Cats display affection in some surprising ways that may seem unusual to us humans. Two common feline behaviors – arm hugging and licking – can puzzle cat owners, but have simple explanations behind them.
Why Does My Cat Hug My Arm?
When your cat rubs up against your arm and wraps its paws around you, it’s expressing its love and trust. This kitty “hug” is your cat’s way of bonding with you and marking you with its scent glands.
Showing Affection
Cats don’t show affection in the same ways humans do. Since they don’t hug or kiss, your cat demonstrates its fondness for you through physical closeness and touch.
By clinging to your arm and wrapping its paws around you, your cat is showing you social comfort and friendship. Arm hugging displays the deep bond your cat feels with you.
Scent Marking
Your cat has scent glands in its paw pads, cheeks, tail, and elsewhere on its body. When your cat hugs your arm, it deposits pheromones from these glands onto you.
This leaves your cat’s scent on you, marking you as a trusted family member. It also mingles your scents together so you smell like part of the same group.
Kneading
Many cats will also knead their paws into your arm while hugging you. This is an instinctive behavior from kittenhood when they would knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow.
Kneading while hugging you releases calming endorphins for your cat. It’s another way it marks you with scent and shows contentment.
Why Does My Cat Lick Me?
When your cat licks your hand, arm, or leg, it’s not necessarily grooming you. This licking is another gesture of affection and bonding from your feline friend.
Social Grooming
Social grooming is how cats strengthen their bonds. By licking each other, cats increase social cohesion in their groups.
When your cat licks you, it’s treating you like another cat. Those licks are your cat’s way of showing friendship and family ties.
Scent Marking
Those licks also deposit your cat’s scent onto you, marking you as part of its group. Your cat is putting its stamp on you through its saliva.
Being licked by a cat is a compliment – it means your cat accepts you and feels completely comfortable with you.
Taste Testing
Cats have a strong sense of taste, so licking provides them with a lot of information. Your cat may lick your skin to get a better sense of your taste and scent.
By licking you, your cat is gathering the chemical signals and information released through your skin. Consider those licks a scientific investigation!
How to Encourage This Affectionate Behavior
Since arm hugging and licking are signs your cat feels attached to you, you can promote this behavior with a few simple tactics:
- Pet your cat frequently so it’s used to affectionate touch.
- Give your cat treats by hand to keep it close to you.
- Play with your cat using interactive toys like feather wands.
- Brush your cat regularly so it associates you with grooming.
- Talk softly and use a warm, loving tone when interacting with your cat.
With time and trust, your cat will seek more opportunities to hug, lick, and show you its version of love. Be patient, keep interacting positively, and enjoy those unusual kitty cuddles!
The Takeaway on Cat Affection
When your cat embraces your arm or licks your skin, it’s expressing affection on a primal level. This tactile communication strengthens your bond and shows that your cat accepts you as part of its social structure.
While strange to us humans, arm hugging and licking are perfectly natural ways for cats to show trust and comfort with their loved ones. Treasure those kitty cuddles as the heartwarming gestures of love they are!