Why Do Cats Lick Each Other [See 12 Reasons]
Why do cats lick each other? Let’s find out together…
Have you ever wondered why our feline friends have this strange habit of licking each other? It’s actually quite fascinating!
In today’s blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of cat grooming and uncover the reasons behind this adorable licking ritual. From strengthening bonds to maintaining hygiene, there’s so much more to this behavior than meets the eye.
Why Do Cats Lick Each Other
Cats lick each other as a form of social grooming and to strengthen social bonds within their group, it is also a way for cats to show affection, establish a sense of belonging, and promote bonding.
Mutual grooming also helps in distributing scent and marking each other with their unique scent, which further reinforces their social connection.
Let’s break it down further for a better understanding…
Reasons Why Cats Lick Each Other
The following are some common reasons why cats lick each other:
1. Social Integration
When a new cat is introduced into a group, be it a multi-cat household or a community of feral cats, grooming plays a crucial role in social integration. The resident cats may groom the newcomer as a way of accepting them into the group.
This gesture helps reduce tension and establishes a sense of belonging for the new cat. Over time, the grooming sessions help the cats form positive associations with each other, facilitating smoother interactions and reducing potential conflicts.
2. Social Bonding
Cats are solitary animals by nature, but they do form strong social bonds with their fellow felines, especially those they live within the same household. Mutual grooming, also known as allogrooming, is a significant way for cats to express their affection and strengthen their relationships.
When one cat licks another, it’s an intimate gesture that fosters a sense of trust and camaraderie. This social bonding is essential for maintaining harmony within a group of cats and can lead to more cooperative behaviors among them.
3. Cleaning Ritual
If you’ve ever observed cats grooming themselves meticulously, you know they take great pride in their appearance. When a cat licks its feline friend, it’s not just a friendly gesture; it’s an act of grooming and cleanliness.
Cats use their rough tongues to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair from their companion’s fur, maintaining good hygiene and ensuring their coats remain pristine. This behavior is particularly common among cats that spend a lot of time together, such as littermates or bonded pairs.
4. Scent Familiarity
Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, and they use scent as a means of communication. Each cat has its unique scent, which helps establish its identity within a group.
When one cat licks another, they transfer their scent onto their companion, effectively marking them as part of the same social unit. This scent-sharing strengthens the group’s bond and creates a cohesive and familiar environment for all the cats involved.
5. Submission and Dominance
Within a group of cats, there is often a hierarchy, with some cats being more dominant than others. Mutual grooming can be a part of this social structure, serving as a way for cats to assert dominance or show submission.
The submissive cat may initiate grooming as a sign of respect towards the dominant one, while the dominant cat may use grooming to reinforce its position within the group. It’s a way of establishing and maintaining order and social harmony among the cats.
6. Affection Display
Grooming is a clear display of affection in the feline world. When a cat licks another, it’s a tender and caring gesture, a way of expressing love and attachment.
By engaging in mutual grooming, cats strengthen their emotional bonds, fostering a sense of trust and security within the group.
7. Healing and Soothing
In the wild, cats are often exposed to minor injuries and wounds during their daily activities. Licking each other’s wounds is an instinctive behavior that serves a practical purpose.
A cat’s saliva contains antibacterial properties and enzymes that can aid in cleaning wounds, reducing infection risk, and promoting faster healing. Additionally, the act of grooming itself can provide comfort to an injured or distressed feline.
8. Communication
Cats are known for their subtle body language and non-verbal communication. Grooming is an important part of their communication repertoire.
By grooming each other, cats convey a range of emotions and intentions. It can indicate comfort, reassurance, and friendship. In some cases, grooming can also be a playful behavior, reinforcing social bonds through positive interactions.
9. Stress Reduction
Cats, like humans, experience stress in various situations. Grooming has a calming effect on cats, as it releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood-enhancing hormones.
When one cat licks another, it can help alleviate stress and anxiety, creating a soothing and comforting atmosphere. This behavior is especially prominent in cats that face challenging situations, such as a visit to the veterinarian or a change in their environment.
10. Imitation
Cats are remarkably observant and can learn by imitating the behaviors of those around them. If they see other cats grooming each other, they may pick up on this behavior and incorporate it into their own routines.
This observational learning helps create a cohesive group dynamic, where grooming becomes a shared activity that reinforces their social bonds.
11. Motherly Instincts
The act of grooming starts very early in a cat’s life when they are still kittens. Mother cats groom their newborn kittens to keep them clean and stimulate their bodily functions, such as urination and defecation.
This grooming also helps the kittens bond with their mother and siblings. As cats grow older, they carry this maternal instinct into adulthood, and grooming becomes a way of nurturing and caring for their fellow feline friends.
12. Mating and Courtship
During the mating season, cats engage in unique grooming behaviors to signal their readiness to mate. Female cats in heat may groom male cats, which can be seen as a form of courtship.
The grooming exchange between potential mates strengthens their bond, leading to successful mating and potentially long-lasting relationships.
Related Questions
Is it normal for cats to lick each other?
Yes, it is completely normal for cats to lick each other. It’s a natural behavior that helps them build social bonds and maintain a sense of belonging within their feline community.
Do cats groom each other?
Yes, grooming is an essential part of a cat’s social behavior. By grooming each other, cats maintain cleanliness, remove excess fur, and strengthen their social bonds.
Can cats over-groom each other?
While occasional grooming is healthy, excessive grooming can be a sign of stress or underlying medical issues. It’s important to monitor their behavior and seek veterinary advice if you notice any concerns.
Learn more about why your cats lick you.
Do cats only lick their siblings?
Cats do not limit their grooming behavior to siblings only. They may groom any cat they have a social connection with, including their own offspring, mates, or even close friends within their social group.
How can I encourage cats to groom each other?
To encourage cats to groom each other, make sure they have a comfortable and stress-free environment. Provide multiple resources such as food, water, and litter boxes to reduce competition and encourage harmonious relationships.
Learn more about cat socialization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s no secret that cats have a peculiar way of showing affection towards each other – through licking! While it may seem strange to us, this behavior actually has a variety of reasons behind it.
From bonding and social grooming to spreading their scent, feline licking is a fascinating and important part of their communication.
So the next time you catch your kitties engrossed in a grooming session, know that it’s their way of saying “I love you” to their furry friends. Cats truly never cease to amaze us with their unique behaviors!
