So, your opossum is licking you. What’s going on? Usually, it’s their way of showing affection and trying to bond.
People call this slubbing—it’s a mix of licking and rubbing their head on you. Honestly, it’s a bit like your pet saying, “Hey, I trust you,” or even, “You’re family now.” Opossums have their own quirky way of showing love and connection.
But licking isn’t always about affection. Opossums also lick to communicate and check things out.
When they lick you, they might be marking you with their scent or just learning more about you. It’s a small gesture, but in the opossum world, it means a lot.
So, when your opossum licks you, it’s usually a good sign—they feel safe and close to you. Understanding what’s behind this behavior can help you connect better with your little buddy.
If you’re curious, you can look into more reasons why opossums lick.
Common Reasons Your Opossum Is Licking You
When your opossum licks you, it might be for a few reasons. Maybe they’re showing care, or just exploring what you taste like.
Sometimes, it’s a sign they feel safe with you.
Affection and Social Bonding
Opossums often use licking to show affection. If your possum licks you, they’re probably marking you with their scent.
That’s their way of feeling connected and claiming you as part of their group. Licking can also calm them down and build trust between you both.
They usually do this when they feel comfortable and happy around you. It’s sort of like how some animals groom each other to strengthen bonds.
Taste and Curiosity
Maybe your opossum is just curious about your skin. Sometimes your skin tastes salty or has traces of food, and that draws their attention.
They figure out a lot about the world through taste and smell. Licking helps them get to know you better.
If your opossum licks your hands or face, they might be trying to figure out what you are or what you’ve touched. It’s just their natural way of exploring.
Seeking Comfort and Security
Sometimes, licking means your opossum wants comfort. If they’re scared or unsure, licking can help them feel better.
This action sends calming signals and can lower their stress. Your opossum might lick your skin to look for reassurance.
It’s a sign they trust you and see you as a safe place.
If you want more details, Humane Indiana Wildlife has a good explanation of slubbing.
Health Considerations and Safety When an Opossum Licks You
When your opossum licks you, it’s smart to think about health issues and how this differs from having a dog or cat. It’s also good to know when you should call a vet.
Potential Health Risks and Rabies Concerns
Opossums almost never carry rabies. Their body temperature is just too low for the virus to survive.
Still, they can carry parasites or bacteria. Don’t let your opossum lick open wounds or your face.
If your opossum looks sick or acts strangely—maybe it’s drooling or aggressive—be careful. Wash any area they licked with soap and water.
Try not to handle wild opossums roughly, since they might carry other diseases.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Call a vet if your pet opossum starts licking a lot and also shows signs of illness, like skin problems or odd behavior. If you get scratched or bitten, see a vet quickly.
If a wild opossum licks you and you’re worried about infection or you don’t know its health status, talk to a doctor. Getting advice right away is always the safest move.
Differences from Dog and Other Pet Behaviors
Opossum licking really isn’t the same as what you’d expect from dogs or other pets.
Dogs usually lick to show affection, or maybe they’re just tasting the salt on your skin.
Opossums, on the other hand, mostly lick to mark territory or show a bit of familiarity—a behavior called “slubbing.”
You won’t see opossums licking because they want to play or settle down.
Their licking ties back to scent marking, not bonding.
So, when an opossum cuddles or licks you, it doesn’t always mean it sees you as a friend in the same way a dog would.
Curious for more? Check out this detailed explanation about opossum slubbing behavior.
