The Surprising Origins of “Cat Kisses”
Few things bring more joy than sweet kisses from your feline companion. The sensation of a cat’s nose gently booping your face is a universal sign of kitty affection. However, contrary to popular belief, when a cat touches its nose to your mouth, it is not actually giving you a “kiss” in the human sense. The origins of cat “kisses” are more primal and instinctual than you may realize.
Cats have scent glands concentrated around their face and head. When your cat rubs its face on you, it is performing scent marking and claiming you as part of its territory. Cats also have a powerful sense of smell, and booping noses allows them to pick up chemical signals about identity and emotional state. So those adorable cat “kisses” are really just your kitty’s way of staking its claim and gathering intel!
Safety Considerations
Kissing cats does carry some health risks that owners should be aware of. Cat saliva may contain potentially harmful bacteria and parasites that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact like kisses. According to TCRAS Colorado, cats may carry bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, as well as parasites like hookworms or ringworm fungus. While the chances of becoming seriously ill are low, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly may be at higher risk. It’s a good idea for cat owners to practice basic hygiene like washing hands after interacting with pets. Additionally, keeping cats indoors, routinely deworming, and maintaining veterinary checkups can help reduce risks.
Benefits of Kissing Cats
Kissing your cat can release oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” which promotes bonding between you and your feline companion. Oxytocin is released when skin-to-skin contact occurs, such as when you kiss your cat on the head or when your cat bumps its head against your face. Studies show that when owners interact with their pets through petting, cuddling, and kissing, oxytocin levels increase in both the human and the animal. This leads to feelings of trust, affection, and closeness on both sides (source).
Kissing is a clear way for you to demonstrate love for your cat. Cats understand signs of affection, and regular kissing helps strengthen the bond between you and your cat over time. Your cat may show its happiness through purring, kneading, head-bumping, and cuddling when being kissed. A stronger human-animal bond has been linked to various health benefits for pet owners, including lower stress, decreased feelings of loneliness, and improved heart health (source).
Proper Technique
When kissing a cat, it’s important to do so safely and gently to avoid upsetting the cat. According to experts, the safest way is to give your cat a gentle peck on the head or cheek, avoiding the lips, nose and eyes (source). Only kiss your cat when they are relaxed and calm, such as when curled up next to you purring. Move slowly and let the cat see your face approaching. Lightly plant a soft kiss then move away to gauge their reaction.
Never kiss a cat suddenly or forcefully. Cats don’t like surprises and may react defensively if they feel threatened. Kissing near the tail or rear end is also inadvisable. Kissing kittens requires extra care as they are more delicate. Gently cradle them and lean in slowly for a delicate peck. Proper technique involves respecting your cat’s boundaries and preferences when demonstrating affection.
Cat Personality Differences
Cats have unique personalities, so some enjoy affection like kisses more than others. According to Do Cats Like Kisses? Animal Experts Have the Answer, “some may like affection in the form of touching, petting, rubbing and even kissing.” Cats that crave attention and physical contact will likely appreciate and solicit kisses from their owners. On the other hand, independent cats that prefer minimal handling may be less receptive. Observing how your cat reacts to kisses over time, such as leaning into kisses or purring versus squirming away or biting, can indicate if they like them or not.
Kittens vs Adult Cats
There are some key differences between kissing kittens versus adult cats that owners should be aware of. Kittens who are used to human contact from an early age generally enjoy and seek out affection. According to an expert on Quora, kittens often like to bump noses, lick faces, and snuggle up close, so they will likely welcome kisses. However, adult cats can be more set in their ways. A cat who was not kissed and cuddled much as a kitten may find kissing to be an unfamiliar and scary experience.
It’s also important to be gentle when kissing kittens. Their small size means you have to be very careful about how much pressure you use. Adult cats are more sturdy and can handle a little more force. But in general, kitten kisses should be soft and delicate. Make sure the kitten feels safe and comfortable at all times.
So while most kittens enjoy kisses if properly socialized, adult cats may need more time getting used to this type of affection. Start slow with adult cats and look for signs they want more kissing or need you to stop. Their body language will make it clear if they like kisses or prefer their personal space.
When Not to Kiss
While kissing your cat can be an affectionate gesture, there are some situations when it’s best to avoid kissing your feline friend:
If your cat is sick – Cats can transmit some illnesses to humans, like ringworm or cat scratch fever. It’s best not to kiss a cat that has any signs of illness like sneezing, runny nose or eyes, reduced appetite, lethargy, etc. https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/kissing-your-cat/
If your cat just ate – Cats groom themselves regularly and will have bacteria from their mouths on their fur. Kissing right after they’ve eaten can increase the chance of transmission. Give your cat time to groom before smooching.
If you have any cuts or sores on your lips/face – Breaks in the skin increase the risk of contracting an illness from your cat. Wait until any wounds have healed before kissing your kitty.
If your cat doesn’t enjoy it – Some cats dislike kisses and touches on certain parts of their bodies. Avoid kissing areas that seem to annoy or overstimulate your cat.
If your cat is unfamiliar/a stray – Don’t kiss random cats you meet on the street. Stray cats are more likely to carry diseases transmissible to humans.
If you’re immunocompromised – People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for zoonotic diseases from cats. It’s safer to admire your cat from a slight distance.
Alternatives to Kissing
While many cats enjoy kisses from their owners, some may feel intimidated or uncomfortable with this show of affection. If your cat shies away or seems stressed when you try to kiss them, there are plenty of other ways to bond and show your love without making them uneasy.
Gentle pets and strokes are often appreciated, especially around the face, chin and cheeks where cats naturally groom each other. You can also try holding out your hand below your cat’s face to mimic feline greetings. Some cats enjoy gentle human-style hugs. Observe your cat’s body language to see which physical affection they prefer.
Engage your cat in playtime with interactive toys like feather wands, laser pointers and treat puzzles. Quality playtime stimulates your cat mentally and physically while strengthening your bond. Offer treats, brush grooming sessions, new toys, catnip, and other rewards to make your cat feel loved.
Simply spending quiet time together while reading, watching TV or relaxing can help deepen your connection. Talk or sing softly to your cat too. While kisses aren’t every cat’s preference, there are many other great ways to show affection!
Owner Mindset
The owner’s mindset and behavior can drastically impact how a cat reacts to kisses and other displays of affection. Cats pick up on human emotions and body language, so remaining calm and relaxed will make a cat more receptive. As the Quora article notes, cats show affection through actions like head-butting and nibbling. If an owner tries to kiss a cat when feeling frustrated or impatient, the cat may become frightened and defensive.
Owners should approach cats calmly and let them initiate contact on their own terms. Forcing interaction or affection can cause cats to withdraw or lash out with scratches or bites. Letting the cat rub against the owner’s hand or lean into pets helps build trust. An owner’s mindset when interacting with a cat must be patient, gentle and respectful of the cat’s boundaries. With time, some cats may become comfortable with and even seek out kisses from a trusted, caring owner.
Conclusion
In summary, kissing your cat can be an enjoyable bonding experience for both you and your feline companion, as long as it’s done safely and with respect for your cat’s boundaries. While cats don’t kiss in the traditional human sense, they have their own special ways of showing affection through touch, like head bumps, nose touches, and grooming. Understanding your individual cat’s personality and what they enjoy is key. Kittens and adult cats may also respond differently to kisses. As with any interspecies relationship, mutual trust, patience and compassion are essential. While kissing may not be for every cat or owner, it can be a sweet sign of the powerful bond between humans and cats when done properly.
Here’s one final fun fact about cat kisses: studies show that cat owners who kiss and cuddle their kitties are less likely to suffer from stress, anxiety and depression. So pucker up – those kitty kisses may be therapeutic for both you and your furball!