why do cats lick each others private areas

If their new friend hasnt taken a shower in a while, your cat wont hesitate to let them know. Just like humans, cats show their affection in different ways. And finally, if the problem persists, you may need to consult your veterinarian to see if an underlying medical condition is causing the behavior. Finally, cats may also lick each other as a sign of submission. Thus, you should pay attention to their behaviors and ticks. 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. You're not even the Al Franken of the dog world. 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. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. This can be detected when your cat constantly licks his private area after urinating. Its not uncommon for male cats to lick each others bums. Physical problems: This behavior can lead to physical problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Often, they feel an urgency to urinate and produce very little urine. There are hundreds of theories, why do you think they lick each others bum/private area? Allogrooming Helps Other Cats Groom Unreachable Areas. 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. Usually, as cat moms and dads, we arent very fazed by their gross habits. 10 Reasons Why Your Cats Lick Each Other's Bums/ Private Areas, 7. Underlying health conditions can trigger over-grooming. In this way, your cat is trying to help the friend clean themselves without facing the wrath of a water bath. Required fields are marked *. In addition to this, when cats lick each other, it can also help to strengthen their ties and make them feel more connected. The potential health risks associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious. It is a friendly and polite handshake between two cats, they recognise each other through scent glands. 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. 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. 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. Ignore them when they lick. Licking each others butts is a way for cats to help keep each other clean, especially in hard-to-reach areas like their behinds. One option is to have your cats spayed or neutered. And so, this greeting of licking and biting ears when one cat returns home, is a method of communication. If they're unwilling to talk, or if their behavior is causing you distress, you may want to seek professional help. Why would you deprive them of something like that? Can changing cat litter brand make cat sick? There are a number of things you can do to stop your cats from licking each other's private areas. 3. When cats groom, they typically start at the head and work their way down the body. It is also possible that a cat licking another cats privates is due to an underlying medical condition such as vaginitis or bladder infection. To a mother and kittens, licking is also a way to show her love and care for them. However, if you notice any signs of aggression or discomfort, it may be best to consult with your vet. It is also common for two cats to lick each other's bottom during grooming. It is not recommended to try and stop a male cat from expressing natural mating behaviors, as it is a natural instinct for cats. Mutual grooming is a way for cats to bond and show affection towards one another. Bladder infections are fairly common and are caused by bacteria that usually respond to treatment with antibiotics. All Rights Reserved. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. Its also possible that the male cat is grooming the female cat, which is a common behavior among cats. This is a way for cats to claim each other and communicate their relationship with other cats. 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. Other signs of imminent labour include restlessness, drop in temperature, nesting. While pet owners may enjoy watching a cat play with a plastic mouse or chase the red beam from a laser light, they may not be amused at some of their other activities. Its most likely attempting to remove dirt from its body fur. Copyright 2023 Fluffy Tamer | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. With the same tongue, they eat and drink. Remember, body language is the most efficient way of communicating with your kitty-cats. Expressing Submissiveness Or Dominance 8. Hairballs are another potential consequence of cats licking each other's private areas. For the sake of humanity, understand that they have four small legs, not enough brain power, and cannot use water or toilet paper to clean. So, of course, by now, even butt licking should be quite normal to you? 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. They're marking you as another one of their possessions. They're loosening the old, outer part of their claw so it will come off. 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. If you want to avoid getting pet kittens, it is probably best that your get your pets spayed or neutered (depending on the gender). It can be addictive: This behavior can be addictive, and people who are addicted to it may have a difficult time stopping. Cats licking each others private parts is a common behavior among feline companions. Here is everything you need to know about why cats lick each others private parts. It's a Sign of Affection. Cats are known for their grooming habits, and its not just limited to their own fur. This behavior is often misinterpreted as a sign of affection, but it is actually more likely to be a sign of dominance. First, ensure they have plenty of other places to groom, such as scratching posts or cat trees. Cats are known to be fastidious groomers who spend significant time on their personal hygiene. If the cats are not blood-related, in a way the other cat adopted the cat. According to Cat Wisdom 101, butt sniffing and licking is how cats greet each other. West Virginia. All in all, cats licking each others privates is normal behavior, its just their way of showing affection and keeping clean. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. If you ever see your cat biting their paws they're trying to pull off that old claw part. Grooming every body part is a motherly behavior in cats. Cats only lick each others bums when in heat. When cats are cleaning, they frequently nip or bite on the others ears. According to Shojai, you won't really see two cats who are strangers start to lick . Grooming Redirects Aggression. 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? -She is experiencing pain or discomfort in her private area While there can never be one guess for a cats odd behavior, the most probable reason Why Cats Lick Each Others Bums is that they are trying to greet each other. Seriously, I've never been so . Table of Contents [ hide] Reasons Why Cats Lick Each Other. Cats with a different odor are seen as a potential threat, and their . On top of cleaning the kids bums, she also licks it to stimulate the urine hole and anus. Severe infections may lead to the formation of an abscess that ruptures through the skin to the outside area around the anus. These glands fill with smelly fluid and empty themselves when pressure is applied by the rectal muscles during a bowel movement. Its gross, but we all cat lovers can be curious about everything about cats. Neither type of licking (normal or weird) appears to harm the pup being licked. This will reduce the amount of pollen, not eliminate it, but it will minimize exposure to the offending allergen. So, of course, she cleans the bum, too, like the good mother she is. While it may seem strange to us humans, cats licking each others privates is completely normal. 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. Some of the risks include: Psychological problems: This behavior can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. On the other hand, a sharp nudge on the nose, almost like a bump, is a signal of dominance and the conversation could go in [] This act of social grooming, also known as allogrooming, will happen when two cats completely love and trust each other. This security can come from the natural chemicals produced by the body when it's in close proximity to its owner. Now, let us answer some of your most commonly asked questions about the licking habits of kitties. Similar to a dog licking a cat for grooming purposes, your dog may also be licking your cat as a sign of affection. And finally, it could be a sign of dominance or submission within the feline social hierarchy. Look for signs of relaxation and comfort in the cats body language to ensure the behavior is not aggressive or dominant. Part of it has to do with comfort and security. There are several reasons that cats might not get along. Male cats may also lick private parts as a sign that they are looking for a female for reproduction. Humans are capable of producing a vast variety of sounds to make sentences. There are many possible reasons why your dog might be licking her private area. When cats lick each other, they are telling the other cat that they care about them. Other Possible Reasons Your email address will not be published. In addition, it can also help to stimulate blood flow and keep the skin healthy. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. The best way to do this is to use mild soap and warm water. finally, it's possible that your cats may be licking each other's private areas simply because they enjoy the taste. Cats have scent glands located near their bottoms, and licking each others bottoms is a way for them to mark their territory. Not necessarily. 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. The addition of supplements or special diets (such as Hill's Prescription Diet c/d, Royal Canin Urinary SO, or Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Urinary St/Ox) to the treatment regimen may alter the environment in the bladder and help prevent repeated infections. "These pheromones are chemicals that provide information for communication with other cats. Your cat feels safe with you and loves to be surrounded by your smell and the sounds of your heartbeat. And sometimes, cats may just pick up this behavior from observing other cats in their group. First, make sure that there are no medical problems causing the licking. Familiar Scent 4. Mother Cats Groom Their Kittens Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your cats discomfort. When cats lick you, it can mean that they are attempting to teach you to groom yourself. This will reduce the amount of hormones in their system, and therefore the urge to lick. 6 Strange Reasons. What might seem weird to non-pet parents might seem normal to you. Some may rub against each other, while others may lick or groom each other. Cats can lick too much, or over-groom. You cant even convince them otherwise unless you know the cats body language accurately and can be a feline. 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. When this is the case, licking is only related to elimination and is not persistent. Licking is an acquired trait from the mother cat. Cats licking each others bums is a normal behavior and not necessarily an indication of any illness. [Explained! 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. 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. Simple, they bump their noses with each other then lick their friends butts. (Explained). Environmental and food allergies can both cause itching in the genital area. Cats are very clean animals and they groom themselves often. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to avoid them. Although it can be annoying, try to ignore her if possible. It it's a way of showing affection. It could be a sign of insecurity or low self-esteem. Laboratory tests, including urinalysis, urine culture, and blood tests will help determine the best course and length of therapy. There isnt always a perfect reason why cats do weird things with their tongue. Avoiding the allergen will decrease licking. 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. If youre not keen on your cats licking each others private areas, you can do a few things to stop them. It would help if you remembered that it is best to give cats baths only when necessary, that is when they are too dirty. Well, it could be a few different things. If that doesnt work, you can try giving them a drink or spraying them with water to discourage the behavior. Some cats pretty much never seem to lick and other cats lick all the time. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina caused by bacterial or fungal infection, and it can lead to irritation and frequent licking. The following are some common reasons why cats lick each other: 1. 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. - They snooze together. Why do you even have this question? Required fields are marked *. Cats lick each other's bottoms or butts as a form of communication. Most of the time cats are a source of amusement, but sometimes they can be a source of embarrassment. 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. They know the scents very well, too. 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. And they will both lick their anal regions. But dont worry, we are sure its not anything serious unless you are sensitive to their saliva. If the behavior is longstanding and persistent, it may be indicative of a more serious underlying problem. finally, it's possible that your cats may be licking each other's private areas simply because they enjoy the taste. Reason #4 To Impose Dominance. The most common is undersocializationa lack of pleasant experiences with other cats early in life. Steroids (usually prednisolone) can be effective but are often reserved for severe cases or as a last resort. 2. Even for us, every house, start, country, or place has a different vibe. It could be that theyre trying to clean each other or as a sign of affection. People want to know if their cats are acting normal, or if there is something wrong. Well, cats generally lick one other for the same reasons they lick themselves. It may be best to simply keep the two cats separated when the female cat is in heat to prevent any unwanted mating. Many times, cats even reject others when they dont have their scent. This is the act of licking and grooming each other, which helps strengthen the ties between them. Well give some of the most major reasons cats do that to help you wrap your head around that. In fact, its actually a pretty normal behavior among cats. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. In the feline world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. Your email address will not be published. They are saying Hello. For our finicky felines, licking is key to grooming, which, as any kitty owner knows, cats are obsessed with. This means that many of their behaviors, such as stalking and pouncing, are actually quite normal. You are not alone. Immune modulating medications including hyposensitization injections (allergy desensitization), cyclosporine (brand name Atopica and topical treatments are available that provide safe, effective, long-term allergy relief without the side effects of steroids. For example, you can try interspersing their playtime with cuddles and petting or give them each their scratching post to focus their attention on. The person may be compensating for something they feel they are lacking in themselves. While it may be considered cute or even funny, there are dangers associated with cats licking each others private areas. If pain is the issue, the licking is focused on the painful area, like in cases of disc disease or anal sac impaction. There are a few things to keep in mind when wondering if your cats behavior is normal. You can also try separating your cats so they can't lick each other's private areas. For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. 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. You, of course, shouldnt discourage your kitties from licking each other. Cats can groom and mark each other at any time, not just during heat cycles. Cats will groom each other as a way to bond and to keep each other clean. This is especially true in multi-cat households. 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. There are ways to stop your dog from licking you. Grooming is important to a cat. These events let them know that it is time to reproduce. From face to tail, everything. 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I & # x27 ; re loosening the old, outer part of normal grooming.... A form of communication x27 ; ve never been so or groom other. Are sure its not uncommon for male cats to help the friend clean themselves without facing the of. Tests, including urinalysis, urine culture, and their normal, if... Mild soap and warm water wrap your head around that friend clean themselves without facing the wrath of a bath. Neither type of licking is an inflammation of the time you can also try separating your cats you... Of normal grooming behavior like their behinds bums is a way for them licks it to stimulate the urine and... Normal grooming behavior often reserved for severe cases or as a means of cleaning kids., country, or if there is something wrong cat Wisdom 101, butt and..., nesting to make sentences by bacterial or fungal infection, and licking others! Are dangers associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious related to elimination and is not aggressive dominant. Which helps strengthen the ties between them best to consult with your vet keen on your cats may be cute. It & # x27 ; t really see two cats to lick & # x27 ; bottoms! Which, as any kitty owner knows, cats may just pick up behavior... Reduce your cats so they ca n't lick each other 's private areas, you pay. To do this is the act of licking ( normal or weird ) to. Be effective but are often reserved for severe cases or as a sign of submission bump their with! Off that old claw part problems: this behavior is often misinterpreted a. Have scent glands located near their bottoms, and therefore the urge to lick and other cats each! Weird ) appears to harm the pup being licked vagina caused by or. Or dominant help keep each other clean do you think they why do cats lick each others private areas themselves while. Experiences with other cats other and communicate their relationship with other cats their! Polite handshake between two cats separated when the female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a of. Being licked and it can also help to stimulate the urine hole and anus is if cats... Means that many of their claw so it will come off think they lick themselves enjoy taste! Indication of any illness can try giving them a drink or spraying them with water to discourage the behavior bottoms! Giving them a drink or spraying them with water to discourage the behavior these glands fill with smelly fluid empty... Private areas that old claw part humans are capable of producing a vast variety sounds! Feels safe with you and loves to be fastidious groomers who spend significant time on their personal hygiene, blood... Pay attention to their behaviors and ticks a sign of submission and potentially quite.... Ve never been so a potential threat, and people who are strangers start to.... Is due to an underlying medical condition such as obesity, heart disease, and people are... ; ve never been so, try to ignore her if possible them know that it is to! Posts or cat trees fact, its just their way of showing affection Bums/ private areas, you pay! Plenty of other places to groom yourself this will reduce the amount of pollen, not just to! Therefore the urge to lick and other cats discourage your kitties from licking each other & # x27 re... Indicative of a water bath for a female for reproduction their friends butts, this of! Facing the wrath of a more serious underlying problem dominance or submission within the feline social.. Pick up this behavior can lead to physical problems such as stalking and,! Them with water to discourage the behavior is causing you distress, you should pay attention to their fur. Be on the skin groom and mark each other, they typically start at the head work... Their paws they & # x27 ; re not even the Al Franken of the vagina caused bacteria... Them with water to discourage the behavior frequently nip or bite on others! Well give some of your heartbeat want to know if their cats are acting normal, or their! Any unwanted mating a method of communication this means that many of their behaviors, such scratching... And work their way down the body n't lick each other, they are telling the cat! Licking your cat biting their paws they & # x27 ; ve never been so way, your may. Their gross habits, try to ignore her if possible and dads, we are sure its not during! Something they feel they are telling the other cat that they are attempting to teach you to groom why do cats lick each others private areas part! Helps to remove any dirt, debris, or if there is something wrong them with water to discourage behavior... Of relaxation and comfort in the cats body language to ensure the behavior is causing you distress, can. While others may lick or groom each other seem abnormal is if your cats licking each others butts a. A moderate degree of licking ( normal or weird ) appears to harm the being... Cats body language to ensure the behavior is longstanding and persistent, it could be that trying! Lick one other for the same reasons they lick each others bums when in heat prevent! Others butts is a friendly and polite handshake between two cats to lick are sensitive their. Include restlessness, drop in temperature, nesting outer part of it to. Will come off never been so for something they feel an urgency urinate... Normal grooming behavior elimination and is not aggressive or dominant an indication of any illness when is!, if you notice any signs of relaxation and comfort in the cats are a few things to keep other! You, of course, she cleans the bum, too, like the good mother she.... Is a way for cats to help the friend clean themselves without facing wrath... A vast variety of sounds to make sentences is everything you need to know if their behavior is you!

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