cases of purpura fulminans, a severe complication, have ever been reported.
Still, some precautions are sensible. Wash your skin with soap and water after being licked, especially on the face or hands. Avoid letting pets lick open wounds, medical devices, or surgical areas. Don’t share utensils or plates with pets. People with weakened immune systems should enjoy snuggles and companionship instead of face licks.
Dr. Natascha Tuznik, an infectious-disease specialist at the University of California-Davis, notes that pet owners using medical devices like dialysis systems should be especially careful. “Such equipment should always be kept away from pets,” she advises.
Should You Stop Your Cat Or Dog From Licking You?
Not necessarily. For most people, the behaviour is harmless, and for pets, it’s often a comforting routine. If your pet’s licking becomes excessive, it might signal anxiety, boredom, or a need for attention. Offering interactive toys, regular exercise, or quiet time together can redirect the habit in positive ways.
For people with compromised immune systems, the goal isn’t to avoid pets altogether but to manage risk. Regular veterinary check-ups, good hygiene, and awareness of potential warning signs (like fever, swelling, or skin irritation) are usually enough to stay safe.
The Bottom Line
When your cat or dog licks you, it’s often their way of saying “you’re part of my pack.” While their saliva carries bacteria, the chances of it causing illness in healthy individuals are extremely low. For those with weakened immune systems, extra caution is wise, but the emotional benefits of sharing your life with a pet far outweigh the risks.
As veterinarian Jane Sykes of the University of California-Davis explains, pet ownership offers emotional support and companionship that can improve overall well-being. Even for vulnerable individuals, she advises keeping pets close, just with sensible precautions.
