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Cats communicate in different ways than humans do. So, if you wonder whether cats understand kisses, they may not understand what the gesture means.
Additionally, they show their affection differently.
Nonetheless, some cats may understand that it’s their owner’s way of showing affection after doing it repeatedly.
Some cats love kissing, while others don’t.
And just like humans, cats have their way of showing affection, and kissing is not one of them.
Even if your cat doesn’t understand kisses, you should consider how it reacts to them.
If your cat loves kisses, you can go ahead and kiss it.
But if your cat shows it doesn’t like it at all, you can show your cat affection in different ways.
A cat that understands kisses will lean forward, purr, or even rub its head on you when you kiss it.
Such a cat knows you’re trying to show affection and reciprocates the gesture.
On the other hand, some cats may understand kisses, but they may not like them.
Such a cat will turn away, hiss, or even swat, to show how it dislikes the kissing.
Generally, most cats don’t understand kisses. This is because their way of showing affection and perceiving emotions are different.
The best way to have your cat like kisses is to start kissing it when still young.
The cat will think that you’re groomingit, which is another way cats show affection to each other.
So, as your cat grows up, it will understand that kisses are one of your ways of showing that you care about it.
How To Know If Your Cat Loves Kisses
Blinks Their Eye Slowly
Cats use a long, slow blink to show their affection.
This is an indication that they love you and are comfortable around you.
Also, this is a simple gesture of giving you kisses in their way.
You should reciprocate by blinking back.
Leans Forward With Ears Up
This is another way how your cat is showing you affection.
If she leans forward with her ears up, the cat tells you she enjoys kissing.
So, you can go ahead and cuddle it.
Purrs
Purring is a cat’s language of saying that it is contented with or trusts you.
It purrs to get your attention and to show you some love.
Apart from purring, the cat may also meow, chirp, or even trill.
Rubs Head On You
Your feline friend will also show affection by rubbing their head on your cheeks or face.
This is another way of telling you that your cat trusts you and likes your kisses.
Besides showing affection, this is another way of her marking her territory.
Cats have scent glands on their cheeks that produce pheromones.
And they use these pheromones to mark their territory and fend off other cats.
Grooms You
Cats show affection to other cats and their owners through grooming.
If your feline friend feels closely attached to you, your cat will lick you, leaving its scent.
Also, this shows how much she trusts you and makes them feel relaxed.
Raises Their Tail
Many people confuse cats raising their tails with aggression.
This is not always the case, as cats can raise their tails when they are happy or show affection to their masters.
A cat can show love by twining its tail around the legs or arms of its owner.
Tolerates Your Affection
Not all cats will allow you to kiss them.
Many cats don’t like kissing, but they just put up with it because it is their favorite owner doing it.
Cats may tolerate kissing and other behaviors as a sign of affection.
Hanging Around You
Like people, it is not easy to be around someone you don’t love.
Cats follow and stick around people they have affection for.
How To Tell That Your Cat Doesn’t Like Kisses
Moves Way From Your Kisses
The easiest way to know that your cat doesn’t like kisses is when she turns away as you try to kiss her.
If you notice this every time you try kissing your cat, you should stop doing it.
Hisses
Some cats will not turn away but show a sign of aggression by hissing.
If that’s the case, you should not kiss your cat because it shows how it does not like it.
Hissing is a warning from your feline friend before attacking.
Your Cat Puts Its Ears Back
If the cat’s ears are not straight, you should be watchful, as this is not a good sign.
This signifies that the cat is irritated and doesn’t want to be kissed.
Your Cat Swishes Its Tail
If the cat is waving its tail from side to side vigorously, this is a sign that she is frustrated, annoyed, and upset.
Therefore, do not kiss your cat lest it may pound on you.
Swats At You
If your furry friend swats at you, this is simply telling you it had enough.
Therefore, you should not kiss it because it doesn’t like being kissed.
Is It Okay To Kiss My Cat On The Mouth?
Because we treat our cats like family members, we like to express our affection with kisses.
And some take it far by kissing their cat’s mouth.
But is it really okay to do so?
While kissing our cats is relatively no big deal, kissing them on the mouth might be unsanitary.
Kissing your cat on the mouth may lead you to acquire germs, infections, and perhaps a gastrointestinal illness.
Fortunately, cats are less likely to engage in mouth-to-mouth displays of affection.
What Are The Things You Should Be Mindful About Before Kissing Your Cat?
Before you kiss your feline friend, there are many things that you need to know, and they are as follows:
- Don’t kiss your furry friend on the lips.
Many cats don’t love being kissed on the lips.
This is because they feel their space is being overstepped.
Unless you have an excellent bond with your cat, you should never kiss it on the lips.
What’s more is that cats can carry cat scratch fever, bacteria, ringworm, and parasites that can spread to humans through contact with their saliva. - Never kiss a cat you don’t know well.
Cats are very protective, and kissing a cat you don’t know may end up bad.
Some cats may not tolerate such a thing, and others may hurt you.
Bottom Line
All-in-all, cats don’t understand kisses and may react differently to them.
Before you start kissing your cat, ensure that you’ve formed a bond, so you don’t get hurt.
Also, read the emotions of the cat before kissing it. If your cat loves being kissed, you can kiss it while playing with it.
But if it doesn’t like being kissed, then try showing it affection in a different way.
If a cat reacts positively or negatively to your kisses, understand that cats are different, and you should respect their feelings.
Some may understand that your kisses are a way of showing affection, while others may not.
We wish you all the best as you try to connect and bond with your feline friend.
Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment below!
Purrfect n’ Pawesome is the brainchild of Amanda, who has been into researching and writing about pets to help other pet parents in nurturing their adorable pets. Currently, she runs Purrfect n’ Pawesome along with her team of experienced and dedicated pet experts. Along with being an awesome writer and entrepreneur, Amanda is a cat mom to two innocently spoiled cats, Balanca and Scruffy.
She has been writing about pet care and nurturing and wants to share her readers’ experiences, learnings, and knowledge.
Over the years, she had the opportunity to work with various pet owners having multiple breeds, and that exposure gave her experience and the lessons of a lifetime.
Her family, her entire universe revolves around her two cats, who give her endless support and inspiration to move ahead with her objectives in life. Amanda is a live example of a balanced approach to all parenthood questions we all face in life.
