Why Do Cats Lick Each Other?
Cats possess some rather intriguing habits that have fascinated us for ages. From their independent and mysterious nature to their love for the curious and adventurous, everything about these feline beasts seems to be shrouded in mystery. One of their most common and amusing behaviors is their tendency to lick each other. While it might seem like a shallow act to us humans, for cats, it is a significant gesture of love and affection.
If you’ve been wondering why felines lick each other or what it means, this blog post is for you.
Grooming
One of the primary reasons cats lick each other is grooming. As most of us know, cats are famous for their self-grooming tendencies. It is their way of staying clean and maintaining their fur. However, when it comes to other cats, they may not reach some spots on their body and might need help from their feline buddies. It is pretty common for cats to lick each other’s heads, necks, and backs as a way to groom each other. It is interesting to know that cats use grooming not only to keep up their physical appearance but also as a form of social bonding.
Affectionate Behavior
Cats may seem aloof and independent, but they are incredibly affectionate animals. Feline experts say that cats view grooming as a social behavior, and when they groom one another, it is a sign of trust, affection, and acceptance. Kittens, as well as adult cats, use grooming as a way to initiate bonding and establish themselves within their social hierarchy. So, if your feline companion is licking you all over or ‘cleaning’ your hair, it is a significant gesture of affection.
Territorial Marking
The sense of smell is a critical aspect of a cat’s social communication. They use their scent glands to mark their territory, and licking is one of the ways they do it. When one cat licks another, they leave their scent on the other cat as a way to proclaim ownership or show dominance. They may also do it to share their scent, meaning they accept that cat as part of their social circle. While it may seem confusing, this behavior is relatively normal and a sign of a healthy society.
Stimulation
Cats are incredibly social animals and require stimulation to maintain their mental and emotional well-being. Playing, grooming, and socializing all stimulate their senses, and licking is another way for them to do it. When cats lick each other, it releases endorphins, which creates a sense of relaxation and pleasure in both cats. This behavior is particularly beneficial for cats that have been raised together from a young age and have established a strong emotional bond.
Health Check
Cats that groom each other also get the opportunity to monitor each other’s health. Cats may detect parasites, lumps, or changes in their friend’s skin that may signal an illness. They can even sense changes in the other cat’s scent, indicating possible changes in their health. This behavior is more prominent in cats that live together or have been together for an extended period.
Conclusion
Now that you understand why cats lick each other, it might shed some light on your cat’s behavior and help you develop a better relationship with your feline companion. Grooming, marking, affection, and stimulation are all important aspects of a cat’s social behavior, and licking is just one of the ways cats do it. Remember, just like humans, every cat has its personality, and some may prefer to lick more than others.
So, give your cat the love and affection they need, and who knows, one day, they may even start licking you!
