Are Cat Licks Dangerous?

Yeah, I know you love your cats. You love them so much that you even allow them to lick your face. But have you ever given it a thought that these cat licks can cause some serious issues for you? Their saliva contains some bacteria and hormones that are not suitable for human skin and can be really harmful to you.    

Disadvantages of Cat’s Licks

It has often been heard that the cat’s saliva carries some great benefits for humans. Some people believe that cat’s saliva contains a beneficial enzyme that helps the wounds heal faster. But let me tell you that there is a part missing here, though cat’s saliva contains such enzymes, but they only work for the cats themselves. For humans, that very saliva can cause some serious issues. Cat’s saliva has many other disadvantages for humans. A few of them are given below.

Infections

Cat’s feces contains viruses that might cause infections such as hepatitis A and B. so when the cat licks its excreting area during the grooming sessions, there is a 95% chance that the virus gets stuck to its tongue, that’s why when the cat licks you, you can develop a greater risk of adopting hepatitis.   

Bacterial Disease

You might have heard of a disease called Cat Scratch Disease. It occurs when a cat licks a person’s open wound or injury. This disease is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae, which is carried by the cats in their saliva.

Can Cause Rash

Licking by a Cat often leaves the person with irritated skin, causes severe itching and the area becomes red. Though it relieves over time and by applying several ointments, but if the person has really sensitive skin, then it might result in serious skin issues. 

May Result in Allergy

If you are a really sensitive person and are prone to several allergies, then you should avoid your cat’s licks. Because in some cases, the cat’s saliva can cause a serious life-threatening allergy called anaphylaxis.

Why Do Cats Lick Their Owners

It is often thought that a cat licks you only when it wants to love you or need your time. But that is not always the case. There are a few other reasons behind a cat licking its owner.  

Marking their Territory

Cats consider the place where they live as their territory. No other cat is allowed to enter its house or use the belongings, and you are one of them.

While the stray cats mark their territory by spraying urine, feline doesn’t do such sort of thing, instead, they mark their territory with their saliva. That is the one reason your cat is always licking you so that it can warn the other cats that you belong to him and only him. 

Childhood Memories

Kittens were licked by their mothers once, this practice of licking makes a place in their mind for the rest of their life and whenever they remember their kittenhood memories, they began to lick anyone present at that time, whether they know them or not. 

Conclusion

You must avoid cat licks as much as you can. The best is to stop it. In case your cat has licked you, you must wash that area immediately and take preventive measures without wasting any time because you can never know what those innocent licks can do to you.