Do cats enjoy licking their private areas? Some may rub against each other, while others may lick or groom each other. Cats licking each others private areas is normal behavior. Common Myths About Cats Licking Each Other's Bum. Mother Cats Groom Their Kittens. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM. One is that theyre simply trying to clean those hard-to-reach spots. When cats are cleaning, they frequently nip or bite on the others ears. Just like a mother kitty likes her young kittens, grooming communicates a cats love and fondness for a person, as well as a social bond and a sense of belonging. Finally, cats can irritate each other's skin if they lick too hard. It's a memory your cat had from being licked by its own mother and is a real sign of affection. Why Did My Cat Not Go to a Certain Room? Another reason why cats lick each other is to show affection. Most of the time cats are a source of amusement, but sometimes they can be a source of embarrassment. It it's a way of showing affection. Because cats dont have baths or showers naturally, they lick each other as a means of cleaning themselves. Social groo.ing helps them to bond to their family and other close Cats. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. If you notice that your dog is licking excessively, speak with your veterinarian about the best course of treatment. Reason #4 To Impose Dominance. Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your cats discomfort. Required fields are marked *. Greeting 2. And the other was a huge black cat with slanted yellow eyes and a wild look, like a . It starts at a young age, beginning the practice with the mother cat. Acceptance Between Them 6. These events let them know that it is time to reproduce. At times, it can be a sign of affection. Cats groom each other as a sign of affection and to bond. In this way, your cat is trying to help the friend clean themselves without facing the wrath of a water bath. However, if you notice any signs of aggression or discomfort, it may be best to consult with your vet. You are not alone. Yes, cats clean their bum to remain fresh and maintain hygiene. As for why cats lick each others privates, it could be for a variety of reasons such as creating a communal smell, an expression of dominance or submission, and even out of curiosity. If your cat is going outside of the box, or is having accidents in the house, it could be a sign of a medical condition. Can female cats be attracted to other . Mutual grooming is a common behavior among cats. A long-term drug called cefovecin (brand name Covenia) may be useful for treatment. Often, they feel an urgency to urinate and produce very little urine. Cats that are bonded sometimes show sweet displays of affection toward each other, like grooming. When they lick you, stand up and leave the room. 3. For social bonding. Why does my cat go from licking to biting my other cat? First, have your cats spayed or neutered. It is also possible that a cat licking another cats privates is due to an underlying medical condition such as vaginitis or bladder infection. The same goes for felines. While this might not be a problem for some people, others may find it unsightly or gross. Second, provide your cats with plenty of toys and playtime. To Bond: Cats sometimes lick and groom each other as a way of bonding. They will lick their paws, legs, and body, so why not their crotch? If the whole article wasnt enough, let us spell it out again. There are medical conditions that can cause an increase in licking, such as anxiety or allergies. Thus, you should keep a check. Its understandable that you may find them licking you unhealthy, since they may transmit disease, but its very rare. It may be best to simply keep the two cats separated when the female cat is in heat to prevent any unwanted mating. Reason #3: For Grooming. It can be addictive: This behavior can be addictive, and people who are addicted to it may have a difficult time stopping. You might catch your pet biting its neck while grooming. Do cats lick each other because they love each other? A pup licking the private region of another canine can be a sign of dominance. In addition to this, when cats lick each other, it can also help to strengthen their ties and make them feel more connected. Often, they feel an urgency to urinate and produce very little urine. One option is to have your cats spayed or neutered. Many people think that cats who lick each other are showing their affection. Tips for Observing Cats Licking Each Other's Bum. Its also possible that the male cat is grooming the female cat, which is a common behavior among cats. Dogs lick as a response to positive reinforcement, loving the praises or the good reactions humans (or other animals may) give them. Every country, state, house, or place has a different kind of vibe. Some dogs may also lick their owners' private areas as a way of marking their territory. As long as both cats seem happy and relaxed, it is likely just a part of their grooming and social behavior. It can also be a way to show their friendliness and want to socialize and gain attention. Another is that theyre enjoying the taste of their partners pheromones. Many species, including primates, birds, and even insects, groom each other as a means of bonding and reinforcing social hierarchies. They transfer scents through licking. 13) Attention-seeking behavior. One reason is that they are grooming each other. Although it's natural for cats to groom themselves and each other, some people find it unsightly or even unclean. Cats licking each others bums is a normal behavior and not necessarily an indication of any illness. You must like to read about why my cat kisses me with his nose. (What Motivates Cats). Studies have even shown that captive-origin white and wild tawny lions can form a socially functional pride through allogrooming. It is their way of maintaining hygiene. Here are some of the more common problems: Urinary Tract Infection or Bladder Stones/Crystals. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. But dont worry, we are sure its not anything serious unless you are sensitive to their saliva. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: In many cases, people exhibit negative behaviors simply because they're going through a tough time, or because they haven't learned healthy coping mechanisms. Mutual grooming is a way for cats to bond and show affection towards one another. Stress If a cat is stressed, she may exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and that can include cat suckling. Cats will also lick other household felines as a way to calm them down. Cats also lick each other to strengthen their ties within the same family. If you see cats licking each other, it can indicate that the male cat is looking for a partner for reproduction. In addition to licking, male cats may also engage in other forms of allogrooming such as rubbing their faces against each other or gently biting each other. Humans are capable of producing a vast variety of sounds to make sentences. - They groom each other. You might also like to read about why do cats like butt pats. The potential health risks associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious. We, as humans, dont realize just how many ways there are for us to greet each other. Cats are known to be fastidious groomers who spend significant time on their personal hygiene. Licking helps cats to create a communal smell and to strengthen their ties. - They head-butt each other. If a cat ingests too much hair, it can cause an obstruction in their digestive system and they may need to be hospitalized. Cats can lick too much, or over-groom. Cats lick each other's heads and other facial features because all these spots have scent glands that release pheromones. As weird a behavior as it might seem to us humans, it is considered a necessity in the kitty world. Cats that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety may be less likely to engage in grooming behaviors, including licking each others bums. Alternatively, it could be a way of attracting attention or seeking approval from others. Here are some of the more common problems: Urinary tract infection. These glands fill with smelly fluid and empty themselves when pressure is applied by the rectal muscles during a bowel movement. Cats licking each others private parts is a common behavior among feline companions. When cats lick each others private areas, it also lets them know that they trust each other. However, this behavior is more likely due to the fact that the alpha cat (dominant and confident) is often licking the submissive or shy cat. Licking helps cats to create a communal smell, which is part of the process of grooming. They need to keep their genitals clean from dirt and discharge, and they don't use toilet paper for their anal region, so their tongue is the way to do it. Mother Cats Groom Their Kittens Therefore, if you see your cats licking each others private areas, you must take them to the vet for a check-up to ensure they are not carrying parasites or diseases. Less common causes include bacterial cystitis, anatomical defects and tumors. (4 Causes), Why Did My Cat Not Leave My Room? 1. A matted or dirty coat can be irritating, and thus, lead to licking. Biting a cat hard can hurt or irritate them, so theyll eventually learn to bite and not just hurt them. Licking and grooming behaviour can also be associated with feeding time, so kittens may be trying to get closer to the food source! The addition of supplements or special diets (such as Hill's Prescription Diet c/d, Royal Canin Urinary SO, or Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Urinary St/Ox) to the treatment regimen may alter the environment in the bladder and help prevent repeated infections. It also helps to keep their coats clean and free of parasites. Since you've asked about what you can do to prevent your cats from licking each other's private areas, I'll assume you're not entirely comfortable with this behavior. This behaviour is usually seen as a sign of love and security towards the kitten, signalling that the mother cares for her daughter and wants her to be well-nourished. The best way to do this is to use mild soap and warm water. They know the scents very well, too. In the feline world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. Its important to note that its important to have your cats checked by a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. The presence of bacteria and yeast on the skin is normal; however, if either appears in excess, if the skin barrier is unhealthy, or if the cat is immunocompromised, an infection can occur. It is, after all, a part of them that you have accepted. Required fields are marked *. However, if your cat licks your private area repeatedly, it can be a sign of some underlying medical condition. 2. These parasites can cause severe health problems, including anemia, weight loss, and even death. Author: cat-world.com Published: 11/08/2021 Review: 4.8 (844 vote) Summary: Female cats will lick their genitals as they are going into labour. So, of course, she cleans the bum, too, like the good mother she is. Why do cats lick each other? (Keep in mind, never bathe cats unless they are too dirty). One way cats show their companionship and bond with each other is through allogrooming. While it may seem strange to us humans, cats licking each others privates is completely normal. Social problems: This behavior can lead to social problems such as isolation, social anxiety, and relationship problems. Your email address will not be published. The most common causes of FLTUD are feline idiopathic cystitis, urinary stones and urethral obstructions. Well, wonder no more! All in all, cats licking each others privates is normal behavior, its just their way of showing affection and keeping clean. Felines can spot stress and illness in a fellow cat when they are licking. If you notice your cat licking her privates more than usual, then it is important to take her to the vet to check for any underlying conditions that could be causing this behavior. 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