When your cat licks you, it can mean several things, mostly related to affection, bonding, communication, and comfort:

• Expressing Affection and Bonding: Cats often lick to show love and nurture social bonds, a behavior they learn from their mothers grooming them as kittens. Licking you is like grooming you, which strengthens your relationship and shows that your cat considers you part of their social group or family

• Marking You as Part of Their Territory: Cats use licking to transfer their scent onto you, marking you as "theirs" to other cats. This scent marking is a way of claiming you as part of their tribe and territory

• Grooming You: Cats have rough tongues suited for grooming. They may lick you as a way to clean you or include you in their grooming routine, similar to how they groom other cats they are close to

• Seeking Attention: Licking can be a way for your cat to get your attention, whether for petting, food, or play. They learn that licking often results in interaction from you, reinforcing the behavior

• Comfort and Coping Mechanism: Sometimes cats lick to soothe themselves if they feel anxious or stressed. Excessive licking may indicate that your cat is trying to comfort itself or cope with changes in its environment

• Kitten-Related Behavior: Cats weaned early may lick you as a way to seek comfort reminiscent of nursing, often accompanied by kneading and purring

• Attracted to Your Taste: Your skin's salty sweat or food residues can attract your cat to lick you

In summary, your cat licking you is generally a positive sign of affection, bonding, and communication, though it can sometimes indicate stress or a desire for attention. If licking becomes excessive or problematic, consulting a vet is advisable