How to Keep a Cat From Licking a Person

Every time someone new comes over, Sasha heads right over and starts grooming them. She̵7;ll lick, nibble and purr loudly as she̵7;s bathing her human. While a small kiss is perfectly fine, constant licking is sometimes a nuisance and can even be painful. With a little work, you̵7;ll be able to nix that annoying behavior in no time.

  1. Don̵7;t Give Her Attention

    • You̵7;re sitting there minding your own business until Sasha strolls over and starts compulsively licking your hand. Teach her that licking makes you leave, which is exactly what she doesn̵7;t want. As soon as her tongue snaps out, get up and walk away. You just have to be consistent and make sure that everyone in your family is doing the same thing. If you̵7;re ignoring Sasha̵7;s licking, but your partner gives in and pets her, she̵7;ll never get the hint that licking makes you disappear.

    Make Yourself Unappealing

    • Cats lick for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes your salty skin just takes good. Make your skin less appealing by applying a bitter lotion. This type of product is harmless, it simply makes your skin or clothing taste horrible. When Sasha goes to take a lick, she̵7;ll wind up getting a tongue-load of a bitter flavor. She̵7;ll quickly figure out that people don̵7;t taste good to her anymore. If you can, get your friends involved too. Have your next guest apply the bitter product as soon as he walks in the house. That way Sasha learns that all humans taste bad, not just the ones in her family.

    Get Her to Play

    • Keep a stash of furry mice or ball toys by your bed or next to your sofa -- wherever Sasha tends to hang out with you. The next time she goes on a licking spree, wiggle the toy in front of her so she sees it and then toss it across the room. You̵7;re simply replacing the behavior you don̵7;t want with a new acceptable behavior. Dangling a wand toy in her face also can distract her, making her forget about her desire to lick you.

    Give Her Something to Lick

    • Some cats are natural-born lickers -- you won̵7;t be able to get rid of the behavior all together. You can, however, give your furry friend something appropriate to lick or chew. Put out a fresh grass or catnip plant. She̵7;ll spend plenty of time chomping on the leafy greens, rather than licking and nibbling on your hand. Crunchy kitty treats are another way to go. Keep a supply of feline ̶0;candy̶1; nearby. When she curls up on your lap and starts licking, toss the treat across the room. She̵7;ll be able to suckle on her treat instead of your fingers, keeping her busy while you eat dinner or watch your favorite show.