It is a very normal practice for the mother to clean her kittens by licking them. Just like humans, cats show their affection in different ways. 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. Common Myths About Cats Licking Each Other's Bum. Acceptance Between Them 6. Cats can lick too much, or over-groom. This will help to reduce their overall drive to mate, and therefore, lick each other's private areas. Required fields are marked *. There are a few reasons why cats lick each other's private areas: It helps them keep clean. But they cant produce sentences. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. They're accessing biochemical information from you skin. It can be difficult to decipher why our dogs lick us all the time. Breaking the Myth. Well, as for cats, it is not the case. This can be detected when your cat constantly licks his private area after urinating. With this handy tool, cats can rake through their fur, making it shiny and dander-free. Thus, it is their way of remembering people and animals. Allogrooming in cats can be best observed in free-roaming cat colonies. Its their stress reliever. Similarly, if someone is exhibiting signs of physical abuse, such as bruises or cuts, it could be a sign that they are in an abusive relationship. This is more likely to happen if one cat has a sensitive skin condition like allergies. It is considered a form of greeting between cats or a mating signal. This act of social grooming, also known as allogrooming, will happen when two cats completely love and trust each other. If you do so, you are restricting them from doing something that is an instinct to them. Why Are Siamese Felines Cross-Eyed? When cats lick you, it can mean that they are attempting to teach you to groom yourself. Expressing Submissiveness Or Dominance. It is their habit and something very basic to them. (Keep in mind, never bathe cats unless they are too dirty). If youre not keen on your cats licking each others private areas, you can do a few things to stop them. Certain behaviors like licking each others butts completely go above our heads. Reason #2: It's a sign of affection. Plus, licks to the face are a cat's favorite area to show affection. Cats may bite each other when playing since it is instinctive for them to do it. Cats can learn their limits and boundaries through this type of play. 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? Every country, state, house, or place has a different kind of vibe. One behavior that may seem abnormal is if your cat is excessively vocal. Thus, let the felines lick each other and mingle their scents. Avoiding the allergen will decrease licking. Here is everything you need to know about why cats lick each others private parts. Should I be worried if my cat is constantly licking another cat's bum? If your cat is meowing more than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. It's a memory your cat had from being licked by its own mother and is a real sign of affection. Finally, cats can irritate each other's skin if they lick too hard. But sometimes it is quite awkward and funny how they interact with each other. It would help if you remembered that it is best to give cats baths only when necessary, that is when they are too dirty. Can I stop my male cat from licking my female cat's bum? 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. Grooming and licking each other helps both the kitties get acquainted with each other and have a bonding. 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 first is a happy, submissive greeting with an invitation to play via tail wagging and a play bow. In the cat world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. How do you get free cat food in battle cats? When cats scratch on f. 16 Che Egbuna Another reason why cats may lick each other's private areas is to show affection. However, sometimes it can manifest into fights too. Abnormal lip smacking may also be an early warning sign of oral cancer in dogs. If you're concerned about someone's behavior, the best thing to do is to talk to them about it. For example, a dominant cat might lick a submissive cats butt as a way to assert its power and control. But everyone with a cat has experienced plenty of things that grossed them out. Why would you deprive them of something like that? This will reduce the amount of pollen, not eliminate it, but it will minimize exposure to the offending allergen. Grooming is unarguably the most common reason cats lick each other. If you notice that your dog is licking excessively, speak with your veterinarian about the best course of treatment. It just means that they dont form sentences for communication. A cat may lick the area to relieve pain, too. Gluten, Dairy, Sugar Free Recipes, Interviews and Health Articles; Fur-Mowing (Feline) - Mar Vista Animal Medical Center; Male Dogs Licking Each Other: Why They Do It & What It . A pup licking the private region of another canine can be a sign of dominance. This means that some behaviors that may be considered normal for one cat, may not be considered normal for another. One possibility is that the male cat is marking the female cat as his territory. Cats groom each other as a sign of affection and to bond. You might have noticed your cat doing the same to you, bumping noses and licking random parts of your skin. While some cats overlap their territories a great deal, others prefer to keep a good distance from their neighbors. Why do cats lick each other's ears? Your email address will not be published. One option is to have your cats spayed or neutered. Grooming all body parts is a motherly instinct in felines. Already have a myVCA account? Biting a cat hard can hurt or irritate them, so theyll eventually learn to bite and not just hurt them. 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 a way for cats to keep themselves clean and healthy. If your cat is constantly licking their buttocks or rubbing their behind on carpets and flooring, it might be a sign that they are cleaning something from their bum. 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. They like to lick every part, right from face to tail. According to Cat Wisdom 101, butt sniffing and licking is how cats greet each other. 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. Your dog may use licking as a way to get your attention. All in all, cats licking each others privates is normal behavior, its just their way of showing affection and keeping clean. Another possibility is that the male cat is simply showing affection to the female cat. Tips for Observing Cats Licking Each Other's Bum. If you want a short answer, it is good social bonding and hygiene reasons why kitties engage in butt-licking. Food allergies are triggered when the cat is sensitized to proteins (typically chicken, beef, or pork) or other molecules in the food. Cats are social animals, and just like humans, they enjoy a good catch up with their friends. 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. Some dogs lick their owners' private areas as a way of communicating affection, while others may do it as a way of cleaning themselves. Cats have two anal glands, remnants of scent glands, located near the rectum. Sometimes, cats need a littermate to help them out! Sexual Activities 5. Expressing Submissiveness Or Dominance 8. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. It can help relieve stress or anxiety. Thus, you should keep a check. In addition to this, when cats lick each other, it can also help to strengthen their ties and make them feel more connected. 2 reasons 1. Now you know, they are just trying to say Hey Hooman, how you doing?. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Another is that they could get hairballs from ingesting the hair. Cats are very social animals, and they need to develop strong bonds with their fellow cats. The presence of genital discharge most often suggests an underlying problem, ranging from a mild, relatively benign disorder, to a severe, even life-threatening, disease. There are several medical reasons that prompt a cat to persistently lick the genital or anal regions. However, cats can also develop excessive . The presence of pustules or red bumps usually indicates a bacterial infection and warrants antibiotic therapy. Benefits of why cats lick each others private areas? Licking is a typical action among cats and is frequently used to communicate and associate with one another. Cats typically start licking at a young age and will continue to do so throughout their lives. If a cat ingests too much hair, it can cause an obstruction in their digestive system and they may need to be hospitalized. Cats are always going to lick their private parts. However, there are three main theories why domestic felines engage in this behaviour: They're displaying they trust you. Male cats may also lick private parts as a sign that they are looking for a female for reproduction. It helps to strengthen the bond between cats, making them feel more secure in their environment. Mutual grooming is a common behavior among cats. A different kind of scent. When cats are cleaning, they frequently nip or bite on the others ears. While it may not be something you want to think about, cats licking each others private areas are normal behavior. Understand that they are felines. When cats lick each other, they show that they care for each other and want to be close to each other. Related Read: Why is my cat under my bed? 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. While this might not be a problem for some people, others may find it unsightly or gross. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice excessive genital grooming, which may be accompanied by repeated. This is especially true in multi-cat households. It is a way for cats to show acceptance of each other and can even be seen as a sign of affection. Do cats lick each other because they love each other? When a food allergy is the culprit, the itching occurs all year long, while environmental allergies are generally seasonal, depending on what plants or trees are pollinating, unless the inciting allergen is indoors. Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your cats discomfort. Cats that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety may be less likely to engage in grooming behaviors, including licking each others bums. For example, you can give them more opportunities to cuddle, play, and groom each other. 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. The new, sharper claw is growing in underneath. (What Motivates Cats). Why cats lick each others private areas? Of course, by licking each other (including the bum, of course). Also, it is imperative to note that you need to take care of the diet at this stage. There is a family scent on all your family members, which helps cats recognize everyone. You might catch your pet biting its neck while grooming. Cats lick each other's bottoms or butts as a form of communication. You're not even the Al Franken of the dog world. Both bacterial and yeast infections usually respond better when topical therapy in the form of medicated shampoos or wipes are added to the oral treatment regimen. One of the things is cats licking themselves. In addition to licking, male cats may also engage in other forms of allogrooming such as rubbing their faces against each other or gently biting each other. Manually evacuating the distended anal glands via hand manipulation usually resolves the problem. Suppose a cat cant clean another cats hair by licking alone, it will nibble or bite, which is all healthy grooming practice. To Bond: Cats sometimes lick and groom each other as a way of bonding. 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. As long as both cats seem happy and relaxed, it is likely just a part of their grooming and social behavior. Table of Contents [ hide] Reasons Why Cats Lick Each Other. Bad Smell 3. There are a number of things you can do to stop your cats from licking each other's private areas. Anal licking in cats is a normal behavior that is typically seen in healthy cats. Mutual grooming is not only a hygienic activity, but it also helps cats strengthen their social ties. Grooming is important to a cat. Grooming helps your cat stay healthy; therefore cats groom themselves on a regular basis. For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. However, if you are seeing a lot of discharge and it's accompanied by your dog licking his privates excessively, it may. So, are you ready for the long answer? These events let them know that it is time to reproduce. And so, this greeting of licking and biting ears when one cat returns home, is a method of communication. A cat licking each others private areas is a form of communication. To show love and affection. If you ever see your cat biting their paws they're trying to pull off that old claw part. You cant even convince them otherwise unless you know the cats body language accurately and can be a feline. Home Blog Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? Usually, as cat moms and dads, we arent very fazed by their gross habits. 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. Grooming is an act of trust and affection between cats. This behavior is often misinterpreted as a sign of affection, but it is actually more likely to be a sign of dominance. When it comes to feline behavior, there are a lot of questions that come up. Some medications, such as chemotherapy pills, can make dogs nauseated and cause them to lick their lips compulsively. Many people think that cats who lick each other are showing their affection. The second reason is that they are marking their territory. This can be those in the same litter of kittens, but they don't always have to be with blood relatives. Bacteria and parasites are the most common concern when cats lick each other's private areas. There are a few reasons why cats may lick each other's private areas. Other Possible Reasons If cats grow up together, they will feel a familial bond and encourage it by licking another's coat. One way cats show their companionship and bond with each other is through allogrooming. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina caused by bacterial or fungal infection, and it can lead to irritation and frequent licking. Causes for licking of the genital area in cats include pain, inflammation, problems with the urinary or reproductive tracts, and abnormal discharge. A female cat will lick her vulva. Do cats enjoy licking their private areas? 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. Thus, you should pay attention to their behaviors and ticks. Multiple oral antibiotics are readily available in both pill and liquid forms and are quite effective in resolving bladder infections. Cats often use their mouths to communicate with each other, so licking a partners head can be an indication of trust and love. Similar to a dog licking a cat for grooming purposes, your dog may also be licking your cat as a sign of affection. Alert your veterinarian if you see any of the following signs: There are several medical reasons that prompt a cat to persistently lick the genital or anal regions. Allergies. There are medical conditions that can cause an increase in licking, such as anxiety or allergies. 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. 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. Grooming every body part is a motherly behavior in cats. One is that they could spread bacteria or parasites. Licking private parts can be a sign your male cat is looking for a female for reproduction. Repeated infections may require surgical removal of the glands. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Author: cat-world.com Published: 11/08/2021 Review: 4.8 (844 vote) Summary: Female cats will lick their genitals as they are going into labour. They will lick their paws, legs, and body, so why not their crotch? Laboratory tests, including urinalysis, urine culture, and blood tests will help determine the best course and length of therapy. This will reduce the amount of hormones in their system, and therefore the urge to lick. If your cat hasnt bathed in a long time, its friend might be trying to get them clean by licking. In addition, cats can transmit diseases to each other through their saliva, including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. It is a way for cats to show affection and establish dominance within the group.. 2023 P.U.R.R. Another reason why cats lick each other is to show affection. There are a few reasons why cats lick each others private areas: If youre concerned about your cats licking each others private areas, there are a few things you can do to discourage the behavior. Your email address will not be published. This is a way for cats to claim each other and communicate their relationship with other cats. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: You might also like to read about why do cats like butt pats. Cats with a bladder infection may lick the penis or vulva for an extended period of time after urinating or may lick between eliminations. If you are concerned about the licking behavior, you can take steps to discourage it. Even cats can sense it in their identification of different scents. Well, this behavior isn't really about the butt, it's about the placement of those active glands. Cats are very clean animals and they groom themselves often. You can start with a hello or hi or how have you been doing? And you are good to go. A long-term drug called cefovecin (brand name Covenia) may be useful for treatment. If you have at least 2 cats as your feline friends, you must have noticed a common behavior among them, they lick each others private parts. Familiar Scent 4. Hence, cats nibble or bite on their own fur too in addition to utilizing their thorny tongues. How do you know if a cat loves another cat? 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. 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? It can be addictive: This behavior can be addictive, and people who are addicted to it may have a difficult time stopping. 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. Male cats usually pursue female ones when they sense the very distinctive smell of Pheromone. It is also common for two cats to lick each other's bottom during grooming. 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. Especially their private body parts. Why Did My Cat Not Go to a Certain Room? 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. Even for us, every house, start, country, or place has a different vibe. A male cat will lick his penis. According to Shojai, you won't really see two cats who are strangers start to lick . Severe infections may lead to the formation of an abscess that ruptures through the skin to the outside area around the anus. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Finally, you can try using anti-anxiety medication or pheromone products specifically designed to help calm cats. Hairballs are another potential consequence of cats licking each other's private areas. Although it can be annoying, try to ignore her if possible. 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 . Most of the time cats are a source of amusement, but sometimes they can be a source of embarrassment. Not necessarily. Allogrooming is a way for kittens to socialize with each other and help them learn how to groom themselves. 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. You dont want a foul-smelling cat running around the house. Cats are very clean animals and groom each other to keep themselves clean. One of the more embarrassing things that cats do is to lick their private parts. Factors That May Increase or Decrease The Frequency Of Cats Licking Each Other's Butt. The third reason is that cats licking each others private areas signifies affection. 1. Confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and start allogrooming the less confident and less dominant ones. Reason #2: Mother cat's instinct. Impaction often leads to infection. Cat licking is a part of the normal maternal instinct and grooming behaviors, however, these behaviors can become excessive and abnormal. If ignored, an impaction may occur as the fluid becomes so thick that it does not flow through the narrow opening to the rectum. Some cats pretty much never seem to lick and other cats lick all the time. Thus, they can easily catch on to funny smells. When they lick you, stand up and leave the room. The following are some common reasons why cats lick each other: 1. How are cats not disgusted when they. Cats with a different odor are seen as a potential threat, and their . Cats love to greet each other with butt licking and sniffing. Its their love. First, every cat is different and has their own unique personality. After all, by rule, all cats loathe water. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. On top of cleaning the kids bums, she also licks it to stimulate the urine hole and anus. The problem is not just caused by them. Yet as a human, you're left out of their intimate licking ritual. 4. Cats are known to be fastidious when it comes to cleanliness. Dont Be Fooled, Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black? Can female cats be attracted to 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. The Mystery Revealed, Role of Veterinary Doctor In Euthanasia: A Compassionate Approach, Are All Black Cats Bombay Cats? How To Stop Cats From Licking Themselves? If you notice your cats licking each other's private areas, there are a few things you can do. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to avoid them. Contrary to popular belief, cats are very expressive and love interacting with their owners and family members. Your email address will not be published. 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. Hyperthyroidism, arthritis pain, allergies, mites, and fleas all cause excessive grooming. Sometimes, cats may lick each others bums as a way of checking for or treating health issues. Why do cats lick each other? -She is trying to remove a bladder stone or other type of obstruction from her urinary tract finally, it's possible that your cats may be licking each other's private areas simply because they enjoy the taste. It is, after all, a part of them that you have accepted. Let yourself off the hook, crawl down off that . Required fields are marked *. Its also possible that the male cat is grooming the female cat, which is a common behavior among cats. Some folklore suggests that cats lick each others heads to create a momentary zoned-out state in the other cat. Underlying health conditions can trigger over-grooming. Mutual grooming between cats may be their way of showing acceptance with each other. 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. 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. We all know that cats are fastidious creatures when it comes to grooming. Why do cats lick their private areas? A cat's mouth may also open when sniffing another cat's anal sacs. Its also possible that theyre simply trying to get your attention. 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. As we indicated earlier on, cats respond to a behavior known as allogrooming, which refers to grooming between members of the same species. Cats will groom their family members and friends. They are more vulnerable when they're sleeping, so they choose someone they trust to sleep on. While it is possible for cats to transfer parasites or illnesses through licking, it is not a common occurrence. Is it normal for cats to lick each others private areas? Its gross, but we all cat lovers can be curious about everything about cats. Of course, these are just a few examples of behaviors that could make you question if your cat is acting normal. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? They lick it because the other cat has the same scent as them. If your cat has a change in their grooming behavior or is losing hair . A matted or dirty coat can be irritating, and thus, lead to licking. While less common for this to happen around a dog's private parts, it does happen. They will be able to diagnose and treat any potential problems that may be present. The licks don't just serve as a sign of affection. Some dogs may also lick their owners' private areas as a way of marking their territory. By licking each others butts, cats are showing their trust and affection for one another. 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. 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. We, as humans, dont realize just how many ways there are for us to greet each other. 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. What does it mean when two cats lick each other? In response to the irritation, the cat may lick the rectal region or scoot and rub the anus on the ground. Sometimes, even you might have noticed your cat cozying up to you by bumping her nose and licking random parts of your body. For indoor cats, windows should only be opened during these times as well. When should cats switch from kitten to cat food? 6 Strange Reasons. We can never have a clear and accurate reason for any of their behaviors.