Cats lick and then bite humans often as part of their natural social and grooming behaviors. The licking can be a way for the cat to bond and groom, similar to how they groom other cats. The bite that follows may have several explanations: it can be a playful nibble during a fun interaction, a sign of overstimulation where the cat communicates it has had enough, or a gentle way to seek attention. Sometimes the bite is a warning that petting or interaction has become too much for the cat, and the subsequent lick may serve to calm or reassure themselves. This behavior is common and typically indicates the cat's way of communicating or playing rather than aggression. If the biting is hard or accompanied by other signs of distress, it is worth checking for health or anxiety issues with a vet. Key reasons for licking then biting include:

• Grooming and bonding behavior
• Playful interaction and energy release
• Overstimulation tolerance limit (petting-induced aggression)
• Attention-seeking behavior

Watching the cat's body language (such as tail twitching, ear flattening) helps predict when biting may occur and allows for timely breaks to prevent overstimulation. This explanation is supported by several sources analyzing common cat behavior patterns and communication methods with humans.