Decoding Cat Licks: A Cat Behaviorist Explains Feline Affection and Stress

Understanding Feline Affection: Why Cats Lick Their Owners Cats often lick their human companions, a behavior that can be puzzling to those unfamiliar with feline communication. A recent TikTok video by UK-based Clinical Cat Behaviourist Amanda J Campion sheds light on this common feline behavior. Campion explains that licking, for cats, is often a sign of social bonding and grooming, similar to how cats groom each other within their social groups. This behavior also serves as a way for cats to transfer their scent onto their humans, creating a sense of familiarity and belonging. "Licking is part of social bonding and grooming," Campion explains in her video. "Cats will do it to each other when they're part of their social bond." However, Campion also cautions that excessive licking can sometimes indicate stress or anxiety in cats. Over-grooming, whether directed at humans or objects, can become a compulsive behavior, suggesting underlying issues that require attention. The video encourages owners to watch out for this and potentially redirect their cat's behavior if it becomes more than a gentle gesture. Campion emphasizes the importance of regular play and enrichment for cats, as these activities can help alleviate stress and prevent compulsive behaviors. The video concludes with a call for cat owners to seek professional guidance when dealing with behavioral issues. Campion's expertise as a Clinical Cat Behaviourist adds credibility to her insights, making the information provided in the video highly valuable to cat owners seeking to better understand their feline companions. The video's popularity on TikTok, with thousands of views, suggests a significant interest in this topic.