Why Does Your Cat Lick Your Eye? (Is It Normal Behavior?)

Ever wondered, in exasperation, "Why does my cat lick my eye?!"

Well, brace yourself, cat lovers, because today we're diving deep into this strangely endearing behavior.

You know, the one that makes you question your sanity and wonder if your feline companion is plotting world domination.

Don't worry, I've got your back.

And together, we'll unravel this mystery and find out whether your kitty is just weird or if there's something more to it.

Let's satisfy our curiosity and get to the bottom of this, shall we?

Let the eye-licking investigation begin! 😺

Why Do Cats Lick in General

Cats have many reasons for licking, and you must understand why your cat engages in this behavior.

Let's jump right in!

Firstly, cats may lick themselves excessively to cope with stress or anxiety, just like humans have nervous habits.

It's their way of soothing themselves.

Interestingly enough, excessive licking can also be a form of grooming and cleaning for them, as it helps remove dirt and debris from their fur.

But here's something fascinating:

Your cat might lick you as a sign of affection or to get your attention.

Yes, that's right...

Each little lick is like a shower of love from your feline buddy.

And let's not forget their fascination with saltiness.

Cats are attracted to the taste of tears, sweat, and residue on human skin.

So if you naturally have a salty complexion, expect some extra licks from your furry friend!

Now, here's an intriguing detail:

They might even lick around your eye area.

It may sound strange at first, but the salty taste seems quite relaxing to our fluffy companions.

So don't panic if you catch them giving your eyelids a little lick or two.

Some cats go even further and nibble gently – but that's their unique way of showing affection, not an invitation for an eyepatch, of course!

Mother cats lick their kittens' eye areas for cleanliness, and sometimes our cats extend the favor to us.

Wondering why?

Well, partly because of the taste of tears and moisture around our noses.

No need to worry; it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your eyes.

They simply find solace and familiarity in those salty droplets.

Additionally, compulsive licking could be a sign of anxiety or stress in cats.

So keep an eye out for any changes in behavior accompanied by excessive licking.

It might indicate that your furry friend needs a bit of extra love and attention.

Lastly, cats have scent glands on their faces that they use to mark their territory by licking.

It's their way of claiming you as part of their domain and establishing who's in charge around here.

What intelligent creatures, aren't they?

Dear reader, comprehending why cats lick is like solving a puzzle with many pieces.

In a cat's mind, it's a combination of relaxation, grooming, affection, and marking their precious territory.

So take the time to observe your cat closely, my friend, and uncover their unique motives one lick at a time.

Furthermore, if you find that your feline friend's behavior includes huffing, or you're simply curious about this peculiar sound they make and whether it's a cause for concern, I invite you to dive into the intriguing details of my blog post Why Does My Cat Huff.

In this comprehensive guide, I explore the reasons behind cats huffing and provide valuable insights that will put your mind at ease.

Trust me, understanding these feline behaviors can strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.

Is It Normal for Cats to Lick Eyes

It's not unusual for cats to lick your eyes, although excessive licking could signal problems like allergies or eye irritation. This behavior might also happen during REM sleep when kitties unconsciously give their owners an ocular tongue bath.

But if your eyes become red and watery, it's a good idea to call the vet.

Rule out any medical concerns. Remember that your feline companion isn't trying to gobble up your eyes.

They're just engaging in grooming behavior by nuzzling your face.

So, next time your cat goes for your peepers, feel relieved knowing they're doing it out of love, not hunger.

In my experience, it's normal for cats to lick your eyes as part of their grooming behavior.

However, if you're concerned about excessive licking or any redness and watery eyes, I always suggest seeking advice from a vet.

Speaking of cat behaviors, if you're curious about why your furry friend scratches the window, I highly recommend checking out my article Why Does My Cat Scratch the Window.

This guide will give you insights into understanding your cat's motivations and how you can address this behavior.

It's always helpful to have a better understanding of our furballs' actions, don't you think?

Is Eye Licking a Sign of Affection or Dominance

Eye licking can show affection and communication

When your cat licks your eyes, it's their way of saying that they really like you. It's a sign of trust and love. They're marking you as part of their group and claiming you as their own.

And when they lick your eyes, it releases chemicals in their brain that make them feel good and strengthen the bond between both of you.

Compulsive eye licking could mean stress or obsession

Sometimes, if your cat keeps licking their eyes over and over again, it might mean they're feeling stressed or obsessed with something.

This behavior needs to be checked out to find out why it's happening.

Understanding the reasons behind your cat's eye licking is super important for keeping a healthy relationship with them.

If you notice they're licking their eyes too much or acting strangely, it's best to consult a vet to rule out any health problems.

Frequent eye licking might signal a medical issue

Licking their eyes all the time could also be a sign that your cat has a health problem.

Pay attention to changes in their behavior and take them to the vet if needed.

Oh, and by the way, some cats might lick your eyes when you're sleeping. Don't be surprised if you wake up to find them giving your eyelids a little lick.

They might just be grooming you or trying to stop twitches.

Lastly, if your cat bites your eyelids, it could be because they smell salt from your tears or associate eye movements with toys or prey.

It's just their natural hunting instincts at play.

So there you have it, eye licking in cats can mean different things – from showing love and trust to possible health issues or even just instinctual behavior. Watch out for your cat's signals and talk to a vet if anything worries you.

Can Cats Transmit Diseases Through Eye Licking

Let me paint a picture of the risks you may face when your cat licks your eyes.

First, let's address some crucial points:

• Cat spit carries bacteria like Bartonella henselae that can lead to cat scratch fever and disease.
• If your feline friend licks your face, they might pass on dangerous pathogens that could make you sick or even blind you.
• Be cautious if you have any open wounds because they are more susceptible to bacterial infections.

But hey, there's more:

• Cat saliva also contains common bacteria like Salmonella, Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, and Multocida.
• Although it's rare, I want to emphasize that if a cat with Bartonella Henselae licks your eyes, it could potentially result in blindness.
• To minimize any risk associated with your cat licking your eyes, remember to practice good hygiene by thoroughly washing your hands after handling them.
• Don't forget about regular flea treatments as they play an important role too.

Now, I hope you see the potential dangers clearer and know how to keep them at bay.

Cats can bring so much joy, but prioritizing safety is always wise. 🐱

And now, let's explore some preventative measures to discourage your cat from licking your eyes and keep both you and your feline companion healthy and safe.

Here's what I recommend.

How to Prevent Cats from Licking Your Eyes

To stop cats from licking your eyes:

1. Use gross-tasting stuff to deter them - bitter solutions crafted for this very purpose.
2. Keep kitty clean by regularly washing their face, especially around those peepers, so infections don't stand a chance.
3. Keep both you and your cat's mouths healthy since the bacteria hanging out in there could get passed around during cuddle sessions.
4. Scrub up after the lick-fest to dodge any germ encounters.
5. Just say no to feline smooches on your face and hands altogether to lower infection risks.
6. Spray yucky-tasting liquids on spots where you want licking squashed, giving puss an awful flavor party.
7. Offer distractions and substitutes like toys, petting, scratching sessions, brushes, or scratching posts.
8. Remember to reward your furball when they behave and avoid licking sensitive areas like your eyelids.

By following these pointers, you'll make it crystal clear to your cat that eye-licking is off-limits, keeping your precious orbs safe and infection-free.

Final Tips for Preventing Cat Eye Licking

Key takeaways:

And that wraps up today's article.

If you wish to read more of my useful articles, I recommend you check out some of these: Why Does My Cat Bite My Ear, Why Do Cats Like Their Ears Rubbed, Why Do Cats Purr, Why Do Cats Purr When You Pet Them, and Why Does My Cat Like Her Nose Rubbed

Talk soon,

-Sarah Davis