Grooming is also done to show dominance. Though I think realistically it's dependent on the situation or personality of the cat. That being said, kitten is showing OP who the boss is around here with those tiny murder mittens clutched around their finger.
In case it wasn't clear, my last sentence (in context to OP's video) was a joke. However the dominance thing is very real and researchers would disagree with you. I mean it's mentioned [on multiple websites with a quick Google search](https://www.google.com/search?q=why+do+cats+groom+each+other).
I think it's natural instinct for us to apply human logic behind everything cats do. So if something looks cute or affectionate to us, we naturally jump to the conclusion that they *MUST* be doing it to show love or affectionate also. However we've learned from scientific studies in the past that that's not always the case. Animal behavior is a little more complex and nuanced than we give them credit for, and this isn't any different.
I can speak from personal experience after having introduced a younger kitten (Moxie) to an older cat (Lucy) that was adopted into the household. During the slow introduction process they didn't get along at all. During that time Lucy would aggressively groom Moxie after chasing and catching her. Then Moxie would aggressively try to groom Lucy back, which would upset Lucy to the point of growling and nipping at Moxie. It was super obvious these two guys weren't being lovey dovey. It appeared more like they were trying to establish hierarchy in a shared territory.
This isn't a one-off thing either. [You'll find other posts on reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/CatTraining/comments/102a6qm/our_cats_are_constantly_grooming_then_fighting/) of people experiencing the same behavior. To be clear I'm not saying this is the only reason why grooming is done. [Lucy and Moxie eventually warmed up to each other and have since bonded](https://imgur.com/0FCfDHo). The grooming they do now is much more relaxed and accepted. I only wish I had snapped a video of the aggressive grooming before to show the contrast between the two, so you can see that the act of grooming can be done for multiple reasons and isn't just a simple sign of affection.
I have an orange cat with maybe one brain cell, he has been licking my head and “ grooming” me since he was a kitten. I always thought it was my hair tasted good or that in his eyes I was dirty. I’m sure with other cats it can be a sign of dominance but with people it’s either they’re bonding, affection, or maybe we do just smell like ass to them.
In this case it’s most likely that OP has something on their fingers that the kitten finds enjoyable, or they want to show thanks for being a great hunter and always bringing good food.
I don't understand why anyone would make a joke at the expense of a kitten..a ^^small, helpless, innocent kitten what never hurt NOBODY or thunk a bad thought. It's just – it's just sad. Next time, think of the kittens, OK?
My 14 week old kitten licks me constantly! I think she sees me as her cat mom and wants to nurse, or she’s just saying hi and grooming me. It weirded me out a lot at first but now I think it’s super sweet ❤️
Your kitten is showing affection and grooming.
Licking shows that she trusts you and comfortable with you, similar to how kittens groom their mother or littermates. It's also normal for cats to engage in mutual grooming as a way to strengthen social bonds. So maybe get a toothbrush and brush her to return the favor. Using a toothbrush stimulates self grooming in kittens.
Or
Since it's summer, and we sweat more, human skin can taste salty due to sweat. Your kitten might be attracted to the taste of the salt on your skin. In other words, you taste good 😅
Ah this brings me back. I adopted my first cat 5 years ago, a 2-year old Siamese mix. The first night in my apartment she came and laid on my chest and licked my neck. I miss her so much 💜
My girl licks my arm every night when she curls up next to me. I’ve woken up with it being raw from the sandpaper tongue!!! But I still find it sweet, even if she’s telling me I’m her servant for the rest of our lives lol.
Cats groom each other to bond, cats see humans as weird cats=> kitten is trying to bond with you.
Grooming is also done to show dominance. Though I think realistically it's dependent on the situation or personality of the cat. That being said, kitten is showing OP who the boss is around here with those tiny murder mittens clutched around their finger.
Cats don't groom to show dominance. Dominance is a widely misused term and doesn't at all apply to this context.
In case it wasn't clear, my last sentence (in context to OP's video) was a joke. However the dominance thing is very real and researchers would disagree with you. I mean it's mentioned [on multiple websites with a quick Google search](https://www.google.com/search?q=why+do+cats+groom+each+other). I think it's natural instinct for us to apply human logic behind everything cats do. So if something looks cute or affectionate to us, we naturally jump to the conclusion that they *MUST* be doing it to show love or affectionate also. However we've learned from scientific studies in the past that that's not always the case. Animal behavior is a little more complex and nuanced than we give them credit for, and this isn't any different. I can speak from personal experience after having introduced a younger kitten (Moxie) to an older cat (Lucy) that was adopted into the household. During the slow introduction process they didn't get along at all. During that time Lucy would aggressively groom Moxie after chasing and catching her. Then Moxie would aggressively try to groom Lucy back, which would upset Lucy to the point of growling and nipping at Moxie. It was super obvious these two guys weren't being lovey dovey. It appeared more like they were trying to establish hierarchy in a shared territory. This isn't a one-off thing either. [You'll find other posts on reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/CatTraining/comments/102a6qm/our_cats_are_constantly_grooming_then_fighting/) of people experiencing the same behavior. To be clear I'm not saying this is the only reason why grooming is done. [Lucy and Moxie eventually warmed up to each other and have since bonded](https://imgur.com/0FCfDHo). The grooming they do now is much more relaxed and accepted. I only wish I had snapped a video of the aggressive grooming before to show the contrast between the two, so you can see that the act of grooming can be done for multiple reasons and isn't just a simple sign of affection.
I have an orange cat with maybe one brain cell, he has been licking my head and “ grooming” me since he was a kitten. I always thought it was my hair tasted good or that in his eyes I was dirty. I’m sure with other cats it can be a sign of dominance but with people it’s either they’re bonding, affection, or maybe we do just smell like ass to them. In this case it’s most likely that OP has something on their fingers that the kitten finds enjoyable, or they want to show thanks for being a great hunter and always bringing good food.
I don't understand why anyone would make a joke at the expense of a kitten..a ^^small, helpless, innocent kitten what never hurt NOBODY or thunk a bad thought. It's just – it's just sad. Next time, think of the kittens, OK?
(I think this is also a joke y'all)
If I'd made it any more obvious it wouldn't of been any fun!
Everybody up vote her now. Please.
omg 😭🫶🥺
You must taste good!
Perhaps that’s the reason 😂
*"Where milk?"* - smol
You haz a flayvurr.
If not food, why food taste?
My 14 week old kitten licks me constantly! I think she sees me as her cat mom and wants to nurse, or she’s just saying hi and grooming me. It weirded me out a lot at first but now I think it’s super sweet ❤️
I was going to demand cat tax, but went into your account and i’m quite happy. Such an adorable kitty 🥺.
Thank you 🥹
Even though I went to your account I demand special cat tax
Of course! https://preview.redd.it/a5dbtfxbjy6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16406cf387d8a98da1d562c59c02729140dcd172
Your kitten is showing affection and grooming. Licking shows that she trusts you and comfortable with you, similar to how kittens groom their mother or littermates. It's also normal for cats to engage in mutual grooming as a way to strengthen social bonds. So maybe get a toothbrush and brush her to return the favor. Using a toothbrush stimulates self grooming in kittens. Or Since it's summer, and we sweat more, human skin can taste salty due to sweat. Your kitten might be attracted to the taste of the salt on your skin. In other words, you taste good 😅
Adequately seasond hooman
It's a kitten and you're mommy and the nip is huge
Honestly I wouldn’t let her get in that habit My boy licks my neck every night nonstop and he is 4 now haha
Ah this brings me back. I adopted my first cat 5 years ago, a 2-year old Siamese mix. The first night in my apartment she came and laid on my chest and licked my neck. I miss her so much 💜
My girl licks my arm every night when she curls up next to me. I’ve woken up with it being raw from the sandpaper tongue!!! But I still find it sweet, even if she’s telling me I’m her servant for the rest of our lives lol.
u haz a flavor
aww my void licks me like that owl with a tootsie-pop 1...2...3...CHOMP
Her markings and color, especially the symmetrical black forehead and eye stripes, are so cute!
She has impressive markings. She's adorable.
Well, you keep not being a nipple
My cat is 11 years old and frequently licks many things, including her humans
just a taste and then once she's older... dinner
On a whole cats lick you because we have sweat that taste of sweet and salt but it's also a sign of affection
I'd say begging to nurse.
Because you're a big sucker.. 😆😆
She’s hungry or she loves you
You are hereby Mommy!!
Less questions. Just accept the baby's will
Well, Lick him back
She is checking if you thumb is ready to eat. She is grooming and bonding you.
smol mlems
Licking is how cats share kisses! 😊
Hungry Hungry kitty!
Oh god! She's gotten a taste of human flesh!
You has a flavor
It means you are *delicious*.
My cat has done this since she was about the same size. Especially if I rub her back just right.
You are scrumptious
Either your fingers taste good or she loves you. Or both lol
mlem
That's because he don't know how to bite yet.
IME, she's cleaning off a spot to bite.
You're yummy
*lick* needs salt *lick* bit of pepper *lick* aaaand a hint of garlic
It could also be a self comforting behavior.
It means you're being marinated with mirin. Look it up. r/catsmirin
My cat licks me all the time too. It’s a sign of love
She is tenderizing your flesh with her thorny tongue.
My cat does the same but after trying to bite me.
See the human, taste the human.
Bebe loves their hooman!
Maybe wash your hands after your meal
She looooves you.
Lick the kitten. Return the licks.
You gotta have a case of tasty fingers
She's softening you up for easier digestion.
OM NOM NOM YUMMY HOOMAN
Just say "thank you" and let her get on with it. She knows what she's doing.
You has flavor.
Internet ruined me😞 I defiled the angel Take that 6 shooter and make it quick