Why does my cat like to lick me?

[CindyLouWho]

I have a female cat who is almost a year and a half old and she likes to get up on my lap and then tries to curl around my neck. Then she tries to lick my face or ear which is kind of annoying. Why is it that she does that? Also when she is on my lap, she butts me in the head with her head all the time and she does it over and over. I'm beginning to wonder if she was a goat in a previous life! If I'm on the computer, she does it to my hands which I guess is her way of telling me to pet her, but I don't get the head butting thing or the licking of my face all the time. What's with that?

[dgridley]

The head butting is similar to a kiss.. everything she's doing is to be affectionate.

Originally Posted by CindyLouWho

I have a female cat who is almost a year and a half old and she likes to get up on my lap and then tries to curl around my neck. Then she tries to lick my face or ear which is kind of annoying. Why is it that she does that? Also when she is on my lap, she butts me in the head with her head all the time and she does it over and over. I'm beginning to wonder if she was a goat in a previous life! If I'm on the computer, she does it to my hands which I guess is her way of telling me to pet her, but I don't get the head butting thing or the licking of my face all the time. What's with that?

[pk]

Head butting is a very loving gesture and also a way to greet you. Like people shake hands, wave, or hug, or tell each other that they love them. This is the way many types of cats show their geettings or love with a head butt. Also it is a way to get your attention, the cat may want a hug, or a scratch behind the ear.

Many cats such as the Siamese, Orientals, Savannah's are known for this behaviour.

Licking is a form of kissing from the cat.

So everything your cat is doing is a way of saying, hello and I love you. So knowing this hopefully you won't be as annoyed next time.