Why do cats groom each other?

Cats are famous for their meticulous grooming habits, but have you ever wondered why they spend so much time licking each other? It might seem like a simple act of cleanliness, but there’s actually more to it than meets the eye (or the tongue!). Whether it’s your own furry companions or the feline gang down the street, cats groom each other and it is a common behavior with various reasons behind it. Let’s dive into the world of cats licking each other and uncover the mystery behind this seemingly innocent (but often hilarious) habit!

A social bonding ritual

One of the main reasons cats groom each other is to strengthen their social bond. Just like humans might hug or shake hands, cats show affection and friendship by licking each other. When a cat licks another, it’s a way to express trust, care, and a sense of belonging to their “tribe.” This grooming ritual helps to reinforce their relationships and establishes a sense of closeness. It’s like their version of a heartfelt, fuzzy hug, but with a little more saliva involved. Happy and wellgroomed felines often have longer cat lifespan.

Grooming as a stress-relief tool

Imagine a stressful day at work or school, and your best friend gives you a nice, calming massage. That’s kind of what cat grooming each other can feel like to them! Licking releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. For cats, grooming a fellow feline can be a way to reduce stress and feel more at ease. Whether they’re stressed out from a new environment, changes in their routine, or just from the chaos of the day, licking their companions provides a soothing, almost therapeutic effect. So, next time your cat is licking its buddy, don’t be too quick to judge. They might just be unwinding after a tough day in the cat world.

Establishing hierarchy and dominance

You might think of cats as independent creatures who do their own thing, but even they have their own social structure. Grooming each other can be a subtle way of establishing and maintaining the social hierarchy. The dominant cat often takes the lead in grooming, while the submissive cat happily submits to the licking. This isn’t always a bad thing—it’s part of the natural order in the feline world. If you’ve ever seen two cats grooming each other, you might notice one cat is in charge, and the other seems to just accept it. The one doing the licking is likely reinforcing their role as the “alpha” in the relationship.

Fostering good hygiene practices

While cats are known for being fastidious about their own grooming, it turns out they can be pretty good at grooming each other too. Just like how you might give your partner a helping hand with a back scratch or assist with the hard-to-reach spots. Cats help each other out with cleaning areas they might not be able to reach on their own. Cats’ tongues are covered with tiny, spiky structures called papillae, which are perfect for removing dirt and debris. When one cat licks another, they’re not only bonding but also keeping their partner’s fur clean and healthy.

Licking to soothe and comfort

Sometimes, a cat’s grooming behavior goes beyond just cleaning or bonding. Cats are known to groom each other as a way of offering comfort, particularly in moments of distress. If a cat is feeling anxious or unwell, it might seek solace by grooming another cat. Similarly, cats who are very attached to each other might provide comfort by licking each other when one of them is feeling under the weather. This grooming ritual can act as a kind of emotional support for cats, helping them feel more secure and loved during tough times.

Creating a safe environment

In the wild, cats are constantly on the lookout for potential dangers, and being able to trust the other cats around them is crucial. When cats groom each other, it helps create a sense of safety and reassurance within their group. Grooming serves as a social contract—“I trust you, you trust me.” It’s like a feline version of, “We’ve got each other’s backs!” By licking each other, cats reinforce their loyalty to their group, ensuring everyone feels safe and protected. In a way, grooming is their way of saying, “We’re in this together.”

Cats groom and mark territory

Though it might seem like it’s all about love and affection, cats are also territorial creatures. When they lick each other, they are often marking each other with their scent. Cats have scent glands located around their cheeks, chin, and forehead, which release pheromones that are unique to them. When one cat grooms another, it leaves behind a trace of its scent, which acts as a mark of familiarity and ownership. So, when your cat licks their buddy, they’re not just spreading love—they’re also saying, “You’re mine, and I’m yours!”

A symbol of trust

When a cat chooses to groom another cat, it’s a huge sign of trust. Unlike humans who might shake hands or exchange pleasantries, cats don’t just let anyone into their personal space. If your cat is licking another, it’s essentially saying, “I trust you enough to let you into my world.” This bond of trust is essential for cats, who are generally more solitary animals compared to dogs. Grooming helps them forge deeper, more meaningful connections with each other. It’s a clear indicator that they feel comfortable in each other’s company.

Why cats groom each other and not humans

You may be wondering, “If my cat loves grooming so much, why doesn’t it groom me?”. Well, cats generally reserve grooming for their fellow felines because it’s tied to their social structure. Grooming between humans and cats is a bit different. While cats love a good scratch behind the ears or a belly rub, they tend to see humans more as companions than fellow “grooming partners.” Licking is reserved for their fellow cats because of the specific bonds they share. While they might not groom you, they’ll happily snuggle up to you when they want comfort or attention. Plus, let’s face it—most of us probably wouldn’t want a cat to lick our face anyway!

Final thoughts

So, the next time you witness your cat licking its friend, know that there’s a lot more going on than just a cleanliness routine. From reinforcing social bonds to providing emotional support, cat grooming each other is an essential part of their social structure and overall well-being. It’s a fascinating, and sometimes humorous, aspect of feline behavior that reveals just how complex and meaningful these little creatures can be. Cats licking each other might seem like a simple act, but it’s really a deep, multifaceted behavior that’s rooted in love, trust, and a little bit of territory marking.