Do Cats Like Kisses? Feline Preferences Revealed - Catster (2024)

Kissing is a very intimate form of communication between people that allows us to show affection toward each other. There are lots of different types of kisses, and it’s no wonder that we’d want to plant one on our cat from time to time. After all, we love our cats and want them to know just how much we care. Not to mention how adorable cats are and how irresistible their little faces can be! But do our cats appreciate our kisses? Why or why not? This question is hard to answer since various factors come into play, the main one being your cats personality and preferences. Let’s talk about it!

Do Cats Like Kisses? Feline Preferences Revealed - Catster (1)

Do Cats Like Kisses?

Whether or not your cat likes being kissed is completely based on your cat’s personality, preferences, and relationship with you. Some cats enjoy kisses and others don’t like them at all. Even cats that enjoy kisses may not really understand what a kiss means. They may tolerate kisses because they like you, even though they don’t understand that you’re showing affection through the act of kissing.

If you have a cat that dislikes kisses and you attempt to force them anyway, you can inadvertently damage the relationship between you and your cat by inhibiting your cat’s ability and desire to trust you. Cats are particular and independent animals that need their boundaries respected to be happy and comfortable.

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How Do I Know if My Cat Likes Kisses?

The good news is that if your cat likes kisses, they’ll let you know through subtle body language cues. Slow blinking and leaning toward you when you come in for a kiss are an indication that your cat enjoys being kissed. Purring is also a good sign, although purring does not always indicate that your cat is happy. Head butting when you kiss your cat or if your cat begins “grooming” your face are also indications that your cat is enjoying the interaction.

How Do I Know if My Cat Dislikes Kisses?

If your cat doesn’t enjoy being kissed, they’ll let you know, although some cats may be more vocal about it than others. Leaning away from your kiss, flattened ears, and tail flicking are all indicators that your cat is not enjoying the encounter. It’s possible for your cat that generally enjoys kisses to have an off day and not enjoy your attempt at affection, and it’s important to respect their boundaries. Some cats may resort to growling, hissing, swatting, and even biting if they don’t want a kiss and you attempt it anyway.

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What Are the Risks of Kissing My Cat?

When it comes down to it, cats are animals, and they will bite or scratch if provoked or they feel threatened. If your cat doesn’t want to be kissed and you force the interaction, there’s a significant risk to your wellbeing. Cat bites tend to be prone to infection and usually require medical intervention, like antibiotics, to ensure no infection sets in. Scratches are also prone to infection and scarring.

Although domestic cats that receive routine veterinary care are at a low risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases, there are a few that your cat can pass to you through kissing (or a failed kissing attempt). Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be passed from your cat to your skin, and some parasitic infections, like toxoplasmosis, can be very serious if passed to a human. Cat Scratch Fever is a serious bacterial infection that cats can pass to humans through scratches and bites, as well as through licking an open wound.

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In Conclusion

Some cats may genuinely enjoy kisses, although it’s likely that they don’t fully understand the gesture. It’s not uncommon for cats to not enjoy being kissed, though. Kissing your cat carries risks of zoonotic diseases, and can lead to injury to you if you push your cat’s boundaries too far and force kisses and affection on them. You may also damage your relationship with your cat through this behavior, so make sure to closely watch your cat’s body language for cues that your cat is enjoying the interaction. If your cat doesn’t seem to appreciate kisses, that’s ok! There are plenty of ways you can show affection to your cat.

Featured Image Credit: Piqsels

Contents

  • Do Cats Like Kisses?
  • How Do I Know if My Cat Likes Kisses?
  • How Do I Know if My Cat Dislikes Kisses?
  • What Are the Risks of Kissing My Cat?
  • In Conclusion
Do Cats Like Kisses? Feline Preferences Revealed - Catster (2024)

FAQs

Do Cats Like Kisses? Feline Preferences Revealed - Catster? ›

In Conclusion

Do cats actually like kisses? ›

It really depends on the individual cat. Some cats do not mind kisses, while others do. Similarly, some cats simply learn to tolerate kisses from their owners, but this does not necessarily mean they enjoy them.

Do cats know when you're kissing them? ›

While kisses are not a part of a cat's normal body language, our feline family members are capable of understanding a kiss as a display of love and affection. Even though cats communicate differently with us, they learn to understand what a kiss means, and many cats love to receive them.

Do cats know I love them? ›

All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.

Is kissing a cat OK? ›

Only kiss your cat when he or she is calm and relaxed. Keep vaccinations up to date and treat your cat regularly for fleas and parasites. Avoid kissing your cat on the lips. Wash your hands well after handling your cat, especially before preparing food.

Do cats like it when you meow back? ›

Will My Cat Understand If I “Meow”? Sorry to break it to you, but human meows mean nothing to cats. At most, you can get your cat's attention and they may even appreciate your attempts to communicate by purring or even meowing back. But to most cats, human meows sound like human language.

Do cats get annoyed when you kiss them? ›

Some cats might lean into the kiss, purr, and show signs of enjoyment. These positive reactions are indicators that the cat feels safe and loved. On the other hand, some cats may react negatively to kisses. Signs of discomfort or annoyance could include backing away, hissing, or swatting.

How do cats say "I love you"? ›

Some cats definitely have louder "motors" than others, but we all associate that familiar sound with love. “Cats show their love by rubbing against you, purring when petted and of course curling up next to you,” says Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM, The Pet Vet.

Do cats have a favorite person? ›

Some cats do, some cats don't. More often than not, they will show the most affection towards the person who spends the most time caring for them, including feeding them. But while some of our feline friends won't be afraid to make their favorites known, others will be more comfortable loving you from afar.

What is the kiss the cat rule? ›

Kiss the Cat: spell /k/ with a C whenever you can. Milk Truck: the only time you use C-K is right after a short vowel. Catch Lunch: the only time you use T-C-H is right after a short vowel. Units: 3 letters at the end that make an unusual sound.

Should I kiss my cat on the head? ›

There is research to suggest that just like humans, cats contain certain bacteria in their mouths which cause gum disease. Not only can gum disease lead to loss of teeth, but it has a greater impact on the organs. A peck on the head is just as enjoyable and carries less risk of transmission of disease.

Do cats understand crying? ›

Do cats understand when you cry? While cats may not fully comprehend the emotional significance of human tears, they can detect and often respond to changes in their owner's behavior or vocal expressions during crying.

Why do cats kiss you on the lips? ›

One of the leading reasons your cat licks your lips is to show their love for you. Yes, even the most aloof, solitary cat can deem you worthy of a lick or kiss on the lips from time to time. Considering how rare it is for some cats to share licks of affection, you should always appreciate it when your kitty licks you.

What does it mean if your cat licks you? ›

To show affection

Licking is not only a grooming mechanism but also a way cats show that they love you. Your cat is creating a social bond by licking you, other cats, or pets. This sign of affection may stem from kittenhood when your cat's mother licked them to groom them and show care and affection.

Do cats feel guilt? ›

While cats may not possess the capacity to feel guilt or shame as humans do, they are capable of experiencing a range of emotions. The behaviors we often attribute to guilt or shame in cats are more likely rooted in fear, anxiety, or submission.

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