Do Cats Like Kisses? Vet-Verified Explanation
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 would 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 cat’s personality and preferences. Let’s talk about it!
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 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.
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 indications that your cat enjoys being kissed. Purring is also a good sign, although purring does not always indicate that your cat is happy. Head bunting 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 a 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.
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 well-being. Cat bites are prone to infection and usually require medical intervention, like antibiotics, prescribed by a medical doctor to prevent complications. Scratches are also prone to infection and may scar.
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 through a failed kissing attempt). Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be passed from your cat to your skin. Cat Scratch Disease is a bacterial infection that cats can pass to humans through scratches and bites, as well as through licking an open wound.
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, and many prefer affection delivered in ways they find less intrusive. 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.
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Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
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Brooke Billingsley, a former veterinary assistant for nine years, became a nurse in 2013. She lives in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years, surrounded by her beloved pets: three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Brooke has a soft spot for special needs animals, caring for a three-legged senior dog and a widely known cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. She has developed a keen interest in fish keeping and is always learning how to provide the best environment for her aquatic pets. In addition to her passion for animals, Brooke enjoys gardening and maintains a vegetable garden during the summer. She stays active with yoga and received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. Brooke also hosts a podcast that delves into folklore and myth, dedicating her spare time to research and writing. She embraces the philosophy that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth, continually working to acquire new skills and knowledge.
