When a kitten licks you, it can mean several things, depending on the context. Here are some possible reasons why a kitten might lick you:

• Affection: Licking is a way for cats to show affection and create a social bond with their owners. This behavior may stem from kittenhood when their mother licked them to groom them and show care and affection.

• Grooming: Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, and they may lick their owners as a way of grooming them too. This behavior is more common in cats that have a close relationship with their owners.

• Attention-seeking: Some cats may lick their owners to get attention, especially if they have learned that licking gets them a positive response.

• Marking territory: Licking is a way for cats to mark their territory and establish their scent. When a cat licks you, it leaves behind its scent, which tells other cats to stay away.

• Kitten-related behavior: Kittens knead and suckle when nursing, and if a kitten was weaned too early, it may use licking as a way to seek comfort when stressed or anxious.

• Tasting something interesting: Sometimes, a cat may lick its owner because it tastes something interesting on their skin. For example, if the owner has spilled something or come into contact with something that left a residue on their skin, the cat may like how it tastes.

In summary, when a kitten licks you, it can mean that it is showing affection, grooming you, seeking attention, marking its territory, displaying kitten-related behavior, or tasting something interesting.