Cats lick their owners for various reasons, including:

1. 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.

2. Attention-seeking: Cats may lick their owners to get attention, as they may have learned that licking gets them the desired response.

3. Investigating scents: Cats may lick their owners to investigate interesting scents or odors on their skin or hair.

4. Marking territory: Licking is a way for cats to mark and establish their territory, including their toys, other animals, and their owners. When a cat licks their owner, they leave behind their scent, which tells other cats to stay away.

5. Pacifier substitute: Cats may lick their owners to soothe themselves when they are anxious or stressed.

6. Tasting something interesting: Sometimes, cats may lick their owners because they taste something interesting on their skin, such as sweat or residue from food or lotion.

If your cat licks you excessively or in a way that is out of the ordinary, it may indicate a medical issue or a behavioral problem. In such cases, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.