If you have a cat, you might have noticed that cats lick each other’s bums. Cats licking each other’s bums is an odd behavior. This is only dog behavior but it is common in cats too. This action is perfectly normal in cats. In this blog, you will learn about why cats lick each other’s bums. You will study 9 reasons why cats do this and what it means.
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9 Reasons Your Cats Are Licking Each Other’s Bums
1. Social Bonding
Cats lick each other’s bums as a sign of trust and love. They lick to build a social bond. Another individual’s bum is the best way for a cat to gather the most information possible. This behavior built a relationship or bond between them.
2. Scents Exchange
Cats have scent glands, which are located around their bodies, including their bums. These scent glands help them recognize each other. They exchange scents by licking each other’s bums. This behavior is crucial for their social structure.
3. Cleaning
Each cat helps keep the other clean by grooming it. Cats can find it difficult to reach some areas, such as their bums, on their own. By grooming each other, they ensure that every part of their body is cleaned, thereby reducing the risk of infections or irritations.
4. Motherly Instincts
Mother cats clean and stimulate their kittens by licking them all over, including their bums. This deeply ingrained behavior can continue into adulthood. Adult cats show care and nurturing to each other by licking each other’s bums, the way they behaved was similar to how they were treated when they were kittens.
5. Health Check
Cats actively detect health issues by licking each other and identifying any unusual scents or changes. Cats can check on each other’s well-being and ensure that everyone in their group is healthy by doing so.
6. Comfort and Soothing
Cats find relief and security through licking. This soothing action helps them relax. When cats groom each other, they offer comfort and reduce each other’s stress levels. In multi-cat households, maintaining harmony is key through mutual grooming.
7. To Establish Hierarchy
In a group of cats, the more dominant cat grooms the others to assert its position and establish or maintain social hierarchies. The social structure stays clear and reduces conflicts within the group by this means.
8. It’s Time to Mate
A female cat in heat releases specific hormonal and scent signals that attract male cats. If a male cat encounters such signals, he will attempt to mate. Conversely, if a female cat’s hormones indicate she is not in heat, a male cat may choose to leave her alone.
9. Stress Relief
Cats can reduce stress and anxiety by grooming each other. This calming activity helps them feel better. When cats groom one another, they alleviate tension and promote a peaceful environment by engaging in this shared activity.
See also: WHY ARE BLACK CATS CALLED VOIDS?
But Doesn’t It Taste Bad?
Cats don’t seem to find the taste of another cat’s bum unpleasant during grooming. Their sense of taste is distinct from ours, and they engage in this behavior more for social bonding and cleanliness than because of the taste. Cats have come to accept these behaviors as normal in their interactions.
Why Do Cats Groom Themselves So Often?
Cats frequently groom themselves with their rough tongues, a behavior that is famous among cats. Cats maintain perfect hygiene by grooming themselves, which helps remove dirt, debris, and loose fur from their coats. In hot weather, their body temperature is regulated, and their skin is cooled, as they produce and evaporate saliva.
Grooming stimulates blood circulation and distributes natural oils throughout their fur, keeping it healthy and glossy.
FAQs
Is it normal for my cats to lick each other’s bums?
Yes, it is normal. They naturally bond through such behaviors.
Should I stop my cats from doing this?
Cats, generally, exhibit healthy behavior. However, if a cat displays excessive behavior or if another cat shows signs of distress, it’s important to investigate further.
Can cats get sick from licking each other’s bums?
Cats can transmit certain parasites or bacteria to each other through close contact. Regular vet check-ups and monitoring their health can help prevent any issues.
Why don’t humans have similar behaviors?
Cats and humans have distinct social structures and methods of bonding. Humans rely on verbal communication and physical gestures like hugs and handshakes, while cats use grooming and scent to express themselves.
Final Words
Cats licking each other’s bums is an odd behavior. This behavior is normal in cats. Cats have different reasons for licking other cats bums. Now, by reading this blog, you know why your cats do this to one another.
When you see your cats grooming each other in the future, they are demonstrating their affection and care.