Getting licked is not always pleasant for owners. Two articles shed light on this common behavior which, for the most part, is an indication the owner is liked.
Source: Catster, February 1, 2021. Link. When your cats lick you, it can be a compliment, a sign of stress or more says JaneA Kelly. She indicates anxiety, social bonding and trust are some of the reasons cats lick their people.
It’s not easy to retrain a cat who has gotten used to performing a habitual behavior such as licking. Remember to stay gentle and avoid yelling or intense physical reactions like shoving your cat or tossing her off your lap.
Source: Reader’s Digest, February 9, 2021. Link. Dogs often lick people to show affection, as a greeting, or to simply get our attention. Of course, if you happen to have a little food, lotion, or salty sweat on your skin, that may play a role as well, says Jennifer Coates, DVM.
INSIGHTS: Both articles are good resources to share on social media or in newsletters. Pet owners will appreciate knowing licking is normal and how to discourage the behavior when it’s unwanted.