We all know that cats will groom themselves and sometimes it’s at the most awkward of situations, like when there’s company around or you’re trying to eat.
They make us laugh, but there are lots of reasons that cats groom themselves, and especially each other.
If you’ve ever wondered why cats will take part in a grooming session, then you’re in the right place.
It’s important to note that mutual grooming and a cat’s grooming routine is normal behavior and is often done for health reasons.
Follow our guide to find out more and to know what to expect when your cat displays excessive licking.
Why Do Cats Groom Themselves?
Cats love being groomed by their humans, using brushes and other tools, but they also enjoy having this time alone with one another.
This can be an opportunity for them to bond and spend quality time together without any distractions.
It’s a way for them to relax and unwind after a long day of playing and exploring and even sleeping.
Grooming sessions provide a great chance for your cat to get some much-needed TLC as well as socialization!
One benefit of cat grooming themselves is to stay clean and ensure that there isn’t any debris or dirt in their fur.
Cats have very sensitive skin which means that they need regular cleaning and care.
Your cat may pick up things from the floor or furniture while playing, so grooming themselves keeps them cleaner and healthier overall.
Another reason cats groom themselves is that they enjoy good trimming and brushing.
For many cats, it’s their favorite form of self-care and relaxation. It gives them something to do during the day and helps keep them calm.
Some cats prefer to do this at night, whereas others tend to do this whenever they feel like they’re bored or have nothing else to do.
Why Do Cats Groom Each Other?
When it comes to mutual grooming sessions between cats, it’s usually an opportunity for them to build trust and rapport.
You might notice your cat going through a grooming ritual with another cat, such as rubbing its face on the other cat’s head or neck.
It could also simply mean that two cats who don’t normally interact with one another have built a connection through the process of grooming.
Other times, cats may just be doing it for fun.
If they see another cat nearby, they may decide to sit back and watch how the other cat behaves before deciding whether they’d like to join in.
In these cases, mutual grooming is a play date, and both cats will have this social grooming to ensure that they are friends.
As we know, cats are very territorial and can use grooming as a sign of affection, especially amongst blood relatives.
This helps to form a social bond, with lots of cats experiencing these actions when at a young age from their mother and their siblings.
Social bonding is a very important part of any cat’s life and will often shape its personality.
Will My Cat Try To Groom Me?
Your cat may try to groom you if he doesn’t already groom himself regularly.
This is because they’re using this opportunity to showcase some social bonding and bring themselves closer to their favorite human being.
Cats don’t understand that humans have different behavioral patterns to them, so they behave in the only way they know.
If your cat feels stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable around you, then they may choose to groom you as a means of relieving these feelings.
When they feel stressed, they’ll often rub against objects or move away close to you.
They may also lick your hands or feet as a way to comfort themselves.
Your cat may also be trying to show you that she wants attention.
They may also be trying to tell you something, with grooming behavior being the simplest way they know how to get your attention.
What Does Excessive Grooming Mean?
Excessive grooming can indicate several health problems.
Often, if your cat is scratching excessively, then they are suffering from fleas or ticks.
Similarly, if your cat is licking itself constantly then it might be a sign of a mental issue that they might need to have seen by a professional.
Cats who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience joint pain, arthritis, or even diabetes.
These ailments can cause excessive shedding and hairballs, leading to frequent licking or chewing of their own body.
Other conditions that can lead to excessive grooming include anxiety attacks, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and separation anxiety.
What Is Pica In Cats?
Pica is a term used to describe the condition where cats eat non-food items. The most common thing that causes pica is boredom.
Sometimes, boredom can lead to cats eating things like paper, plastic wrap, rubber bands, string, and more, which are all considered food by the animal.
The reason why cats do this is because they want to fill up their bellies, but aren’t able to access their normal food source.
As a result, they end up getting into trouble by eating the wrong things.
This is a neurological condition that needs addressing as soon as possible because it can often lead to cats eating their fur.
Is It Dangerous For Cats To Eat Fur?
Hair can cause a lot of problems for cats in their digestive organs like their stomach and the intestines.
Hair gets stuck in the gut and can become impacted, creating an obstruction that leads to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
If left untreated, GDV can be fatal. Another problem caused by hair is constipation.
In addition to causing discomfort for your cat, hair can also cause harm to its internal organs.
Some people think that eating fur is harmless, but this isn’t true and will need to be solved by a vet if you notice that your cat is doing this excessively.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, cats tend to groom each other for lots of different reasons.
While some of them are obvious, others are harder to understand.
For example, a lot of siblings and familiar cats will groom each other to be social and to ensure that they’re friends with the other cat.
Signs of affection are often displayed from felines and are a great way of communicating and forming strong bonds with each other.
If you notice any unusual behaviors in your cat, make sure to contact your veterinarian so that you can find out what’s going on.
Excessive grooming can often be a cause for concern, but can always be fixed by a trip to the vet or with some professional advice.
I’m Courtney Trent and I hope that I can answer some burning questions that you have about cats, as well as some questions that you’d never have thought to ask before.
I am aiming to shed new light on these amazing pets and hopefully change some people’s opinions on them. Also, let’s talk about wild cats - they’re just as awesome as domestic cats!
So, stay a while and learn more about domestic and wild cats from Windhaven Ocicats.
