Close your eyes and imagine coming home to see two adorable cats lying side by side, one licking the other in tender strokes. Such a view elevates one's emotions but raises the question: Why do cats lick each other? Is it merely an expression of fondness or a more complex emotion altogether?
The presence of an allogrooming behavior can reveal a lot about the social structure in which your cats reside and their connection with each other. In this article, we will discuss why cats lick each other and when it becomes alarming, among other healthy pet interactions.
The Science Behind Cat Grooming
Grooming is an integral activity for all cats. Studies show that pets like cats may spend even half their active hours or day cleaning their furs. Intricate as it may seem regarding how grooming works, scratching other pets does not only keep the surfaces of elapsed skin clean and free of microorganisms. Instead, it has different uses – temperate control, secretion of oils, among others, and even as a method of controlling anxiety. The licking of one cat by another or even vice-versa is different and has many reasons for undertaking such a behavior. Science says that in this regard:
1. Strengthening Social Bonds
Grooming isn't just about hygiene and love, trust, and friendship. When cats live together, they often develop a bond, and licking each other is a way to strengthen that connection. Cats use grooming to express affection, such as hugging their friends or holding hands with loved ones.
2. Mutual Cleaning
It is a well-known fact that cats are great at cleaning themselves. However, some areas, such as the tops of their heads, necks, or even behind their ears, are difficult for them. Therefore, when a cat cleans another cat, it simply helps by cleaning the spots the other cat cannot. This is a two-way approach that ensures that both cats present themselves in the best way possible.
3. Reinforcing Territory and Safety
Cats are very territorial and attach great importance to scents in their communication. When the cats lick each other, they not only rid themselves of dirt but also tend to scent themselves to each other, and as a result, each averts invading the other's territory. It's like, "You belong to me, and this is our territory." It helps build up security and the feeling of belonging for the cats in the same environment.
4. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Grooming soothes cats. It relaxes them in the same way a massage relaxes human beings. When otters groom each other, they perform a similar act while grooming each other. Grooming is also helpful in mitigating stress and nervousness and enabling them to acclimate well to any environment.
5. Hierarchy and Dominance
In households with many cats, for instance, grooming may establish order. The alpha female may groom other females to assert her position. Such behavior is not aggressive or bullying but a more refined means of asserting power over other group members.
image credit: Irina | iStock
An Observation on Why Cats Lick Each Other's Heads and Ears
If you care to observe, you will see that cats often lick each other's heads, ears, and necks. This behavior may be rational, but it also serves a reason. A cat may not be able to groom her head and ears so well, so when another cat comes in to help, it demonstrates a level of affection and confidence with the other cat.
The motion of the tongue is rhythmic, the nibbling of the ears is relatively soft, and the gaze is unwavering. All these elements point toward the cats' understanding. This is a socializing behavior that kittens adopt from their mothers and later practice on their peers, especially on relatives.
When Licking Becomes a Problem in Cats
Allogrooming is fundamentally considered a positive and wholesome behavior, but licking sometimes violates the peace. Too much licking in -stressed cats causes skin or color changes along the skin where excessive licking occurs, which can be a symptom of concealed emotions or a specific condition. So, let's examine a few situations and issues with licking.
1. Grooming and Self-Growing Complications
Overgrooming occurs when a cat licks herself or another cat far more than is normal, often leading to hair loss or skin infections. These behaviors may be attributable to anxiety, lack of stimulation, or irritants like dust. For example, an anxious cat, such as one in a new home with a new cat and loud barking dogs, might deviate from her usual behavior and lick herself or other cats excessively.
2. Dominance Behaviors
Sometimes, grooming behaviors may begin in a positive tone only to switch up aggressively. For instance, if one cat appears to be trying to run away and the other cat is still adamant about licking them, it may mean it is all about being overly controlling. Also, consider the different signs: ears pricked back, tail movement, if any, and growls, which are signs that the grooming may not be appreciated.
3. Underlying Medical Conditions
Licking may also indicate underlying medical conditions, such as skin diseases, worm infestation, or pain in the body. You should see a veterinarian if you observe any lesions, swelling, or changes in your pet's coa
Image credit: Shofi | iStock
How to Encouraging Positive Grooming Behavior
As a cat owner, you may be wondering whether there is something you can do to have your cats groom each other more and form a bond. Here are some suggestions to promote healthy interaction.
1. Allow for Enough Space and Resources
Ensure that each cat has a spot where it can get away when it desires to be alone. This alleviates territorial tension and promotes amicable conduct. Moreover, having several litter boxes, scratching areas, and sleeping spots helps avert aggression and anxiety.
2. Accustom New Cats to the Family Over Time
If you want to bring another cat into your home, do it with restraint. Let the cats gradually get familiar with each other's scent before meeting. Positive factors like playing with them or giving them treats will help encourage and create an eventual grooming behavior.
3. Watch and Step in When Required
It is widespread for cats to lick each other, but one has to be careful and check for signs of discomfort or aggression in the other cat. If one cat does not appreciate this attention, lightly pull them apart and consider using a toy or treat to divert them.
4. Employ Calming Solutions
Calming sprays, diffusers, and even cal aims can assist the multi-cat setup. These products have cloud-like pheromones that many felines understand as that of a mother cat when she wants her kittens to be calm.
A Cat's Guide to Grooming
1. It is Nilgai Gireas' in-Built Habit.
All cats are groomers by nature. From an early age, kittens see their oversized mother licking their other siblings, and they, too, tend to groom themselves. It all comes naturally to cats as it is deep in their genes.
2. All Felines Male Themselves To Cool Off
Cats, unlike people, do not sweat around all their bodies. They do it at grooming. They apply saliva onto the skin and fur surfaces to reduce body temperature as the saliva evaporates.
3. Munching Hormones:
Cleaning physiologically fastens the secretion of some happy hormones known as endorphins, which make cats tranquil and feel good. That is why most cats look very happy when cleaning their bodies or one another.
Conclusion
It is commonly assumed that cats groom themselves for the sake of hygiene. However, there is more to a cat's grooming habits than meets the eye. Cats use grooming to express emotions and reinforce the social dominance hierarchy. The band's social licking can discern much from their needs, feelings, and motives.
Ensure that they partake in acceptable grooming behavior by ensuring they are comfortable around each other, that the new pet is introduced correctly, and that their play is monitored. However, if licking becomes excessive at any point, consult a doctor. In the end, understanding why cats groom each other will help understand and appreciate the bonds that cats develop and help keep cats in good condition in the household.
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