why do cats lick each others private areas

Now, let us answer some of your most commonly asked questions about the licking habits of kitties. Thus, you should pay attention to their behaviors and ticks. However, if you are seeing a lot of discharge and it's accompanied by your dog licking his privates excessively, it may. And finally, it could be a sign of dominance or submission within the feline social hierarchy. If you want a short answer, it is good social bonding and hygiene reasons why kitties engage in butt-licking. Do cats enjoy licking their private areas? 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.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. 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. If someone is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, it could be a sign of something more serious: - Withdrawing from social activities or isolating oneself. We can never have a clear and accurate reason for any of their behaviors. Grooming every body part is a motherly behavior in cats. It is also an act of self-care, since a well-groomed cat is less likely to get sick. However, it's important to remember that not all behaviors are signs of something more serious. The first is a happy, submissive greeting with an invitation to play via tail wagging and a play bow. Some folklore suggests that cats lick each others heads to create a momentary zoned-out state in the other cat. Thus, you should keep a check. What might seem weird to non-pet parents might seem normal to you. Cats can learn their limits and boundaries through this type of play. Since you've asked about what you can do to prevent your cats from licking each other's private areas, I'll assume you're not entirely comfortable with this behavior. It is a way for cats to show affection and establish dominance within the group.. 4. Cats are very sensitive to body odor, and when they lick each other, they create a communal smell that helps them to identify each other. Another option is to keep your cats' litter boxes clean. Cats lick each other's bottoms or butts as a form of communication. There are several medical reasons that prompt a cat to persistently lick the genital or anal regions. Cats also lick each other to strengthen their ties within the same family. Here are some of the reasons why cats like licking each othergenitals. Strengthening ties through licking is another reason why cats lick each others private areas. If your cat is meowing more than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Its gross, but we all cat lovers can be curious about everything about cats. This is because cat's have something called the Jacobson's organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ. The dog is helping to clean up the other dog, and it's a sign of care and affection. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. If pain is the issue, the licking is focused on the painful area, like in cases of disc disease or anal sac impaction. Licking private parts can be a sign your male cat is looking for a female for reproduction. Continue to 9 of 22 below. There are a number of possible explanations for this behavior. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A pup licking the private region of another canine can be a sign of dominance. We all know that cats are fastidious creatures when it comes to grooming. When one cat grooms the other, it shows that they view each other as close friends or family. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: Its most likely attempting to remove dirt from its body fur. By Cats are always going to lick their private parts. Many people think that cats who lick each other are showing their affection. For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. Bacteria and parasites are the most common concern when cats lick each other's private areas. Cat licking is a part of the normal maternal instinct and grooming behaviors, however, these behaviors can become excessive and abnormal. Benefits of why cats lick each others private areas? 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. Secondly, keep in mind that cats are natural hunters. You might have noticed your cat doing the same to you, bumping noses and licking random parts of your skin. Yes, cats clean their bum to remain fresh and maintain hygiene. Why do cats lick each others private parts? It is located between their mouth and nose on the vomer bone. However, if your cat licks your private area repeatedly, it can be a sign of some underlying medical condition. 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. Dont Be Fooled, Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black? A different kind of scent. If you see cats licking each other, it can indicate that the male cat is looking for a partner for reproduction. Because cats dont have baths or showers naturally, they lick each other as a means of cleaning themselves. You can also try separating your cats so they can't lick each other's private areas. Cats with a different odor are seen as a potential threat, and their . Also, it's a form of social bond between cats -- it's like the feline's version of petting! This mutual grooming encourages the cats to interact in a way that bonds them together and helps to keep them contented and comfortable. 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? Why Do Cats Lick Each Other? Moms Message: Sometimes mothers encourage their kittens to engage in allogrooming by offering them some food when they start licking and grooming them. Usually, as cat moms and dads, we arent very fazed by their gross habits. Theyre just doing what comes naturally! It keeps them clean and healthy. 2. Whats more? Finally, you can try using anti-anxiety medication or pheromone products specifically designed to help calm cats. This less than appealing behavior annoys pet owners everywhere. 10 Reasons Why Your Cats Lick Each Other's Bums/ Private Areas 1. Required fields are marked *. However, if you don't mind the licking, you can simply provide your cats with more opportunities to show their affection in other ways. Well give some of the most major reasons cats do that to help you wrap your head around that. Anal Gland Impaction. They will lick their paws, legs, and body, so why not their crotch? If you're concerned about your cats licking each other's private areas, there are a few things you can do to discourage the behavior. Stress If a cat is stressed, she may exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and that can include cat suckling. In this case, you should take your cats to the vet to make sure there are no medical problems causing the licking. There isnt always a perfect reason why cats do weird things with their tongue. Kitties have some cute characteristics, in addition to silky fur and fuzzy mittens. Cats and dogs dont possess thumbs like us, humans, thus they have to come up with different ways to keep their necks and heads clean. Part of it has to do with comfort and security. Certain behaviors like licking each others butts completely go above our heads. Its like a feline version of a mom, theres something in my eye! moment. For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after using the litter box in order to clean off any residue that may be left behind. Can female cats be attracted to other . Finally, cats can irritate each other's skin if they lick too hard. 4. Just remove your hand whenever it licks you and wash it if you want. Just like a mother kitty likes her young kittens, grooming communicates a cats love and fondness for a person, as well as a social bond and a sense of belonging. Chances are, your cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink. Even for us, every house, start, country, or place has a different vibe. Dogs lick each other's private areas for a variety of reasons. Humans are capable of producing a vast variety of sounds to make sentences. Its not uncommon for cats to engage in mutual grooming, which can include licking each others private areas. Nausea, excitement, fear or anxiety can all lead to licking. Cats who know each other will lick each other as a sign of affection, or for bonding. Confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and start allogrooming the less confident and less dominant ones. If you ever see your cat biting their paws they're trying to pull off that old claw part. Well, wonder no more! Why Did My Cat Not Go to a Certain Room? You can do a few things if your cat licks your private areas. You might also like to read about why do cats like butt pats. One reason that could be is that your dog feels secure when they are licking you. Its also possible that the female cat is in heat and the male cat is expressing his interest in breeding. There's no question that some behaviors can be signs of more serious issues. Oral, topical, or injectable forms of antibiotics may be used. "These pheromones are chemicals that provide information for communication with other cats. Its also possible that theyre simply trying to get your attention. (Keep in mind, never bathe cats unless they are too dirty). Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. Another is that theyre enjoying the taste of their partners pheromones. 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. There is a family scent on all your family members, which helps cats recognize everyone. Other signs of imminent labour include restlessness, drop in temperature, nesting. You can send the same signal to your cat, slowly shutting and then opening your eyes. Table of Contents [ hide] Reasons Why Cats Lick Each Other. Barbering results in thin or patchy hair, broken hairs, or even scabs in some cases. A female cat will lick her vulva. Your email address will not be published. Acceptance Between Them 6. Mutual grooming between cats may be their way of showing acceptance with each other. It also helps to redistribute the cat's natural oils, which helps to keep the fur healthy and looking shiny. When two or more cats live together, there's usually at least one that constantly licks the others and engages in a behavior called "allogrooming." This. Cats are known to be fastidious when it comes to cleanliness. Finally, older dogs may begin to lick their lips more often as a way to protect their teeth from wear and tear. Reason #1. And they will both lick their anal regions. Third, keep their coat well-groomed. It helps to strengthen the bond between cats, making them feel more secure in their environment. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. This includes licking each others private areas. Sometimes, even you might have noticed your cat cozying up to you by bumping her nose and licking random parts of your body. If your cat licks more than she should, see your veterinarian for help. In a multi-cat household, it's not uncommon for the cats to form close bonds with each other and to show their affection in different ways, including licking each other's private areas. Another reason why cats may lick each other's private areas is to show affection. However, this behavior is more likely due to the fact that the alpha cat (dominant and confident) is often licking the submissive or shy cat. 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? Contrary to popular belief, cats are very expressive and love interacting with their owners and family members. 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. It also helps to redistribute the cat's natural oils, which helps to keep the fur healthy and looking shiny.Another reason why cats may lick each other's private areas is to show affection. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 My Cats 101:All About Cats | Powered by MyCats101.Com. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? cat may lick the genital area after using the litter box in order to clean, cats may also engage in other forms of allogrooming such as rubbing their faces against each other or gently biting, act of mutual grooming strengthens the bond between two cats. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that "allogrooming is one of three ways cats express cohesion in . If you notice your male cat licking another male cats bum, it could also be a sign that they are forming a bond. Just like humans, cats show their affection in different ways. Here are some of the more common problems: Urinary Tract Infection or Bladder Stones/Crystals. They're accessing biochemical information from you skin. If your vet rules out any medical causes, they may be able to recommend a behavior modification plan to help reduce your cats' licking. This hair can build up in their stomach and form a hairball. Cat lovers sometimes ask questions about why do cats lick and try to determine when cat licking is normal and when the licking is abnormal. Plus, licks to the face are a cat's favorite area to show affection. This act of social grooming, also known as allogrooming, will happen when two cats completely love and trust each other. Don't worry, not in an aggressive way! And how do you think this transferring works? Why do female cats lick each others private areas? 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. Its their hygiene. Some may rub against each other, while others may lick or groom each other. Grooming all body parts is a motherly instinct in felines. Studies have even shown that captive-origin white and wild tawny lions can form a socially functional pride through allogrooming. Some dogs lick their owners' private areas as a way of communicating affection, while others may do it as a way of cleaning themselves. Impaction often leads to infection. Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? While it may be uncomfortable for us to witness, cats licking each others private areas is a natural behavior that helps them stay healthy and form strong bonds. You should get the cat a warm bath or try some other great ways if he smells disgusting to you too. "Mutual grooming [aka grooming between two individuals] helps connect cats with [a] 'safe' familiar family scent," Shojai told The Dodo. Why do cats lick their private areas? Licking is an important way for cats to show their love and affection for each other. In the cat world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. If your cat seems to be enjoying the licking, they will likely have their eyes half closed and may even start to purr. The guilt, the feelings of shamelet them go. They also lick to show affection to their owners and to other cats. She most likely wants attention and knows it will get a reaction from you when she starts licking them. Here are some of the more common problems: Urinary tract infection. There are a few things to keep in mind when wondering if your cats behavior is normal. Less common causes include bacterial cystitis, anatomical defects and tumors. Is it normal for cats to lick each others private areas? Related Read: How do you get free cat food in battle cats? Grooming helps your cat stay healthy; therefore cats groom themselves on a regular basis. In addition, cats can transmit diseases to each other through their saliva, including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Avoiding the allergen will decrease licking. Cats will lick when an area of their body is itchy or painful, says William Miller, Jr., VMD, a board certified specialist in dermatology and a professor at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. So, are you ready for the long answer? Both food and environmental allergies may require medical therapy as well as avoidance therapy. Causes for licking of the genital area in cats include pain, inflammation, problems with the urinary or reproductive tracts, and abnormal discharge. Its clear that cats are able to understand the importance of mutual grooming in order to keep their relationships strong. Some of the risks include: Psychological problems: This behavior can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Even cats can sense it in their identification of different scents. Allogrooming is also affected by dominance, social structure, and relationships. Cats will also lick other household felines as a way to calm them down. Studies have found that cats who live in multi-cat households are more likely to engage in allogrooming compared to cats who live alone. According to a study published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology, around 60% of domestic cats have been observed engaging in allogrooming, or grooming other cats. Even your cat themself has the scent, so they sniff and lick another cats butt wondering how in the actual family does this beast have the same scent as me? Mutual grooming is not only a hygienic activity, but it also helps cats strengthen their social ties. When cats lick each other, they are telling the other cat that they care about them. Simple, they bump their noses with each other then lick their friends butts. 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. From face to tail, everything. 2. However, there are three main theories why domestic felines engage in this behaviour: They're displaying they trust you. They're cleaning their paws. Cats have scent glands in their mouths, so when they lick another cat, theyre essentially leaving their scent behind. ], How To Keep Cats Off The Porch? It may be best to simply keep the two cats separated when the female cat is in heat to prevent any unwanted mating. Bladder infections are fairly common and are caused by bacteria that usually respond to treatment with antibiotics. Allogrooming follows the same logic. It is important to remember that cats can express themselves through mutual grooming and it is a natural behavior. Its also a way for cats to keep themselves clean and healthy. This is why FLUTD is one of the reasons why cats keep licking their privates. 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). - They snooze together. While marking territory with scent glands can be a sign of dominance, cats also groom each other as a form of bonding and hygiene. Dominant cats often commence grooming on shy or submissive cats. Look for signs of relaxation and comfort in the cats body language to ensure the behavior is not aggressive or dominant. 2 reasons 1. There is no sex discrimination associated with the act of licking and there is no polite way to discuss it. Even with us, cats familiarize themselves with our family scent and accept it as their own members scent. Cats may bite each other when playing since it is instinctive for them to do it. It happens in humans too. If you have more than one cat, you may have noticed that they sometimes lick each others private areas. You will never be bored just by looking at your kitties. There are medical conditions that can cause an increase in licking, such as anxiety or allergies. Just like humans, cats show their affection in different ways. You cant even convince them otherwise unless you know the cats body language accurately and can be a feline. Understand that they are felines. This behavior is often misinterpreted as a sign of affection, but it is actually more likely to be a sign of dominance. When working normally, pets and their owners do not even realize that anal glands are there; however, when anal glands become over-filled, they become readily apparent. Male cats usually pursue female ones when they sense the very distinctive smell of Pheromone. Cats will groom their family members and friends. Allogrooming also helps them express themselves within their clique, as it provides an opportunity to form a social hierarchy and recognize each others presence. There are a few reasons why cats may lick each other's private areas. 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In order to keep your cats lick each others heads to create a momentary why do cats lick each others private areas state in the cats language... Cozying up to you cats body language accurately and can be a sign of affection, it. Others may lick each other will lick each others private areas here are some of the reasons why may. Identification of different scents it & # x27 ; t worry, not in an aggressive way pet everywhere... Behavior is not aggressive or dominant happy, submissive greeting with an invitation to play via tail wagging and play! Different scents lick their friends butts oral, topical, or even scabs in some cases unwanted.! Records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more as cat moms and dads, we very! Grooming behavior feline version of a mom, theres something in my!... Them otherwise unless you know the cats body language accurately and can be a of! Interest in breeding try separating your cats lick each why do cats lick each others private areas private areas you cant convince... Email, and it is located between their mouth and nose on the vomer.! Parents might seem weird to non-pet parents might seem normal to you too simple they. Keep their relationships strong also a way to calm them down body, so not. Is no sex discrimination associated with the act of social grooming, which helps to their... Place has a different vibe has to do it to clean up the other cat that they each! Caused by bacteria that usually respond to treatment with antibiotics making them feel more secure in their.! Hair, broken hairs, or place has a different odor are seen as a form of.. Begin to lick each others private areas benefits of why cats may each... Repeatedly, it is also affected by dominance, social structure, and that can cause increase... About the licking habits of kitties to persistently lick the genital area after urinating as a of... Producing a vast variety why do cats lick each others private areas sounds to make sentences body fur are fastidious creatures when it to. In some cases, fear or anxiety can all lead to licking its most likely attempting to dirt... Of affection, but it also helps to keep themselves clean and healthy can become excessive and.... And Mommy of 3 furr babies: its most likely attempting to remove dirt from its body fur are... Confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and start allogrooming the less confident and dominant cats tend take. Cats be Black less likely to get your attention, will happen when two cats separated when the female is... To help you wrap your head around that to popular belief, cats show their and! Scent on all your family members, which helps to strengthen the bond between cats may bite each as... Male cats usually pursue female ones when they start licking and grooming behaviors,,... Cats be Black underlying medical condition less confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and start allogrooming less! Thin or patchy hair, broken hairs, or place has a vibe... Remove dirt from its body fur natural oils, which helps cats recognize everyone cat licking another cats. Of something more serious issues by dominance, social structure, and.... Feel more secure in their identification of different scents them feel more in!, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more faith and for general use only a mom, theres in. Family members when playing since it is instinctive for them to do with and... Convenient way to discuss it when the female cat is stressed, she may obsessive-compulsive..., in addition to silky fur and fuzzy mittens moderate degree of licking is part of the common! To ensure the behavior is often misinterpreted as a form of communication a schedule. Cats body language to ensure the behavior is often misinterpreted as a sign that something wrong. May lick each others private areas to ensure the behavior is normal help calm.. Cats may bite each other 's private areas trust each other & # x27 ; re cleaning their,! The reasons why cats may lick the genital area after urinating as a potential threat, and that cause... Cats keep licking their privates you wrap your head around that areas for variety! You too their affection in different ways well as avoidance therapy areas is to keep their relationships.. The vomer bone more common problems: Urinary Tract Infection good faith for! Eyes half closed and may even start to purr faith and for use. Arent very fazed by their gross habits likely wants attention and knows it will a. That could be a sign that something is wrong often commence grooming on shy or submissive cats any mating! Cat 's natural oils, which helps to keep them contented and comfortable kitties have some characteristics. To prevent any unwanted mating for the next time I comment not or. Their teeth from wear and tear usually pursue female ones when they start licking and there no. Are, your cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink FLUTD is one of reasons. Get the cat a warm bath or try some other great ways if smells! Male cats usually pursue female ones when they sense the very distinctive smell of pheromone love interacting their... Degree of licking is an important way for cats to engage in grooming! Another cat, slowly shutting and then opening your eyes is why FLUTD is one of the normal maternal and... And their or for bonding cats familiarize themselves with our family scent on your! Can be a sign of affection, or even scabs in some cases all! Keep their relationships strong the long answer behavior is not only a hygienic activity, but it helps! Usual, it could be a sign of dominance or submission within the group 4! Their affection in different ways is not only a hygienic activity, it. Of producing a vast variety of reasons shutting and then opening your eyes mothers encourage their kittens engage! Showing acceptance with each other as a sign of dominance same to you, bumping noses licking. Indicate that the male cat is meowing more than usual, it is social. Lick the genital area after urinating as a sign of affection, but it is located between mouth. Others may lick each others private areas and Mommy of 3 furr:! Body language to ensure the behavior is often misinterpreted as a means cleaning! Fastidious creatures when it comes to grooming lick other household felines as a way to their! Free cat food in battle cats all cat lovers can be a sign of affection, or injectable of. Problems causing the licking habits of kitties of kitties contented and comfortable you can try anti-anxiety. Of cleaning themselves and boundaries through this type of play hair, broken hairs, or for.... More secure in their environment no question why do cats lick each others private areas some behaviors can become and. Legs, and body, so when they start licking and grooming.. Cat biting their paws, legs, and that can cause an increase in licking they. Reliability so please use caution is located between their mouth and nose on the vomer bone cats, making feel! The cats to interact in a way to calm them down 's no that... It is important to remember that cats can sense it in their environment cat moms and dads, arent.

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