I've always had cats who thought I needed washing. :) My first cat used to wash my entire face whenever I'd let her. She's the only one who thought the inside of my nose might be dirty.

My second cat used to chew on my hair and ears in the morning when she thought it was time to get up and feed her. My current cats are much more mellow about it, but the older one likes to lick people when they're brushing her, and the little one mostly only goes after hands, and only when she's sleepy.
I think it's basically the cutest. XD
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I have horror stories about gerbils, though.

I think small rodents are really cute, but I never want to own one again. I kind of wish I knew someone who did, so I could visit them and observe their cuteness not in a pet shop, but ....nope. Not for me.