When your cat licks you, it's a display of deep affection and trust. This behavior is rooted in their instinct, mirroring the grooming behavior seen in their early kittenhood.
Affection
By grooming you, your cat marks you as part of their family, reinforcing the social bond between you and creating a sense of unity within the household.
Bonding
Comfort is the one-word reassurance. Cats may lick to comfort themselves, and when they extend this behavior to you, it's a gesture of seeking and providing comfort.
Comfort
This marks you as part of their territory and communicates to other cats that you are a familiar and accepted presence.
Communication
In the wild, a mother cat licks her kittens to stimulate their circulation and digestion. When your cat licks you, it may be expressing a similar nurturing instinct.
Nurturing
It's their way of saying, "I am here, and I want you to notice me." Responding positively to their licks reinforces the positive interaction between you and your cat.
Attention
They expose vulnerable areas like their belly during this act, showcasing that they feel secure and safe in your presence.
Trust