our female MC will often like my face - beginning usually at 4:00 AM - and i cannot deter her by spraying her with water, putting her on the floor, moving her away from me - she is a VERY PERSISTENT creature and we have trouble teaching her not to eat from the dog's dish, not to jump on our desk, things we have consistently been firm about. She wants to be with us at all times, and wants affection sometimes, but when she wants to lick me (rarely my husband but maybe because he has a beard!!), it is hard to distract her. Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated! and, thanks.

-- Anonymous, May 10, 1999

Answers

I have 2 mc types. They also find 4am the best time to show me how much they care. My cats are both less than a year old and others have told me they will grow out of this stage. They will always be very friendly but they will find more approprate times to express this. I have found that the older of the two is learning to sleep in but the little one is up at the crack of dawn. good luck

-- Anonymous, May 14, 1999

My first MAINE licked my lips and attacked my feet the first morning to wake me.I thought "you cute little brat". He's always had the notion to this[lick]. I encourage him, it hurts a little, but I still think it's cute.If you don't,try putting your hand up and gentilly push his head back ,while saying 'no'.It may take awhile.If my cats get in the dog food,I dump it back in the bag,I feed twice a day,and have special needs, so I don't free feed.It's natural for cat to be up.All 5 of mine are here, but up on 2 other tables.I'd love a persistent head butter/nose rubber,but all mine lower heads to me,gotta love 'em away

-- Anonymous, May 19, 1999

Hi!

She maybe grooming you as a member of her "cat family" We have a male MC that is very persistent when washing our hair. He will sit behind us on the couch or chair and after placing a large, heavy paw on our head will proceed to wash our hair. It isn't too bad as long as he doesn't use his claws. I think you just need to be persistent in saying "no" and pushing her from your face. MCs are very loving cats and I know ours get very upset when they can't be with us. Being consistent and persistent is the key.

-- Anonymous, May 21, 1999

I had a real strong head butter before.Now one of my MC's licks my lips to greet me or cuddle.This two cats seem too just love me.Licking hurts, but I think he's the sweetess cat I ever had.I encouage licking.He's the most affectionate of the MC's.He's now way beyond a lapcat,as he gets on my chest,curls in my arms,licks, and rolls over on his back.MC"s are not lapcats.I think your cat really is showing affection for you.I have a mouchtache and it gets groomed.2nd reply

-- Anonymous, May 27, 1999

I had a real strong head butter before.Now one of my MC's licks my lips to greet me or cuddle.This two cats seem too just love me.Licking hurts, but I think he's the sweetess cat I ever had.I encouage licking.He's the most affectionate of the MC's.He's now way beyond a lapcat,as he gets on my chest,curls in my arms,licks, and rolls over on his back.MC's are not known lapcats.I think your cat really is showing affection for you.I have a mouchtache and it gets groomed.2nd reply

-- Anonymous, May 27, 1999

My Ranger is the lickiest cat I know, but I feel better now having read all of y'all's answers. And why do they all have a habit of licking at 4am? I think it's a plot. I limit him to a lick on the nose as a greeting when I get home, or my fingers when he's just gotta do it. When he licks my finger, he also "gnaws" it, not to hard, maybe he's just teething (no, he's therious!).

-- Anonymous, September 05, 1999

Our MC also has a real propensity for licking. But only my wife. We think that perfumes or sprays(cologne) might have something to do with it. Our kitty only seems to want to lick when my wife or I have been into something containing a fragrance. Maybe this will help.

-- Anonymous, September 21, 1999

My MC not only licked heads from the top of the couch, he also bathed his fellow cats!! (We have an english shorthair and an american shorthair Tabby)

The other cats seem to put up with being "Given a bath" just as we do.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2000

My MC Newman loves to lick my face and hands, to get you to pet him. If that does not work then I get a "love" nip on my hand and IF that does not work he picks up my fingers in his mouth and tries to put my hand on him.... All of this at 5am in the morning and again around 7pm. They are characters!

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2001