Why Does My Cat Groom My Other Cat?
Your cat is constantly licking themselves, which you don’t give a second thought to. But should you be concerned when the licking shifts to another feline?
The short answer is no. It’s perfectly normal for cats to groom other cats, and they do so for a lot of reasons. Cats are inherent groomers, which means licking is just part of the lifestyle. While many cats keep the licks to themselves, on occasion they offer their sandpaper tongues to a buddy—and no, it’s not because of love at first sight.
Here’s why cats groom other cats and why you should let them.
What Does It Mean When My Cat Grooms Another Cat?
Cats know nothing of consent (except when it comes to giving you the evil eye when you don’t pet them in their sweet spots). That’s why they don’t seem to be shy about licking other cats, wherever, whenever. Here are some reasons why.
They’re Communicating.
Cats aren’t big on words beyond meow and purr. So they use grooming as a way to communicate with their kind. In some cases, cats may groom other cats they feel close to—those that are part of their “friend group.” They’re expressing their relationship with each other.
See it as a sign of trust and respect between cats. They feel comfortable enough around other cats to get close to them and even help with grooming. It’s much better than fighting, clawing, and biting each other, right?
They’re Bonding.
When you brush your cat, you’re enjoying a bonding experience with them. It builds trust with your cat and shows them you care about them. The same holds true when cats groom other cats.
Grooming is part of the feline bonding experience. We see this a lot when our clients have two or more cats from the same litter or cats who have lived together for a long time. Again, it’s a sign of mutual respect and care. Grooming a feline friend and receiving grooming in return can be a sign of bonding that other cats notice.
They’re Cleaning Their Young.
An obvious reason why cats groom other cats: It’s their job as parents.
Mama cats clean their little kittens because they haven’t learned how to do it themselves. It’s instinct. The mother will clean her babies immediately after birth, focusing on their bottoms to stimulate their potty habits. They’ll also keep cleaning their babies for the next several weeks as the kittens learn to take care of themselves.
Fun fact: this instinct never goes away. Cats who have given birth may be more likely to groom other cats simply because of instinct.
They’re Showing Acceptance.
Grooming another cat can be an initiation of sorts. When a cat likes another cat enough to groom them, they’re showing acceptance. Those cats are part of an elite group or friendship. This is why you often see cats of the same household grooming each other.
They’re Calming Their Fellow Feline.
Grooming can be a source of stress release for cats, and the same applies when cats are grooming other cats. Cats, like many other animals, can pick up on silent cues. If a cat notices another cat feeling stressed, they might start grooming them as a way to calm them down.
They’re Helping a Feline Out
Cats groom themselves to clean up loose fur, dried-up fecal matter, or litter that sticks to their bottom (kind of like toilet paper on a shoe). Some places are harder to reach than others, so another cat might lend a helping paw. Cats tend to have the same grooming struggles, which is why it feels natural to them to lick other cats in the right spots.
Do Cats Lick to Show Dominance?
Cats do many things to assert their dominance, including grooming another cat. Lions and other big cats do this often, but common house cats do it too. A higher-ranking cat will groom a lower-ranking cat to remind them they’re a lower-ranking cat. It’s weird, but also totally normal in the feline world.
It’s Okay if Your Cat Licks Another Cat
If your cat grooms another cat, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean they’re in love and little kittens are on the way. It doesn’t mean they’re committing social faux pas (or should we say faux paws).
Really, it doesn’t mean much of anything to you. It’s their way of bonding and communicating. Whether that’s a message of acceptance or one of dominance is between the cats.
Truth: Cats Aren’t the Best Groomers
While cats are mostly self-cleaning, it’s safe to say they aren’t perfect groomers. Some places are harder to reach than others. Aging cats can’t bend like they used to. And no cat can use scissors to remove mats or squeeze ear wash into their ears.
That’s why professional cat groomers are a necessary part of the grooming process. Certified Feline Master Groomers can reach all the places your cat leaves behind, as well as handle tasks like nail trims, specialty cuts, mat removal, brushing, and ear cleaning that your cat can’t do themselves.
Our groomers are also trained to examine each cat and spot potential issues, such as dry skin, fleas, lumps and bumps, or other signs of health problems. We care for the whole cat, not just the fur, so your felines can live their best lives. Request an appointment with us today or get a quote for service.
