Why Do Rats Lick to Show Affection?

When rats lick humans, it’s not a sign of affection, but rather a form of self-grooming. If a rat were anxious, it wouldn’t groom itself. However, when a rat is grooming itself and sitting on a human, it means that the rat is comfortable in human company and feels protected. This behavior is not unusual in the animal kingdom. Most species use scent marking to mark their territory and to protect their possessions.

This behavior can be interpreted against the context of other behaviors, such as when a new rat is stressed or nervous, or when a familiar rat is eager to show affection. The first few days of a new rat’s life may be filled with a lot of stress and nervousness, so a rat’s behavior may not be entirely predictable. However, when a rat becomes accustomed to a new human, he or she will scent-mark out of familiarity. It’s important to note that cuddling is an affectionate social behavior and strengthens bonds.

Although rats are not notorious for biting, they are often affectionate and lovable pets. It’s not unusual for a rat to lick you to show affection, but it’s important to understand that licking can be both a protective action and a sign of startle. While the risk of rat bites is small, the risk is still present if you’re handling a rat in pain.