Why does my cat lick my hand excessively? Is something wrong with her?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Welcome to having cats. They are a peculiar mix of curiosity and skittishness, and I find that even more true in kittenhood. Try just keeping your hand still next time. Let her lick/nibble as she likes without attempting to move or pet her. Eventually she will learn to fully trust you and will start rubbing her head on you. Then start very slowly (without moving th position of your hand) rubbing back and forth with just your fingers. Eventually she will be demanding petting! Best wishes to you and Alsa!

Licking can be a compulsive behavior in cats, but the answer to your question depends on whether you are talking about your cat licking himself or routine household objects. When cats lick themselves excessively, that's often referred to as "over-grooming," and it's usually in response to itchiness or pain. When cats lick objects, like the floor or furniture, it's often a sign of gastrointestinal disease, and I would look for intestinal parasites or other problems, like inflammatory bowel disease.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Not necessarily. In reality, this is not unusual in dogs. I would be concerned though if he is causing himself any skin lesions or wounds from the licking which in that case it could be from allergies and should be addressed. Otherwise, he is likely going to be just fine. Good luck and have a great day!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. This is likely just behavioral and is commonly seen in young dogs / puppies. Over time, this Behavior will likely resolve or greatly reduce. you can try and apply bitter apple to the areas where Preston likes to lick and see if this helps deter her from doing this behavior. You can also use a spray bottle filled with water and lightly Spritz Preston in the face whenever she licks you and say “off!” while spraying her. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Havarti. It is good that you do not see any skin lesions. Increased licking or grooming can mean she is itchy. Many times this will lead to skin wounds or hair loss. If this is not the case, she could be nauseous. This can be demonstrated by increased licking, especially the carpet. Finally, licking can be a nervous habit. If her behavior continues, then I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nico. This can be a common behavior in cats. It can be related to dental pain. I recommend checking his mouth for any bad breath, tartar or gingivitis or a broken tooth. This can also happen when a patient is nauseous. Has he recently vomited, been drooling or experienced a lack of appetite? If not, his behavior likely not concerning. Many cats will do this as an extension of grooming. It can be a compulsive habit or just a random behavior the cat will display from time to time. Assess him for the problems that I have mentioned. However, if he is otherwise healthy, then it shouldn't be a problem for him. I hope this information helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This is strictly behavioral most likely. There are things you can do to deter him from this behavior such as bitter apple spray and apply it to the area on your body that he licks the most. I would also consider using a spray bottle filled with water and when he does this behavior, spray him in the face and say "off!". These two techniques worked well for my dog when he was exhibiting the exact same problems and has worked well for other clients of mine that I have recommended these techniques to. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.