There is no greater expression of affection between us and our loved ones than kissing. A kiss can convey a whole universe of emotions: a quick peck on the lips shows doting familiarity, while a long forehead kiss is a sweet, intimate gesture bestowed only upon those you wish to cherish and protect for life.
Given its importance in our daily communication, it’s no wonder we kiss our cats, too. After all, we want them to know just how much we love and adore them. But do they like a good smooch as much as we do? Sadly, studies find that most cats may not like kissing simply because they don’t understand it or perceive it as a typical gesture of affection. However, this varies from cat to cat: some house cats may enjoy it or, at the very least, tolerate it.
So what exactly do cats think when we kiss them? Should you stop kissing your cat altogether? How do you show your cat the love she deserves in a way that won’t have her scratching, biting, or turning away from you? We’ll answer all these questions and more, so stay tuned!
What Do Cats Think About Kissing?
Contrary to popular belief, cats can be quite affectionate creatures and show their love for their humans in plenty of truly heartwarming ways. Your furry feline may bump her head against your hands, rub up against you, purr when you hold or pet her, and even lovingly groom you.
However, kissing—or at least the human version of it that involves touching our lips to their heads or cheeks—is a gesture that eludes them. It’s not a part of their body language, so they don’t normally use it to demonstrate love.
This means that when you kiss your cat, she might not be able to see it as the sign of affection that it is. Some felines may react poorly to actions as invasive as kissing.
However, other cats may be more receptive to kisses—especially if they’re paired with lots of petting and praises. Cuddly cats often crave touch and affection in any form it comes, so some kitties may even ask for smooches!
So how do you know if your kitty likes kisses? The answer is simple: body language.
Cats who dislike kissing may turn away from you, swat at your lips, fold back their ears, and swish their tails. Some cats may even growl and hiss. If the gesture is repeated despite their warnings, they may lash out and scratch at you. So it’s best to stop kissing your cat right away the minute she exhibits any of the signs mentioned here.
However, cats who like kissing may encourage it by butting their heads against your head, raising their tails, licking your lips or nose, putting their ears forward, and purring.
Do Cats Feel Love When Kissing?
This depends on your cat’s unique history and personality. Cats who have spent a huge chunk of their lives on the streets or in shelters may not be properly socialized enough to respond well to certain types of physical contact. In fact, they may perceive kissing as an invasion of privacy.
On the other hand, cats raised in loving homes since their kittenhood may accept or even enjoy kisses! Even if they don’t fully comprehend the traditional meaning of the gesture, they may associate it with affection or even come to understand it as their owner’s way of showing love.
Why Do Cats Kiss You on the Lips?
Of course, the generalization that cats hate kissing and don’t recognize it as a sign of affection may be deemed questionable by some cat owners. After all, there are cats who kiss their humans on the lips, right?
It’s true that some cats do perform this gesture as a way of mimicking human behavior. Felines are quite perceptive, so your kitty may see you kissing your partner or your loved ones and recognize it as a way to communicate love.
As endearing as her attempt at imitation can be, it’s best to avoid letting your cat kiss you on the lips or kissing her on the lips yourself. There’s a whole host of diseases that can be transmitted from your cat’s mouth to yours this way.
What Are Kitty Kisses?
Kisses on the lips may not be a gesture typical to cats, but they “kiss” the humans they love in their own unique way.
Cats’ eye blinks are often called kitty kisses, a behavior in which they look at their owner, a family member, or another cat and blink slowly and repeatedly. When your cat looks at you and does this, it means she loves you, trusts you wholly, and feels safe in your presence.
Do Cats Like to Be Hugged?
Humans often pair kisses with hugs when we display affection, and we may just give our cats the same cuddly combo. However, cats may hate hugs even more than they dislike kisses!
Being held in a firm and restrictive manner can make cats feel uncomfortable and even threatened. You can expect squirming, scratching, and biting if you hug your cat against her will or when she’s not in the mood for affection.
Much like kissing, though, some cats may tolerate hugging—and others might even enjoy it. Cats hugged as kittens may become accustomed to the gesture and see it as a sign of affection, although they may still try to break free of it in a more gentle manner.
Some cat owners do claim that their kitties adore hugs and cuddles, especially at bedtime, so it really depends on each cat’s temperament.
How Do I Tell My Cat I Love Her?
Got a kitty who outright rejects your attempts to kiss or hug her? Don’t worry—there are other ways to show your love for her, such as:
Slow blinks
Cats mimic our gestures of affection, and we can return the favor. When your cat slow-blinks at you, slow-blink back at her and do it repeatedly. This is an extremely effective way to communicate love.
Petting
Nothing beats a nice petting session, especially when you use gentle pressure and long strokes. Be sure to avoid petting areas that your cat may prefer not to be touched, such as her tail or stomach.
Grooming
Cats show other cats love by grooming them, and while you can’t exactly copy this behavior, you can “groom” your kitty by using grooming gloves or brushes with soft bristles. Not only is this a great way to express your affection for your kitty, it also helps get rid of dead fur as a bonus.
Treats
Of course, a good old bribe with delicious treats is sure to get you in your cat’s good graces—and let you show her how much you love her. Don’t overdo it, though, as overconsumption of treats can lead to obesity. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your kitty’s daily caloric intake.
Do Cats Know You Love Them?
Cats often comprehend more than we give them credit for. In fact, a study at Oregon State University found that cats form attachments to their owners similar to those of dogs or children and their caregivers.
Because you feed, provide shelter, and care for your cat, she likely knows that she’s safe and loved in your presence. Your cat may never know the full depth and complexity of your love for her just as you may never know how she truly feels, but rest assured that her trust of and affection for you are intact.
In Closing
Kissing isn’t usually a part of a feline’s repertoire of affectionate gestures, so cats may find the behavior odd or even off-putting. They may not be able to comprehend its meaning or perceive it the way we do. However, cats who have been raised by loving humans may associate kissing with positive feelings.
So cats may respond to kisses in different ways: some may vehemently dislike them while others may welcome or even enjoy them. Make sure to pay attention to your cat’s body language to see whether she’s open to smooches or not. If she isn’t, don’t worry; there are many other endearing, meaningful ways to express your love for her!