Many times, cats even reject others when they dont have their scent. Reason #4 To Impose Dominance. Can female cats be attracted to other . Why does my cat go from licking to biting my other cat? You dont want a foul-smelling cat running around the house. This can be those in the same litter of kittens, but they don't always have to be with blood relatives. Grooming is important to a cat. Allogrooming also helps them express themselves within their clique, as it provides an opportunity to form a social hierarchy and recognize each others presence. Cats with a different odor are seen as a potential threat, and their . This is because cat's have something called the Jacobson's organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ. Allogrooming is also affected by dominance, social structure, and relationships. Similar to a dog licking a cat for grooming purposes, your dog may also be licking your cat as a sign of affection. Cats are very attentive to their owner's moods so you might find your cat is more . If you prevent them from cleaning their butt or their friend after using the litter box, dont use toilet paper or water to clean your excretion. Its also possible that the female cat is dirty or has some kind of infection and the male cat is trying to clean her up. Social Grooming As A Means Of Bonding 7. Bad Smell 3. So why do cats lick each others private areas? Cats lick each other to strengthen their ties. You shouldn't see this discharge all that often and only in small amounts. You should hope that they do it well, or else it will be you whod have to do all the ear-cleaning work. The potential health risks associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious. If youre not keen on your cats licking each others private areas, you can do a few things to stop them. There is no sex discrimination associated with the act of licking and there is no polite way to discuss it. They dont have thumbs and fingers so that handshakes can be done. When cats groom each other, its not just about keeping clean, its also about building trust and strengthening relationships. Why Do Cats Turn Their Heads Upside Down When Playing? First, ensure they have plenty of other places to groom, such as scratching posts or cat trees. If you have more than one cat, you may have noticed that they sometimes lick each others private areas. Chances are, your cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink. Whats more? When cats scratch on f. 16 Che Egbuna 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. Licking is an important way for cats to show their love and affection for each other. It could also be a sign of emotional or mental distress. If the upper urinary tract or kidneys are infected, the treatment may be prolonged for 4-6 weeks on average. In addition, it can also help to stimulate blood flow and keep the skin healthy. Required fields are marked *. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. And how do you think this transferring works? Contrary to popular belief, cats are very expressive and love interacting with their owners and family members. Especially their private body parts. One possibility is that the male cat is marking the female cat as his territory. From face to tail, everything. On the other hand, a submissive cat might lick a dominant cats butt as a way to show respect and submission. One is that theyre simply trying to clean those hard-to-reach spots. It is a way for cats to show acceptance of each other and can even be seen as a sign of affection. A familiar or a bad smell, desire for any sexual activity, or acceptance are some other possible reasons as to why your cats lick each other's bum. For example, if a cat is feeling stressed, it may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, including licking another cats butt. If the whole article wasnt enough, let us spell it out again. Social groo.ing helps them to bond to their family and other close Cats. Impaction often leads to infection. 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. Now you know, they are just trying to say Hey Hooman, how you doing?. If that's how you feel, there are a few things you can do to deter your cats from licking each other's private areas. Social problems: This behavior can lead to social problems such as isolation, social anxiety, and relationship problems. Similarly, cats communicate as well. Dr. Karen Becker, holistic veterinarian and author, Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, feline veterinarian and author, https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3894&context=open_access_etds, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/cats-lick-too-much, Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses? For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. In this case, you should take your cats to the vet to make sure there are no medical problems causing the licking. Humans are capable of producing a vast variety of sounds to make sentences. With the same tongue, they eat and drink. Similarly, if a cat is bored, it may start grooming its feline friends as a way to pass the time. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice excessive genital grooming, which may be accompanied by repeated. Its clear that cats are able to understand the importance of mutual grooming in order to keep their relationships strong. You're not the Harvey Weinstein of the dog world. Thus, it is their way of remembering people and animals. Marking Territory With Scent Glands 9. A dirty litter box can be a source of stress for cats, which may lead them to lick each other's private areas in an attempt to self-soothe. How do you know if a cat loves another cat? The presence of pustules or red bumps usually indicates a bacterial infection and warrants antibiotic therapy. Mama cats start out grooming their babies. Reason #2: Mother cat's instinct. Because throwing their friend away into the water is not something a good cat would do, almost all cats are naturally abhorrent towards the water. With this handy tool, cats can rake through their fur, making it shiny and dander-free. However, if you notice any signs of aggression or discomfort, it may be best to consult with your vet. It is also an act of self-care, since a well-groomed cat is less likely to get sick. Antihistamines have variable effectiveness with cats and are used less often. (Explained). If you want to avoid getting pet kittens, it is probably best that your get your pets spayed or neutered (depending on the gender). "Mutual grooming [aka grooming between two individuals] helps connect cats with [a] 'safe' familiar family scent," Shojai told The Dodo. The best way to do this is to use mild soap and warm water. Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by admin. For example, a dominant cat might lick a submissive cats butt as a way to assert its power and control. These infections require treatment with antibiotics (common choices include amoxicillin, cephalexin, or fluoroquinolones). While it is possible for cats to transfer parasites or illnesses through licking, it is not a common occurrence. Its like leaving a little I was here note for other cats to find. Why do kittens lick their mother cat? You can also try separating your cats so they can't lick each other's private areas. Environmental and food allergies can both cause itching in the genital area. Catching your cats licking each other can evoke various emotional responses from "aw" to "ew". Greeting 2. When cats lick each others private areas, it also lets them know that they trust each other. So, what are some behaviors that might make you question if your cat is acting normal? Well give some of the most major reasons cats do that to help you wrap your head around that. 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 most common is undersocializationa lack of pleasant experiences with other cats early in life. 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. Cats understand scents very well. 13) Attention-seeking behavior. They are more vulnerable when they're sleeping, so they choose someone they trust to sleep on. First, make sure that there are no medical problems causing the licking. In some cases, cats may also lick another cats private areas due to vaginitis or vulvitis, which are both forms of inflammation that may require medical attention. Cats lick each other mean positive social interactions, helping each other groom, showing acceptance and dominance. Related Read: Why is my cat under my bed? 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. Both bacterial and yeast infections usually respond better when topical therapy in the form of medicated shampoos or wipes are added to the oral treatment regimen. If your cats have been licking each others private areas, cleaning them thoroughly to prevent any infections is important. If your dog is feeling stressed, or if there is another problem going on at home, they may lick you as an attempt to physically calm down or to help relieve some of the emotional stress they are experiencing. Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your cats discomfort. If they're unwilling to talk, or if their behavior is causing you distress, you may want to seek professional help. For example, you can try interspersing their playtime with cuddles and petting or give them each their scratching post to focus their attention on. Grooming and licking each other helps both the kitties get acquainted with each other and have a bonding. Dogs lick each other's private areas for a variety of reasons. You can also try using a bitter-tasting spray to deter them from licking. It could be a sign of insecurity or low self-esteem. Why Are Siamese Felines Cross-Eyed? You, of course, shouldnt discourage your kitties from licking each other. For example, you can give them more opportunities to cuddle, play, and groom each other. Finally, they could irritate each other's skin if they lick too hard. Sexual Activities 5. Cats are very sensitive to body odor from other cats. 2. This can be detected when your cat constantly licks his private area after urinating. One of the benefits of this behavior is that it helps to keep the area clean and free of parasites. Many people think that cats who lick each other are showing their affection. Home Blog Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? This is why FLUTD is one of the reasons why cats keep licking their privates. ], How To Keep Cats Off The Porch? Licking and grooming each other, otherwise termed as allogrooming, is their manner of expressing themselves within their clique. Interesting Read: How Do Cats Clean Themselves After Pooping? Cats have scent glands located near their bottoms, and licking each others bottoms is a way for them to mark their territory. Why would you deprive them of something like that? When cats groom, they typically start at the head and work their way down the body. We have discussed various causes for your cat licking your private area. These were just my guesses, try guessing yourself now! Cats are no different. However, cats can also develop excessive . It keeps them clean and healthy. It is not as common for cats to lick the anal area after eliminating; however, if the stool is sticky or watery, the cat may feel the need to tidy up a bit, especially if litter gets stuck around the anus. If cats grow up together, they will feel a familial bond and encourage it by licking another's coat. Why Is My Male Cat Licking My Female Cat Bum? Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experiences with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? When they accept another cat, they lick, which transfers the scent. One of the more embarrassing things that cats do is to lick their private parts. Theyre just doing what comes naturally! A long-term drug called cefovecin (brand name Covenia) may be useful for treatment. 6. It would help if you remembered that it is best to give cats baths only when necessary, that is when they are too dirty. While it's usually nothing to worry about, excessive licking can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition, such as feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus. Cats are known to be fastidious groomers who spend significant time on their personal hygiene. 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. That being said, there are certain behaviors that may be cause for concern. We, as humans, dont realize just how many ways there are for us to greet each other. There isnt always a perfect reason why cats do weird things with their tongue. Plus, licks to the face are a cat's favorite area to show affection. Cats will groom their family members and friends. Licking is a typical action among cats and is frequently used to communicate and associate with one another. Urinary tract infection A reason your cat might be licking his private area might be due to a urinary tract infection. Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? 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. Allogrooming Helps Other Cats Groom Unreachable Areas. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. 5. Certain behaviors like licking each others butts completely go above our heads. - They snooze together. It is a way for cats to show affection and establish dominance within the group.. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Mother Cats Groom Their Kittens They also groom each other as a way of bonding and maintaining social harmony within their group. Some cats enjoy the taste of their own urine, so it's possible that they are licking each other's private areas for the salty or savory taste. Cats can lick too much, or over-groom. You can get them neutered or spayed (depending on gender) if you dont want to have pet kittens. It is often thought that cats lick each other's private areas to create a communal smell, which helps them to create a stronger bond with their clique. Another option is to keep your cats' litter boxes clean. And the easiest way to stay clean is for cats to take care of it with their own tongue. After going outside, your cats feet, belly, and any other area that contacts the ground should be cleaned with a damp towel or baby wipe to remove some of the pollen attached to the hair. Most of the time cats are a source of amusement, but sometimes they can be a source of embarrassment. If you are ever concerned about your cats behavior, the best thing to do is to talk to your veterinarian. First, every cat is different and has their own unique personality. So, are you ready for the long answer? Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and start allogrooming the less confident and less dominant ones. 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