Cats can go from aloof to lovey-dovey in the blink of an eye. So how can we be sure cats like being kissed? Here's what to know before you pucker up.
Do Cats Like Kisses? What Experts Say You Need to Know
Updated on May 14, 2025
Cats are incredibly easy to love. We swoon over their cute faces and fluffy waves of fur, and we relish all the ways they show affection—like when they hop into our lap, purring and meowing their way into our hearts. It’s so tempting to return the love by picking them up and giving them a smooch, but do cats like kisses? And do they even understand what human kisses mean?
We spoke to cat behavior experts to hear what they have to say about kissing our cats and how feline body language can cue us in to our pet’s preferences. Read on for expert-backed information everyone should know before puckering up.
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Do cats like kisses?
Some cats may tolerate kisses and possibly appreciate them, especially when the cat trusts you. But overall, your cat doesn’t think of kissing the same way you do.
“Kissing your cat with your lips is not something cats will understand, nor will they recognize it as a cat species-specific behavior,” says Stephen Quandt, founder of Stephen Quandt Feline Behavior Associates in New York City.
What makes a cat comfortable with kisses?
“It depends on how the cat was socialized to humans when they were young, how comfortable they are with handling and their relationship to the person attempting to kiss them,” says Janna Skinner, a cat behavior manager at the Arizona Animal Welfare League in Phoenix.
Cats that received cuddling, kisses and other forms of socialization as kittens are more likely to tolerate kissing than a cat whose socialization didn’t include repeated up-close-and-personal contact. “Additionally, cats are more likely to accept kisses from people they know well or have a strong bond with,” says Skinner.
In general, a cat’s preference for kisses depends heavily on their personality. Some may love little kisses, while others have more defined boundaries.
Cats may like kisses paired with other feel-good things, such as:
- Nuzzling
- Gently having warm air blown on them
- Being offered your forehead for sniffing or touching with their nose
“Cats read our body language, and if we are soft and gentle with them when attempting a kiss, this may help them appreciate the attention,” says Quandt.
Still, cats are notoriously fickle. They might be OK when you lean in for a kiss in the morning but run for the hills when you attempt it later the same day. That’s why it’s so important to know your pets and their preferences.
How do cats show they love you?
You’ll know your cat loves you by the things they do.
“Cats primarily show affection to their humans by wanting to be near us and participate in whatever we are doing, whether it is watching television, working on a computer or doing other things around our homes,” says Skinner.
Cats also show their affinity for their humans in much the same way as they show affection to other cats. Signs your cat loves you include:
- Head-butting you
- Rubbing against your face
- Purring
In fact, according to a recent University of Sussex study, cats looking to get their humans’ attention sometimes release a high-frequency purr that sounds just like a baby crying.
If this sounds familiar, your cat probably wants an extra dose of pampering from you!
Do cats kiss one another?
No. At least not in the same way humans kiss.
“Many people refer to the common feline behavior of touching noses as ‘kitty kisses,’ but this is actually a form of greeting and information exchange between cats that are friendly with each other,” says Skinner.
Cats don’t lock lips, but they do show affection by:
- Rubbing their heads against each other
- Rubbing their cheeks against each other
- Walking with their tails entwined
Mutual grooming can also be a sign of affection between some cats.
What are some signs your cat doesn’t like being kissed?
Pay close attention to your cat’s body language, and you’ll find out. Does your cat pull away when you get close to their face and pull their ears down to the side? Your pet may be in the “no kisses” camp.
Quandt says that a cat that doesn’t appreciate kissing will likely:
- Turn away
- Move away from you
- Swat at your face
- Hiss at you
Because cats are fickle, it could depend on their mood and cattitude of the moment. But if they consistently exhibit the signs mentioned, kissing is probably off the table.
“Repeatedly kissing your cat when they are not comfortable getting kisses may lead to your cat avoiding you if they think you might want to kiss them,” says Skinner.
How can you show affection to your cat without kissing?
There are plenty of alternatives for showing cats affection without making them uncomfortable.
“Giving a finger-to-nose touch simulates a cat’s nose-to-nose ‘kiss’ or greeting,” says Quandt. “Different cats appreciate different approaches, but generally, gentle petting, nuzzling, giving ‘scritches’ on their cheeks or foreheads are well appreciated.”
Affectionate actions
If your cat doesn’t love kisses but you still want to say “I love you,” there are plenty of other actions that will get your point across. While cats can’t comprehend the emotions encompassing love the way humans do, they do know love, and for them, it’s tied to the person who:
- Feeds them
- Gives them treats and affection
- Keeps them safe and comfortable
All of these actions essentially convey that feeling of affection to them.
Affectionate petting
Petting is a great alternative when kissing is off the table with a cat. Cats generally have some favorite spots, but you’ll want to observe how your pet, in particular, reacts when you pet them in specific areas.
Quand says these are a few signs that your cat enjoys a good petting session:
- Nuzzling
- Purring
- Trilling
- Gentle meowing
- Rubbing up against you
- Holding their tail high or holding it high while it quivers gently
“Kneading (‘making biscuits’) is always a good sign, as that is a kitten-to-mother behavior that stimulates lactation,” he adds.
Where to avoid petting
You might want to avoid one area: the floofy belly.
While some cats like belly rubs, others feel threatened or uncomfortable. Sensitivity in this area may be an evolutionary trait.
Here’s a fascinating cat fact: “The ‘pouch’ of loose flesh that many cats have under their bellies contains no vital organs and serves as a way of distracting an attacker so they go after a different part of their body that won’t cause fatal or serious injury,” says Quandt.
Affectionate sights and sounds
If your cat isn’t a fan of human touch, vocal or visual affection may be the way to go.
Many cats respond well to:
- A soothing voice
- Kitty sounds
- The ever-popular pspspsps noise
Alternatively, if you’re among the lucky pet owners whose cats make eye contact with them, slow blinking is another proven way to shower love and affection for your feline friend.
While the idea of kissing your cats often might be tempting, remember to keep their comfort in mind at all times. Pay attention to how they react to various gestures, and give them the love they deserve in a way that’s comfortable.
About the experts
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Sources:
- Stephen Quandt, founder of Stephen Quandt Feline Behavior Associates
- Janna Skinner, feline behavior and process development manager at the Arizona Animal Welfare League
- University of Sussex: “Communicating with cats and dogs”
- Scientific Reports: “The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat–human communication”
