Cats are notoriously clean creatures and spend hours grooming themselves, but you may often wonder, why do cats lick each other? Single cat owners may not be aware of this, but multiple cat owners may have noticed this behavior.
A cats tongue is covered in papillae which are little spines that look like tiny hooks. This is how they manage to keep themselves spotless because these little hooks get into the fur and remove dirt that accumulates during the day.
So why do cats lick each other? Is this also a cleaning process to groom each other or is there more behind it? We thoroughly researched the subject and came up with all of the answers.
Why Do Cats Lick Each Other?
1. Social Bonding
Also known as social grooming, social bonding is where cats lick each other which strengthens the bond between two cats. This action displays confidence in each other as well as showing trust and love. Even hairless cat breeds will do this as they still groom to keep themselves clean even without fur.
When you see two or more cats social bonding, the main areas they lick are the ears and face. It may take a while for two cats to reach this stage due to feeling vulnerable, but once they begin the licking process, this shows trust and that they feel relaxed and happy around each other.
Another common name for this behavior is allogrooming. Research has shown that cats who already have a social bond will participate in allogrooming. This means that cats will not groom other cats that they do not know.
2. Social Ranking
Cats grooming each other occurs as a way of reinforcing their position in the hierarchy. Along with research, having three of our own cats has also shown that the dominant cat in the household will groom the other a lot more than the other war around.
The dominant cat doing the allogrooming also shows more offensive behavior, as well as sitting or standing upright in higher postures. It is believed that they do this to show dominance as an alternative to actually fighting.
One final thing to note is that the lower-ranked cats may approach the more dominant cat and expose the their head or neck to encourage allogrooming.
3. Cats Licking As Part of The Same Party
Cats from the same family or litter of kittens will often groom each other which strengthens the ties between the same family and shows affection. As well as affection, grooming also ads a familiar aroma amongst the family which helps to distinguish themselves from outsiders.
It’s not just family or blood relatives that groom each other. The same behavior can be displayed amongst cats that have grown up together.
You may be asking yourself, “why does my cat lick me?”. Well it’s because they see you as one of their own or part of their family. This is a positive sign that also shows they trust you and feel comfortable around you.
4. Cats Grooming Each Other For Protection
Any changes mind in your home, especially the arrival of a new family member can trigger anxiety in a cat. They love the same routine and like everything to stay the same. Most cats will find difficult to socialize with a new cat in the home as they are territorial creatures.
Some cats will fight, but sometimes the cat already living their may lick or even smell the newcomer, showing a protective position. This is a positive sign that is the form of a welcome which means they will take a protective position over the cat.
You can see now why it is so important to know how to introduce a new cat into the home if you already have cats.
5. Signs of Disease?
It’s important to take cats licking each other seriously because it may be a sign that they have found an existing health problem. If this is the case then you will find that the cat doing the grooming will focus on a specific area of the other cats body, which will be the area that is hurt.
Not only could this be a wound caused by injury, it could also be a sign of something more serious such as heart failure or kidney problems. The reason is a cat will lick another cat who is injured is because it is their way of showing comfort.
If you have more than one cat and notice of them licking the other in an intense manner in the same spot, it may be worth getting them checked over by a veterinarian.
Why Do Cat Licks Themselves
As well “why do cats lick each other?”, you may also ask, “why do cats lick themselves?”. Cats spend a lot of team each and every day grooming themselves. Here are o=some of the reasons why cats lick themselves:
- Washing after activity.
- Cleaning up after meals.
- Temperature control.
- Pleasure.
- Relaxation and stress relief.
- Remove dirt from injuries (cats have antiseptic tongues).
- Fur and skin lubrication.
- Obsessive behavior.
- Remove scent so predators cannot detect them.
Why Do Cats Lick Their Young?
If your cat has ever had kittens, you may have noticed that they will spend a lot of times licking their kittens. The reason behind this is to give a warning that the kittens are part of their territory, as well as a marking to identify them as part of their family.
A kitten can actually be rejected if they are not licked enough by their mother, as this can cause them to have an unrecognisable smell.
Common Questions
What is allogrooming in cats?
Allogrooming is something that cats, as well as other species including insects, birds, and primates do that refers to social grooming. This process happens to reinforce social hierarchies and is a way of bonding.
Do cats socially groom other animals?
If you own both a dog and a cat, you may have witnessed your cat licking your dog. This is perfectly normal behavior and why you will often see cats form strange relationships with other animals. As long as the bond and trust is there, cats will accept anybody, which is one of the reasons why a cat will groom a human.
Why do cats lick each other and then fight?
Cats can quickly go from one bonding activity to another, which is why one minute your cats are grooming, and the next they are fighting. Although this behavior can appear aggressive, it’s just a cats way of having fun and releasing energy and it is very rare for two cats that dislike each other to fight after social grooming.
Is cat grooming a sign of dominance?
A cat grooming another cat is most definitely a sign of dominance. If you own multiple cats, you’ll find that it’s generally the most dominant cat that does all of the grooming, and very rarely the other way round. The lower-ranked cat is actually submissive and may even go over to the dominant cat to be groomed.
What does it mean when 2 male cats lick each other?
Two cats grooming each other means that they have created a great bond, trust, and feel comfortable in each other’s company.
Why do cats lick each other’s ears?
A cat licking another cats ears or face means that there is a lot of trust between the two cats. They have built a great bond and feel comfortable in each other’s presence.
Why does one cat lick the other cats bum?
A cat licking or sniffing another cats butt is just their way of greeting one another, and is the human equivalent of a handshake.
Why Do Cats Lick Each Other Conclusion
Why do cats lick each other? Cats licking each other is perfectly normal behavior. They do this for a number of reasons such as social bonding, social ranking, and as part of the same family to show affection.
The main thing to be aware of is if you notice one cat licking another cat in one certain area very intensely, this may be a sign of illness and you should contact a veterinarian to be on the safe-side.
