My cats lick me in the face with a disturbing frequency. Â Why? Â I’m not so sure. Â I imagine it’s a sign of affection, though I’m not entirely unsure it isn’t a “tasting” before the feast. Â Whatever the case, I am wry enough to realize that those tongues, despite all the digestive juices in their mouths, are not as clean I’d like.

Have you ever noticed that your cat will not eat the food that’s been lying out for days, but has no problem sticking the toy mouse in its mouth that has been lying out for years? Â It must be a strange trip through their minds.