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Have you ever wondered why your adorably fluffy Ragdoll cat insists on licking you? It doesn’t matter how often you shower or if you’re wearing a full face of makeup, their attention toward your cheeks, hands, and arms can be relentless.
We know it’s annoying, but did you also know that this licky behavior isn’t just for show; it actually reveals a deeper connection between the two of you?
Fortunately, with the right tools and tricks up your sleeve, there are plenty of ways to redirect overly enthusiastic kitty kisses without upsetting the special bond that exists between pet owners and their fur babies! If this sounds unsettlingly familiar to your situation at home, then keep reading.
In our blog post today we’ll explore the answer to the question that many owners ask, why does my Ragdoll lick me? And things in general before diving into different tips on how to stop them from not-so-subtly showing their affection when they’re feeling particularly gushy.
Why Does Your Ragdoll Cat Lick You?
Many cats express their affection by licking their humans and other animals. But why do they do it? Here we explore some of the reasons why your furry friend is showing you love with a lick!
1. Affection
One of the most common reasons your cat may be licking you is simply to show affection. Cats have been known to groom each other as a sign of love and acceptance, so when your Ragdoll licks you, it could be his or her way of saying “I love you”.
2. Tasting You
Another reason cats lick us is that they are curious about our taste. Cats have an amazing sense of smell and taste, so they may be trying to learn more about us by giving us a good lick!
However, this doesn’t mean that every time your cat licks you it’s because he or she is tasting you; it could just be part of their grooming routine.
3. Territorial Marking
It might sound strange, but cats can also lick us as a way to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands in their cheeks and they use these glands to “mark” people and objects as their own by rubbing against them or licking them.
This is often seen in households with multiple cats; one cat may try to “claim” another cat or person by licking them repeatedly.
4. Health Issues
Lastly, cats may also be licking you because something isn’t right with their health. If your cat starts incessantly licking you out of the blue, it could be an indication that something isn’t quite right internally or externally.
It may be worth getting your cat checked out at the vet if this behavior persists for more than several days at a time.
How To Stop Licking Behavior Without Upsetting Your Ragdoll Cat?
While the licking behavior of Ragdoll cats is generally harmless and even endearing, it can become problematic if your cat begins to excessively lick your skin or clothing.
Fortunately, there are several steps on how to stop excessive licking in cats without upsetting them.
1. Redirecting Licking Behavior
One of the most effective methods for redirecting your Ragdoll’s licking behavior is to provide them with an alternative outlet for their affection. This could include petting them with a soft brush or comb, providing them with toys that they can lick, or investing in a scratching post.
All of these activities will help satisfy your cat’s urge to lick while also providing some much-needed exercise.
2. Providing Alternative Forms of Affection
Ragdolls love attention, so make sure that you’re giving yours plenty of love and affection on a daily basis. This includes brushing and petting them regularly as well as speaking softly and calmly when interacting with them.
Playing with interactive toys like lasers or feathers is also a great way to show your Ragdoll some love while also helping to tire them out mentally and physically.
3. Consult With A Veterinarian
If these methods do not seem to be working for your cat, it may be time to consult a veterinarian about their licking habits.
In some cases, cats may lick excessively due to underlying medical issues or due to psychological trauma such as separation anxiety or neglect in their past homes.
By consulting with an experienced veterinarian sooner rather than later, you can identify any potential health issues and develop an appropriate plan for managing the behavior moving forward.
4. Gradual Habit Change
Finally, once you have identified why your Ragdoll is exhibiting excessive licking behaviors, it is important that you gradually work towards changing that habit instead of stopping it all at once.
Abruptly stopping this behavior could cause your cat more stress than necessary and may lead to other problem behaviors such as aggression or increased vocalization (meowing).
Gradually transitioning away from this behavior will reduce stress levels both for yourself and for your feline friend!
Conclusion
Understanding your Ragdoll’s licking behavior can help you train them to stop if it’s becoming a problem. If you think your cat may be licking you for attention, try redirecting their focus with toys or treats. You can also discourage unwanted licking by ignoring your cat when they do it. With a little patience and understanding, you can have a happy and healthy relationship with your beloved feline friend. Do you have any tips for dealing with a lick-happy kitty? Share them in the comments below!
FAQs
Do Ragdolls like to lick?
Ragdolls are known for their affectionate and social nature, so they tend to show love by licking. It is a sign of fondness to them and can be seen as an endearing gesture. A quick trick to find out if your Ragdoll loves licking is to give them a treat. If your Ragdoll licks you in response, it’s safe to say they like it.
Why is my Ragdoll cat licking me so much?
Your Ragdoll cat might be licking you because they are expressing affection. To cats, licking is a sign of trust and love and if your Ragdoll has bonded with you, it’s likely that it wants to show its appreciation. If the licking is excessive, try providing other forms of affection as an outlet for their needs.
Is it normal for cats to lick their owners?
Yes, it is normal for cats to lick their owners. Licking is one way in which cats show love and appreciation for their human companions. If your cat is licking you often, take it as a sign that they are content with the bond between you both!
Do cats lick when they’re happy?
Yes, cats often lick when they are happy. This behavior is generally used as a sign of affection and trust – cats that have bonded with their owners often lick them to show their appreciation. As well as licking, other signs of contentment in cats include purring and kneading.
Why does my Ragdoll cat lick and then bite me?
Your Ragdoll cat could be licking and then biting you due to overstimulation. Cats may start to bite when they are feeling overwhelmed by the attention or stimulation from petting and licking. If this is happening, try to give your cat some space and provide a distraction in the form of a toy.
