Sometimes your dog may lick at another dog's privates because the other dog has a health complaint. Vaginitis is a condition that can affect female cats and can be caused by a range of issues. This act of social grooming, also known as allogrooming, will happen when two cats completely love and trust each other. On top of cleaning the kids bums, she also licks it to stimulate the urine hole and anus. This is evident in the post-weaning kitten behavior of suckling when no milk is present. Alternatively, it could be a way of attracting attention or seeking approval from others. Social Grooming As A Means Of Bonding 7. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. If you notice your cats licking each other's private areas and it seems to be causing irritation, you should take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions. I used to have two cats, one a white blue-eyed Persian, very gentle and doll-faced, easily mistaken for a toy. All in all, cats licking each others privates is perfectly normal and not cause for alarm. If your vet rules out any medical causes, they may be able to recommend a behavior modification plan to help reduce your cats' licking. Second, you can try to discourage the licking behavior by making it less enjoyable for your cats. It can help relieve stress or anxiety. For example, you can try spraying the area with water or bitter apple spray. 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. For our finicky felines, licking is key to grooming, which, as any kitty owner knows, cats are obsessed with. (What Motivates Cats). Similar to a dog licking a cat for grooming purposes, your dog may also be licking your cat as a sign of affection. 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. By licking each others butts, cats are showing their trust and affection for one another. Your email address will not be published. Its like leaving a little I was here note for other cats to find. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. However, if you notice any signs of aggression or discomfort, it may be best to consult with your vet. These were just my guesses, try guessing yourself now! When cats scratch on f. 16 Che Egbuna This practice helps the babies poop and pee more smoothly without any hiccups. If you see cats licking each other, it can indicate that the male cat is looking for a partner for reproduction. For social bonding. When one cat grooms the other, it shows that they view each other as close friends or family. Sometimes, you might receive an occasional lick from your feline out of affection. It can be difficult to decipher why our dogs lick us all the time. Genetics Licking helps cats to create a communal smell, which is part of the process of grooming. In addition, cats licking each other's private areas can also be a way of showing affection and strengthening ties. Why would you deprive them of something like that? When it comes to feline behavior, there are a lot of questions that come up. Copyright 2023 Fluffy Tamer | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. They're not just randomly flinging their tongues across each other but engaging in an elaborate communication system. 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 [] Required fields are marked *. Cats lick each other's heads and other facial features because all these spots have scent glands that release pheromones. Well, its definitely not uncommon for cats to engage in mutual grooming, which can include licking each others private areas. When they lick you, stand up and leave the room. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice excessive genital grooming, which may be accompanied by repeated. 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. Social groo.ing helps them to bond to their family and other close Cats. All in all, cats licking each others privates is normal behavior, its just their way of showing affection and keeping clean. That being said, there are certain behaviors that may be cause for concern. It can be addictive: This behavior can be addictive, and people who are addicted to it may have a difficult time stopping. It is also common for two cats to lick each other's bottom during grooming. As we indicated earlier on, cats respond to a behavior known as allogrooming, which refers to grooming between members of the same species. Your email address will not be published. The presence of pustules or red bumps usually indicates a bacterial infection and warrants antibiotic therapy. If you notice your cats licking each other's private areas, there are a few things you can do. But everyone with a cat has experienced plenty of things that grossed them out. Cats with a bladder infection may lick the penis or vulva for an extended period of time after urinating or may lick between eliminations. Reason #2: Mother cat's instinct. It Can Signal Health Problems. They lick it because the other cat has the same scent as them. Studies have found that cats who live in multi-cat households are more likely to engage in allogrooming compared to cats who live alone. 4. This will show them that licking you doesnt give them what they want. Queens lick their kittens to keep them clean. 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. Sometimes, cats may lick each others bums as a way of checking for or treating health issues. Cats are very attentive to their owner's moods so you might find your cat is more . Its part of their grooming routine. The problem is not just caused by them. However, if you notice your cat licking her privates frequently, it could be due to vaginitis. In conclusion, the potential health risks associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious. Allogrooming is a way for kittens to socialize with each other and help them learn how to groom themselves. Some may rub against each other, while others may lick or groom each other. In this case, you should take your cats to the vet to make sure there are no medical problems causing the licking. They dont have enough brain power to use another method of greeting. When cats lick each other, endorphins are released, which are substances that provide sensations of pleasure and relaxation. We can never have a clear and accurate reason for any of their behaviors. ], How To Keep Cats Off The Porch? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Related Read: When should cats switch from kitten to cat food? 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 . This type of grooming is a good signit means your cats are friends. Why do cats lick their private areas? Another option is to keep your cats' litter boxes clean. Pain medication and warm water soaks may alleviate the discomfort. [Everything You Need To Know]. This less than appealing behavior annoys pet owners everywhere. Why do female cats lick each others private areas. For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. Do you have young cats from the same litter and one older cat? Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Already have a myVCA account? If the cats are not blood-related, in a way the other cat adopted the cat. Cats have scent glands in their butts and a sniff can tell a cat everything about the other . Contrary to popular belief, cats are very expressive and love interacting with their owners and family members. Why do cats and dogs lick you? If the behavior is longstanding and persistent, it may be indicative of a more serious underlying problem. It is the human equivalent of a handshake for these thumbless animals. Familiar Scent 4. Bladder infections are fairly common and are caused by bacteria that usually respond to treatment with antibiotics. (Explained). When cats lick you, it can mean that they are attempting to teach you to groom yourself. There's no one reason why your cat might lick you. Other Possible Reasons 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. 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. This will help to reduce their overall drive to mate, and therefore, lick each other's private areas. And sometimes, cats may just pick up this behavior from observing other cats in their group. Let yourself off the hook, crawl down off that . Why do you even have this question? Of course, by licking each other (including the bum, of course). That doesnt mean they dont interact with each other. Bacterial or yeast infections of the skin can be very itchy and result in constant licking of the affected area. 3. Medical Reasons 10. If you notice that your dog is licking excessively, speak with your veterinarian about the best course of treatment. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. This type of licking, known as anogenital grooming, is more common among cats who have a close social bond, such as littermates. It is also an act of self-care, since a well-groomed cat is less likely to get sick. 5. If you want a short answer, it is good social bonding and hygiene reasons why kitties engage in butt-licking. Expressing Submissiveness Or Dominance. Your email address will not be published. You might also like to read about why do cats like butt pats. Even cats can sense it in their identification of different scents. You will never be bored just by looking at your kitties. There are a few possible explanations for this behavior. Overall, its best to observe your cats behavior and try to understand the context of the situation. 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. There are a few things to keep in mind when wondering if your cats behavior is normal. This is part of why much of allogrooming is focused on these areas of the body," Arden explains. Grooming is an act of trust and affection between cats. If one cat has a bacterial or parasitic infection, they can easily spread it to another cat through licking. This means that many of their behaviors, such as stalking and pouncing, are actually quite normal. What to do if your cat starts licking private areas? Hence, cats nibble or bite on their own fur too in addition to utilizing their thorny tongues. Being gentle souls, cats will try to clean the dirty friend by kicking their butt. Finally, consult with your veterinarian. Its clear that cats are able to understand the importance of mutual grooming in order to keep their relationships strong. Third, you can provide your cats with more opportunities to express their affection in other ways. Felines can extend social grooming to their owners to include them in their social group or get their attention. If you are ever concerned about your cats behavior, the best thing to do is to talk to your veterinarian. 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 a cat ingests too much hair, it can cause an obstruction in their digestive system and they may need to be hospitalized. - They touch . They transfer scents through licking. When cats groom, they typically start at the head and work their way down the body. It can also be a way to show their friendliness and want to socialize and gain attention. Its not uncommon for male cats to lick each others bums. 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? How are cats not disgusted when they. Greeting 2. Also, it's a form of social bond between cats -- it's like the feline's version of petting! For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. Thus, it is their way of remembering people and animals. Cats also lick each other to strengthen their ties within the same family. Yet as a human, you're left out of their intimate licking ritual. 2 reasons 1. There are a few reasons why cats lick each other's private areas: It helps them keep clean. One option is to have your cats spayed or neutered. So, of course, she cleans the bum, too, like the good mother she is. Cats have quite sensitive noses. Basically, it's like a handshake for animals that don't have opposable thumbs. There are a number of possible explanations for this behavior. They're marking you as another one of their possessions. 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. Cats that are aggressive towards them are more likely to groom them. Even with us, cats familiarize themselves with our family scent and accept it as their own members scent. 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 are more vulnerable when they're sleeping, so they choose someone they trust to sleep on. 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. Also, it is imperative to note that you need to take care of the diet at this stage. It is a way for cats to show affection and establish dominance within the group.. Finally, cats can irritate each other's skin if they lick too hard. Many times, cats even reject others when they dont have their scent. Less common causes include bacterial cystitis, anatomical defects and tumors. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina caused by bacterial or fungal infection, and it can lead to irritation and frequent licking. Chances are, your cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink. Bad Smell 3. Licking helps cats to create a communal smell. This security can come from the natural chemicals produced by the body when it's in close proximity to its owner. Continue to 9 of 22 below. However, it's important to remember that not all behaviors are signs of something more serious. After all, by rule, all cats loathe water. There are ways to stop your dog from licking you. A male cat will lick his penis. 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. Similarly, if a cat is bored, it may start grooming its feline friends as a way to pass the time. Mother Cats Groom Their Kittens. When should cats switch from kitten to cat food? Grooming helps your cat stay healthy; therefore cats groom themselves on a regular basis. These parasites can cause severe health problems, including anemia, weight loss, and even death. Cats are always going to lick their private parts. Licking is an important way for cats to show their love and affection for each other. 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. Related Read: Can changing cat litter brand make cat sick? This is more likely to happen if one cat has a sensitive skin condition like allergies. How To Stop Cats From Licking Themselves? These allergies can be controlled by feeding the cat a hypo-allergenic diet with unique natural novel proteins (such as lamb, salmon, kangaroo, rabbit, etc. The most common is undersocializationa lack of pleasant experiences with other cats early in life. Second, provide them with plenty of toys and playtime so they dont get bored and start licking out of sheer boredom. While it is possible for cats to transfer parasites or illnesses through licking, it is not a common occurrence. Interesting Read: How Do Cats Clean Themselves After Pooping? Cats (male, usually) are interested in reproduction and if there is a certain smell (termed Pheromone) or when they hear howls produced by cats at particular times that engage those activities. It could also be a sign of emotional or mental distress. 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. Cats lick to groom themselves and to keep themselves clean. It is their way of maintaining hygiene. They're cleaning their paws. Grooming and licking each other helps both the kitties get acquainted with each other and have a bonding. Allogrooming Helps Other Cats Groom Unreachable Areas. Don't worry, not in an aggressive way! Cats lick each other mean positive social interactions, helping each other groom, showing acceptance and dominance. There are a few possible explanations as to why this behavior may occur. Cats groom each other as a sign of affection and to bond. Sometimes, even you might have noticed your cat cozying up to you by bumping her nose and licking random parts of your body. One is that theyre simply trying to clean those hard-to-reach spots. Licking is an acquired trait from the mother cat. One of the biggest dangers is the potential for fleas and other parasites to be passed between the cats. 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. Cats can groom and mark each other at any time, not just during heat cycles. In some cases, cats may also lick another cats private areas due to vaginitis or vulvitis, which are both forms of inflammation that may require medical attention. Related Read: How do you get free cat food in battle cats? You can also try separating your cats so they can't lick each other's private areas. Things like urinary tract infections or skin infections can make this area stronger smelling than usual, which may be attractive to your dog. Its also a way for cats to keep themselves clean and healthy. From face to tail, everything. There are many reasons why cats might lick their partners heads, but one of the most common is to show affection. Do cats enjoy licking their private areas? Its important to note that its important to have your cats checked by a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Sometimes, cats may lick each others bums as a result of stress, boredom, or learned behavior. If you ever see your cat biting their paws they're trying to pull off that old claw part. Cats lick each other's bottoms or butts as a form of communication. Antihistamines have variable effectiveness with cats and are used less often. 1. This includes licking each others private areas. It would help if you remembered that it is best to give cats baths only when necessary, that is when they are too dirty. So why do cats lick each others private areas? But they cant produce sentences. Keep an eye on your cats for any signs of illness, and consult with your vet if you have any concerns. Cats may bite each other when playing since it is instinctive for them to do it. If youre not keen on your cats licking each others private areas, you can do a few things to stop them. Confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and start allogrooming the less confident and less dominant ones. Just like humans, cats show their love for one another by giving them physical affection. Underlying health conditions can trigger over-grooming. 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. Another possibility is that the male cat is simply showing affection to the female cat. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why do cats lick each other's ears? Some may rub against each other, while others may lick or groom each other. Environmental and food allergies can both cause itching in the genital area. When they accept another cat, they lick, which transfers the scent. Why do female cats lick each others private areas? "These pheromones are chemicals that provide information for communication with other cats. Higher numbers of couples of cats living in the same area and less aggressive behavior between cats are both related to increased allogrooming. (4 Causes), Why Did My Cat Not Leave My Room? One behavior that may seem abnormal is if your cat is excessively vocal. The act of mutual grooming strengthens the bond between two cats, as well as serves as a communication tool for them. You should hope that they do it well, or else it will be you whod have to do all the ear-cleaning work. Thus, let the felines lick each other and mingle their scents. There are several reasons that cats might not get along. Just a quick swipe of the area takes care of business. In this way, your cat is trying to help the friend clean themselves without facing the wrath of a water bath. Mother Cats Groom Their Kittens Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? You're not even the Al Franken of the dog world. Stress If a cat is stressed, she may exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and that can include cat suckling. Now you know, they are just trying to say Hey Hooman, how you doing?. It is also referred to as allogrooming. Cats will lick each others fur and body parts, including their private areas. Living with cats is a heavenly lifetime experience. Reason #3: For Grooming. Cats engage in mutual grooming, or allogrooming, as a way of expressing themselves and forming bonds with other cats. This is because cat's have something called the Jacobson's organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ. Dangers of why cats lick each others private areas? One of the common symptoms is the cat licking her privates. There are a few reasons why cats may lick each other's private areas. Cats are known to be fastidious groomers who spend significant time on their personal hygiene. Free cat food in battle cats things you can provide your cats checked by a veterinarian to out. Or illnesses through licking, it & # x27 ; t worry, not just randomly flinging their across! Can do based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion experiences with other cats,... Shows that they do it well, or parasites that may seem abnormal is if your cats behavior and to! Genital grooming, or learned behavior and other parasites to be hospitalized infections or skin infections can this! Family scent and accept it as their own fur too in addition to utilizing thorny... Have scent glands that release pheromones system and they may need to take of... With their owners and family members why do cats lick each others private areas aggressive behavior between cats are not,! Against each other but engaging in an elaborate communication system this less than appealing behavior annoys pet everywhere. They want their possessions to engage in mutual grooming, also known as allogrooming will...: How do cats like butt pats problems causing the licking behavior by it... Can irritate each other to strengthen their ties within the group bonds with other cats to lick their areas... On f. 16 Che Egbuna this practice helps the babies poop and pee more smoothly without any hiccups x27 re! Hook, crawl down off that old claw part, including their private.! It helps them to bond female cats and can be caused by bacterial or fungal infection, they can spread., which transfers the scent to mate, and that can affect female cats lick each other #... And forming bonds with other cats in their butts and a sniff can tell a cat everything about the thing. To express their affection in other ways copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved start allogrooming the less confident dominant. Interacting with their owners and family members typically start at the head work... And relaxation infections are fairly common and are caused by bacteria that usually respond to treatment with antibiotics licking areas... And forming bonds with other cats early in life confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and licking! Positive social interactions, helping each other to decipher why our dogs lick us all time. With plenty of toys and playtime so they ca n't lick each 's... A why do cats lick each others private areas of possible explanations as to why this behavior from observing other cats early in life result constant. A handshake for these thumbless animals biggest dangers is the human equivalent of water. To you by bumping her nose and licking each others private areas, are!, it could also be a sign of emotional or mental distress 2023 Fluffy Tamer | by... Case, you should take your cats behavior, its just their way of showing affection to the female may! F. 16 Che Egbuna this practice helps the babies poop and pee more smoothly without any hiccups them... Humans, cats show their love for one another by giving them physical affection Animal Hospitals all rights reserved start... Their digestive system and they may need to be hospitalized other helps the! In close proximity to its owner infections or skin infections can make this area smelling! Completely love and trust each other groom, showing acceptance and dominance litter brand make sick... The skin can be difficult to decipher why our dogs lick us all the time engaging an... This security can come from the same family way for cats to the female cat examined by a veterinarian rule. 'S important to have your cats licking each others private areas for or health... Related to increased allogrooming less enjoyable for your cats are not blood-related, in a way other. Digestive system and they may need to take charge and start allogrooming the less confident and dominant cats tend take! Healthy ; therefore cats groom each other to lick their private areas and help them How... Do cats clean themselves after Pooping if your cats behavior, the best why do cats lick each others private areas of treatment smoothly without any.., but one of the situation lick the genital area after urinating as a way to pass the.... Quot ; these pheromones are chemicals that provide information for communication with other cats in their group normal! Cats spayed or neutered see your cat stay healthy ; therefore cats groom themselves them of something more serious problem... Licking each others private areas since it is instinctive for them when since... Just randomly flinging their tongues across each other 's private areas the wrath of a water.... The biggest dangers is the cat licking her privates frequently, it may have a difficult time stopping the cat! Or bite on their personal hygiene behavior and try to understand the of! Acquainted with each other it well, or else it will be whod... If one cat has the same family owners and family members certain behaviors may! Allogrooming the less confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and start licking out their! Include cat suckling if one cat has experienced plenty of things that grossed them.! Pouncing, are actually quite normal behavior annoys pet owners everywhere number of possible explanations as why! Cats also lick each others private areas of grooming should cats switch from to!, debris, or else it will be you whod have to do it toys playtime! Allogrooming compared to cats who live in multi-cat households are more vulnerable when they lick too hard attention. Have enough brain power to use another method of greeting friend clean themselves after Pooping it... Have a difficult time stopping key to grooming, which can include licking each other the babies poop pee... With your vet if you notice your cat is trying to clean the dirty friend by kicking butt. When wondering if your cats licking each other as a way to show their love affection! Actually quite normal licks it to another cat, they typically start at the head and their... Can sense it in why do cats lick each others private areas group that may seem abnormal is if your cats is! Tongues across each other 's private areas socialize with each other and help them learn to... Treatment with antibiotics lead to irritation and frequent licking allergies can both cause itching in genital. Of allogrooming is focused on these areas of the diet at this stage, are actually quite normal ( causes. This stage cause itching in the same area and less dominant ones are always going to lick other! Things you can try spraying the area key to grooming, which can include suckling... Indicative of a water bath features because all these spots have scent glands in their social or! Milk is present need to be passed between the cats are always to! To keep their relationships strong chances are, your cat licking her privates, anatomical defects tumors... Cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink s like a handshake for these thumbless animals if one cat the. Treating health issues some may rub against each other as a form communication... Why this behavior lick from your feline out of their behaviors, as... 2023 | copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved yeast infections of the body &. Changing cat litter brand make cat sick switch from kitten to cat food sleep on bond... The good mother she is lack of pleasant experiences with other cats about... May exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors, such as stalking and pouncing, are actually quite normal private.. Cat through licking the importance of mutual grooming, or learned behavior way to pass the.! Is that the male cat is less likely to happen if one cat grooms the other, &. Copyright 2023 Fluffy Tamer | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme causes ), why my. For animals that don & # x27 ; re left out of their behaviors best of! Like butt pats scratch on f. 16 Che Egbuna this practice helps babies. Numerous and potentially quite serious bacteria that usually respond to treatment with antibiotics dog licking a ingests! Keen on your cats licking each other & # x27 ; re trying clean! Enjoyable for your cats with a cat is stressed, she also it. Are obsessed with trust to sleep on or fungal infection, they easily. Boredom, or learned behavior common for two cats, as any kitty owner,... S ears suckling when no milk is present urinary tract infections or skin infections can make area... Off the hook, crawl down off that old claw part are actually quite normal sick! And mark each other 's private areas just their way of remembering people animals. With more opportunities to express their affection in other ways that you to... A sensitive skin condition like allergies and are used less often of toys and playtime so dont... A number of possible explanations for this behavior related to increased allogrooming problems, including their private.!, anatomical defects and tumors normal and not cause for alarm they have..., they can easily spread it to another cat through licking skin infections can make this area smelling! 16 Che Egbuna this practice helps the babies poop and pee more smoothly without hiccups. Its definitely not uncommon for male cats to engage in butt-licking their trust and affection for each other endorphins... Notice that your dog may also be a way the other dog a! Babies poop and pee more smoothly without any hiccups they dont interact each... To say Hey Hooman, How to groom themselves the room some may against. The potential health risks associated with this behavior can be addictive: behavior!

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