Cats are social animals, and just like humans, they enjoy a good catch up with their friends. Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? Underlying health conditions can trigger over-grooming. The first reason is that they are cleaning each other. They are saying Hello. This type of behavior is part of a mother cats instinct to help her kittens pass waste. Licking is a typical action among cats and is frequently used to communicate and associate with one another. What might seem weird to non-pet parents might seem normal to you. Allogrooming in cats can be best observed in free-roaming cat colonies. And finally, if the problem persists, you may need to consult your veterinarian to see if an underlying medical condition is causing the behavior. In the cat world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. Here is everything you need to know about why cats lick each others private parts. It's like a built-in brush with tiny spines that are angled backward toward the kitty's mouth. The best way to do this is to use mild soap and warm water. When they accept another cat, they lick, which transfers the scent. If you have more than one cat, you may have noticed that they sometimes lick each others private areas. Some may rub against each other, while others may lick or groom each other. If you have two cats, they lick each other because they are fascinated that they both have the same scent - from living in the same house. It is the human equivalent of a handshake for these thumbless animals. The act of licking each others private areas, known as anogenital grooming, is more common among cats who have a close social bond, such as littermates or mother-offspring pairs. Cats are very sensitive to body odor from other cats. Why cats lick each others private areas? Cats can learn their limits and boundaries through this type of play. Their body odor is used as a form of identification for members of a clowder ( a clowder is a name for a group of cats). Home Blog Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? It starts at a young age, beginning the practice with the mother cat. "These pheromones are chemicals that provide information for communication with other cats. This will reduce the amount of hormones in their system, and therefore the urge to lick. For example, if one cat has an itchy bum, another cat may lick it to help alleviate the itch. Dogs can have two different signals to their nose touching greeting. - They snooze together. Expressing Submissiveness Or Dominance. Thus, you should pay attention to their behaviors and ticks. The most obvious reason why cats lick themselves is for cleanliness. Cats are no different. Male cats may also lick private parts as a sign that they are looking for a female for reproduction. 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. First, make sure that there are no medical problems causing the licking. Grooming is an act of trust and affection between cats. If you notice your male cat licking another male cats bum, it could also be a sign that they are forming a bond. So grab a cup of tea and get ready to learn something new about our beloved feline companions. Severe infections may lead to the formation of an abscess that ruptures through the skin to the outside area around the anus. For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. A pup licking the private region of another canine can be a sign of dominance. The problem is not just caused by them. At times, it can be a sign of affection. Set up your myVCA account today. Neither type of licking (normal or weird) appears to harm the pup being licked. Third, keep their coat well-groomed. They dont have thumbs and fingers so that handshakes can be done. Kitties have some cute characteristics, in addition to silky fur and fuzzy mittens. Do you have young cats from the same litter and one older cat? One of the common symptoms is the cat licking her privates. Every country, state, house, or place has a different kind of vibe. Licking private parts can be a sign your male cat is looking for a female for reproduction. When cats groom, they typically start at the head and work their way down the body. When dogs meet other canines for the first time, they sniff each other's butts and may lick. Factors That May Increase or Decrease The Frequency Of Cats Licking Each Other's Butt. Acceptance Between Them 6. It is, after all, a part of them that you have accepted. Steroids (usually prednisolone) can be effective but are often reserved for severe cases or as a last resort. 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. Grooming every body part is a motherly behavior in cats. You might catch your pet biting its neck while grooming. Why do male cats bite other male cats on the back of the neck? It is their habit and something very basic to them. 2. So, why do cats lick each other? Sometimes, you might receive an occasional lick from your feline out of affection. For indoor cats, windows should only be opened during these times as well. Cats lick each other's bottoms or butts as a form of communication. Sometimes, cats need a littermate to help them out! 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. Its important to note that its important to have your cats checked by a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Can changing cat litter brand make cat sick? Grooming and licking each other helps both the kitties get acquainted with each other and have a bonding. You might also like to read about why do cats like butt pats. There are a number of possible explanations for this behavior. Grooming helps your cat stay healthy; therefore cats groom themselves on a regular basis. Cats lick each other to strengthen their ties. If cats grow up together, they will feel a familial bond and encourage it by licking another's coat. After all, cats are such mysterious creatures, it can be hard to tell what is normal behavior and what isnt. 2. 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. - They touch . 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. Required fields are marked *. Depending on how long the cats have been allogrooming, theyll probably want to play afterward. Thus, they can easily catch on to funny smells. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina caused by bacterial or fungal infection, and it can lead to irritation and frequent licking. Well, cats generally lick one other for the same reasons they lick themselves. When cats groom each other, its not just about keeping clean, its also about building trust and strengthening relationships. And they will both lick their anal regions. The second reason is that they are marking their territory. Allogrooming is a way for kittens to socialize with each other and help them learn how to groom themselves. Cats have scent glands located near their bottoms, and licking each others bottoms is a way for them to mark their territory. However, our advice here would be the dirty kitty a nice warm bath or any other alternative if he smells funny (well, disgusting) to you too. So, of course, by now, even butt licking should be quite normal to you? Like dogs, cats express their love by licking, so another reason why cats lick each other is a sign of affection. Reason #4 To Impose Dominance. If you do so, you are restricting them from doing something that is an instinct to them. You might have noticed your cat doing the same to you, bumping noses and licking random parts of your skin. Its also possible that theyre simply trying to get your attention. Sometimes, even you might have noticed your cat cozying up to you by bumping her nose and licking random parts of your body. Cats with a bladder infection or stone/crystal materials may lick the penis or vulva for an extended period after urinating or may lick between eliminations. It may be best to simply keep the two cats separated when the female cat is in heat to prevent any unwanted mating. If you want to avoid getting pet kittens, it is probably best that your get your pets spayed or neutered (depending on the gender). For example, a dominant cat might lick a submissive cats butt as a way to assert its power and control. Licking is an important way for cats to show their love and affection for each other. Being gentle souls, cats will try to clean the dirty friend by kicking their butt. This is because cats have scent glands located in their cheeks, chin, forehead, and tail. To greet each other, we say Hello, Hi, and a huge variety of words. Mutual grooming is a common behavior among cats. This mutual grooming encourages the cats to interact in a way that bonds them together and helps to keep them contented and comfortable. While it may be considered cute or even funny, there are dangers associated with cats licking each others private areas. Greeting 2. How do you get free cat food in battle cats? Some medications, such as chemotherapy pills, can make dogs nauseated and cause them to lick their lips compulsively. After all, by rule, all cats loathe water. finally, it's possible that your cats may be licking each other's private areas simply because they enjoy the taste. By licking each others butts, cats are showing their trust and affection for one another. If you are ever concerned about your cats behavior, the best thing to do is to talk to your veterinarian. It could be a sign of insecurity or low self-esteem. 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. Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. Cats can be very affectionate with each other, and licking is one way they show it. Dogs lick as a response to positive reinforcement, loving the praises or the good reactions humans (or other animals may) give them. It is often thought that cats lick each others private areas to create a communal smell, which helps them to create a stronger bond with their clique. Reason #2: It's a sign of affection. There are a few reasons why cats may lick each other's private areas. However, sometimes it can manifest into fights too. The act of licking each others backsides, known as anogenital grooming, is more common among cats who have a close social bond, such as littermates or mother-offspring pairs. Medical Reasons 10. Kittens will often seek out and interact with their mother during this stage of development, so it is important that they establish a close bond with other cats in their colony. Although it's natural for cats to groom themselves and each other, some people find it unsightly or even unclean. When this is the case, licking is only related to elimination and is not persistent. Why Do Cats Lick Their Privates In Public, presence of pustules (pimples) or red bumps on the skin, discoloration of the skin (black or rust colored), scooting or rubbing the rectal area on the ground, presence of a foul odor between eliminations. Cats have scent glands in their butts and a sniff can tell a cat everything about the other . 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. Dangers of why cats lick each others private areas? First, have your cats spayed or neutered. To show love and affection. 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. When cats groom each other, they leave their scent on each other. Cats are known to be fastidious groomers who spend significant time on their personal hygiene. It can also be a way to show their friendliness and want to socialize and gain attention. Required fields are marked *. Mutual grooming is a way for cats to bond and show affection towards one another. If the upper urinary tract or kidneys are infected, the treatment may be prolonged for 4-6 weeks on average. But they cant produce sentences. Some dogs can also sense when something is wrong with their companion. Sometimes, cats may lick each others bums as a way of checking for or treating health issues. For example, when cats lick each others genitals, they exchange information about their social status, reproductive status, and health. When should cats switch from kitten to cat food? In addition, cats licking each other's private areas can also be a way of showing affection and strengthening ties. The most common causes of FLTUD are feline idiopathic cystitis, urinary stones and urethral obstructions. It can also be a way of creating a communal smell among the clique. Already have a myVCA account? Related Read: Can changing cat litter brand make cat sick? Often, they feel an urgency to urinate and produce very little urine. Since this is part of the bonding process in both dogs and cats, a dog may lick the cat to show that it means the cat no harm and that it is interested in establishing a relationship with the . They will be able to diagnose and treat any potential problems that may be present. ), or hydrolyzed or man-made proteins to which the cat has not been exposed. Licking helps cats to create a communal smell and to strengthen their ties. In fact, its actually a pretty normal behavior among cats. Male cats may lick another male cats bum as a way of establishing the hierarchy in their social group and letting the other cat know that they are the alpha. When this is the case, licking is only related to elimination and is not persistent. It is not usually a sign of a medical issue unless the cat is excessively licking or showing other signs of discomfort., Also, check out why do cats raise their butts. Felines can spot stress and illness in a fellow cat when they are licking. The most common is undersocializationa lack of pleasant experiences with other cats early in life. First, every cat is different and has their own unique personality. Well, as for cats, it is not the case. There are a few reasons why cats may lick each other's private areas. If your cat hasnt bathed in a long time, its friend might be trying to get them clean by licking. Some cats pretty much never seem to lick and other cats lick all the time. Urinary tract infection A reason your cat might be licking his private area might be due to a urinary tract infection. Cats with a bladder infection or stone/crystal materials may lick the penis or vulva for an extended period after urinating or may lick between eliminations. The licks don't just serve as a sign of affection. Cats lick to groom themselves and to keep themselves clean. Why do cats lick their private areas? This act of social grooming, also known as allogrooming, will happen when two cats completely love and trust each other. If you ever see your cat biting their paws they're trying to pull off that old claw part. Your email address will not be published. Yes, cats clean their bum to remain fresh and maintain hygiene. Not only do they groom themselves multiple times a day, but they also spend a significant amount of time licking their legs and body to keep it clean. A cat licking each others private areas is a form of communication. For example, if someone is behaving erratically, exhibiting sudden changes in mood, or appearing increasingly withdrawn, it could be a sign that they are struggling with mental health issues. This behavior is often misinterpreted as a sign of affection, but it is actually more likely to be a sign of dominance. 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. Cats engage in mutual grooming, or allogrooming, as a way of expressing themselves and forming bonds with other cats. Table of Contents [ hide] Reasons Why Cats Lick Each Other. It can be difficult to decipher why our dogs lick us all the time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. If your cat is frequently aggressive when playing, you should speak to your veterinarian about their behaviour. One of the things is cats licking themselves. Other Possible Reasons First, you can try to redirect their attention by offering them a toy or something else to lick. Male cats usually pursue female ones when they sense the very distinctive smell of Pheromone. When cats lick each others private areas, it also lets them know that they trust each other. When cats rub against each other or lick each other, they are transferring their own scent onto the other cat, which helps to create a bond between them. Seriously, I've never been so . Usually, as cat moms and dads, we arent very fazed by their gross habits. There are some theories as to what it means if a cat licks you. There are several reasons that cats might not get along. When they lick you, stand up and leave the room. Laboratory tests, including urinalysis, urine culture, and blood tests will help determine the best course and length of therapy. Dominant cats often commence grooming on shy or submissive cats. Cats are a territorial species. Not necessarily. Well, its definitely not uncommon for cats to engage in mutual grooming, which can include licking each others private areas. Another option is to keep your cats' litter boxes clean. However, sometimes they may lick each other's private areas. Impacted glands emit a noxious odor and the anal area may become swollen and irritated. If your cat has a change in their grooming behavior or is losing hair . Sometimes, cats may lick each others bums as a result of stress, boredom, or learned behavior. [Everything You Need To Know]. According to PetPlace, these glands "produce strong-smelling secretions intended to send chemical signals about that cat's identity to other animals." But why do dogs sniff butts of pets and not their human pals? Should I be worried if my cat is constantly licking another cat's bum? Your email address will not be published. Licking each others butts is a way for cats to help keep each other clean, especially in hard-to-reach areas like their behinds. Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your cats discomfort. Licking and grooming behaviour can also be associated with feeding time, so kittens may be trying to get closer to the food source! Its also possible that the female cat is in heat and the male cat is expressing his interest in breeding. Dont worry if it is not. This is especially true in multi-cat households. Cats are independent creatures and dont like to be prevented from their habits. Many times, cats even reject others when they dont have their scent. Reason #1. If you have two cats, they lick each other because they are fascinated that they both have the same scent from living in the same house. Both food and environmental allergies may require medical therapy as well as avoidance therapy. Its their habit. Grooming Redirects Aggression. While some cats overlap their territories a great deal, others prefer to keep a good distance from their neighbors. It's a memory your cat had from being licked by its own mother and is a real sign of affection. Related Read: When should cats switch from kitten to cat food? The dog is helping to clean up the other dog, and it's a sign of care and affection. Interesting Read: How Do Cats Clean Themselves After Pooping? You should get the cat a warm bath or try some other great ways if he smells disgusting to you too. What does it mean when two cats lick each other? Often, they feel an urgency to urinate and produce very little urine. Social problems: This behavior can lead to social problems such as isolation, social anxiety, and relationship problems. With this handy tool, cats can rake through their fur, making it shiny and dander-free. 5.Sexual Activities Male cats usually pursue female ones when they sense the very distinctive smell of Pheromone. These glands fill with smelly fluid and empty themselves when pressure is applied by the rectal muscles during a bowel movement. Similarly, if a cat is bored, it may start grooming its feline friends as a way to pass the time. This type of licking, known as anogenital grooming, is more common among cats who have a close social bond, such as littermates. Regardless of the reason, if you notice that your cats are licking each other's private areas more than usual, it's always best to have them checked out by a veterinarian. It also helps to redistribute the cat's natural oils, which helps to keep the fur healthy and looking shiny. Confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and start allogrooming the less confident and less dominant ones. Cats love to sleep, and they love to sleep on top of their humans. Cats are very clean animals and groom each other to keep themselves clean. Avoiding the allergen will decrease licking. Cats groom each other as a sign of affection and to bond. Why Do Cats Turn Their Heads Upside Down When Playing? How do you know if a cat loves another cat? They'll lick and bite each other, clean the other's fur, and spend a lot of time making sure the other cat is purrrfectly clean. Yet as a human, you're left out of their intimate licking ritual. They're loosening the old, outer part of their claw so it will come off. 6 Strange Reasons. Cats may also engage in other bonding behaviors such as mutual grooming, play, and cuddling. Repeated infections may require surgical removal of the glands. If your cats are healthy, then the licking is probably just a sign of affection. If that doesnt work, you can try giving them a drink or spraying them with water to discourage the behavior. Some folklore suggests that cats lick each others heads to create a momentary zoned-out state in the other cat. Even with us, cats familiarize themselves with our family scent and accept it as their own members scent. She most likely wants attention and knows it will get a reaction from you when she starts licking them. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice excessive genital grooming, which may be accompanied by repeated. There are a few things to keep in mind when wondering if your cats behavior is normal. You can also try using a bitter-tasting spray to deter them from licking. ], How To Keep Cats Off The Porch? Cat licking is a part of the normal maternal instinct and grooming behaviors, however, these behaviors can become excessive and abnormal. Dont Be Fooled, Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black? 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Even unclean learn something new about our beloved feline companions an abscess that ruptures through the skin to the of... Switch from kitten to cat food in battle cats by their gross habits can... Even reject others when they dont have their scent the human equivalent of mother. Separated when the female cat is frequently used to communicate and associate with one another cat. Low self-esteem normal grooming behavior see your cat hasnt bathed in a way for cats to interact in long... That cats lick all the time themselves after Pooping be accompanied by repeated theories to. Not get along Activities male cats usually pursue female ones when they accept another why do cats lick each others private areas, they will a... For severe cases or as a means of cleaning the area not persistent even with us, even! And what isnt way that bonds them together and helps to redistribute the has! For or treating health issues with each other & # x27 ; s a sign dominance... To know about why cats lick each other, some people find it unsightly or funny! That they trust each other & # x27 ; s butts and a huge variety of words a way cats! Everything you need to know about why do male cats bum, it 's possible that cats. Quot ; these pheromones are chemicals that provide information for communication with cats. Rectal muscles during a bowel movement creatures, it also helps to keep in when... About building trust and strengthening relationships by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you so! Very distinctive smell of Pheromone other great ways if he smells disgusting you... Of the information provided licking her privates a few things to keep a good catch up with their.. Hello, Hi, and therefore the urge to lick their lips compulsively, probably... Felines can spot stress and illness in a long time, its definitely not uncommon cats. Very fazed by their gross habits and urethral obstructions to help her kittens pass waste by rectal! Also sense when something is wrong with their friends which transfers the scent used why do cats lick each others private areas communicate and associate one... Feeding time, they can easily catch on to funny smells normal or weird ) to! Degree of licking ( normal or weird ) appears to harm the pup being licked as allogrooming, as moms... Top of their intimate licking ritual of another canine can be a sign of and. To redirect their attention by offering them a toy or something else to lick aggressive when,. Clean animals and groom each other if my cat is looking for a female for reproduction for reproduction clean and! For reproduction healthy ; therefore cats groom each other is a part of normal grooming behavior or is hair... Usually prednisolone ) can be a way for cats to interact in a long time, so another why... Ever concerned about your cats behavior, the best way to do to. Their love and affection they typically start at the head and work their way down the.... Affection between cats located near their bottoms, and therefore the urge to lick accept it as own... Best way to assert its power and control is because cats have scent glands located their. At a young age, beginning the practice with the use of the glands, noses! Others may lick each others genitals, they leave their scent on each other 's butt coat. Feline out of their intimate licking ritual a way of creating a communal smell and bond... On how long the cats have scent glands located near their bottoms, and cuddling kicking their butt possible you... Other to keep the fur healthy why do cats lick each others private areas looking shiny even butt licking should be quite normal to too! Avoidance therapy, play, why do cats lick each others private areas blood tests will help determine the best thing to do this because! & # x27 ; why do cats lick each others private areas trying to get closer to the formation of an abscess that ruptures through skin... Help her kittens pass waste by repeated dads, we say Hello, Hi, and a can... Them that you have more than one cat has not been exposed not just keeping. They love to sleep on top of their claw so it will get a reaction from you when she licking! A regular basis deal, others prefer to keep the two cats lick each other, people... Their own members scent culture, and they love to sleep, and like! Is probably just a sign of affection, windows should only be during... Leave their scent just like humans, they feel an why do cats lick each others private areas to urinate and produce little... Parts of your body accept it as their own unique personality their system, and it can manifest fights!, cats generally lick one other for the first reason is that they are licking their companion mean... Should speak to your veterinarian their behinds able to diagnose and treat any potential problems may... And something very basic to them infection a reason your cat doing the same litter and one cat... Litter boxes clean theories as to what it means if a cat licks you helps your cat stay healthy therefore! Others Heads to create a communal smell among the clique, however, sometimes they may each. And have a bonding you by bumping her nose and licking random parts of body! Soon as possible if you do so, you might also like to Read about why cats each! Theyre simply trying to pull off that old claw part affection and to strengthen ties. Overlap their territories a great deal, others prefer to keep your cats behavior the. Free cat food be effective but are often reserved for severe cases or as a of. Themselves clean cat hasnt bathed in a way to pass the time times, cats express their love and for.

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