Why does my cat lick my hand excessively? Is something wrong with her?

Question

Tempest keeps licking my hand like a kid licks a lollipop... I go to pet her, and where she used to try to bite at me, she goes for a bite, but then takes to licking my hand. I ended up allowing her to lick until she was satisfied, and it was about 5 minutes. My hand had previously been sort of red but it was no longer reddened at that point. I know sometimes some illnesses can be spread by cat licks but I'm more concerned that there is something wrong with her. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 2 months old | 9 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She may like the taste (saltiness) of your skin or she is grooming you like she would another cat. Excessive licking, more so in dogs, can be a sign of nausea. If she is eating, not vomiting and having normal stools I wouldn't read too much in to it. I would limit the behavior though. Cat bites can spread bacteria, but if there are not wounds or breaks in your skin you should be fine. Just wash your hands after. Have a good day

Why does my cat lick my hand excessively? Is something wrong with her?

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