Cats lick their owners mainly as a sign of affection and bonding. This behavior, known as allogrooming among cats, helps them form close social bonds and shows that the cat considers the owner part of its social group or family. Licking can also be a way for the cat to share its scent with the owner, marking them as safe and familiar. Additionally, licking may feel pleasurable to cats because it releases "feel good" hormones (endorphins) in their brains. However, excessive licking could sometimes indicate that the cat is feeling stressed or anxious. Cats may also lick to get attention or because they like the taste of something on the owner's skin, such as salty sweat or food residues.
