All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. However, if one of your cats is sick, it is possible that the licking is a sign of stress or a way to self-soothe. In fact, its actually a pretty normal behavior among cats. Why Do Cats Turn Their Heads Upside Down When Playing? Licking helps cats to create a communal smell, which is part of the process of grooming. It can also be when they hear howls that cats release at certain times. It could also be a sign of emotional or mental distress. To clean the site, you can also use a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Can I stop my male cat from licking my female cat's bum? When cats are cleaning, they frequently nip or bite on the others ears. Cats lick each other's bottoms or butts as a form of communication. Why would you deprive them of something like that? There's no question that some behaviors can be signs of more serious issues. Why do kittens lick their mother cat? Why do cats lick each other's ears? It is also possible that a cat licking another cats privates is due to an underlying medical condition such as vaginitis or bladder infection. Expressing Submissiveness Or Dominance 8. The most obvious reason why cats lick themselves is for cleanliness. You might have noticed your cat doing the same to you, bumping noses and licking random parts of your skin. Cats are very sassy and independent animals and dont like being told what to do and what not. Sometimes your dog may lick at another dog's privates because the other dog has a health complaint. If the upper urinary tract or kidneys are infected, the treatment may be prolonged for 4-6 weeks on average. - They head-butt each other. 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 [] Its their hygiene. Why do 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. They also groom each other as a way of bonding and maintaining social harmony within their group. The presence of bacteria and yeast on the skin is normal; however, if either appears in excess, if the skin barrier is unhealthy, or if the cat is immunocompromised, an infection can occur. There are a few possible explanations for this behavior. Certain behaviors like licking each others butts completely go above our heads. A cat may lick the area to relieve pain, too. To show love and affection. Its most likely attempting to remove dirt from its body fur. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. Grooming is important to a cat. According to PetPlace, these glands "produce strong-smelling secretions intended to send chemical signals about that cat's identity to other animals." But why do dogs sniff butts of pets and not their human pals? Understand that they are felines. Cats are very sensitive to body odor, and when they lick each other, they create a communal smell that helps them to identify each other. Do cats enjoy licking their private areas? A cat's mouth may also open when sniffing another cat's anal sacs. 3. They're cleaning their paws. -She is anxious or stressed. 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. Another is that theyre enjoying the taste of their partners pheromones. 2. How often should you change cat litter for two cats? Although we associate fastidious grooming with cats, dogs lick themselves to stay clean too. Can cats get sick from licking each other's bums? Confident and dominant cats tend to take charge and start allogrooming the less confident and less dominant ones. Your email address will not be published. Studies have even shown that captive-origin white and wild tawny lions can form a socially functional pride through allogrooming. For example, if a cat is feeling stressed, it may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, including licking another cats butt. Cat licking is a part of the normal maternal instinct and grooming behaviors, however, these behaviors can become excessive and abnormal. They dont even have thumbs or fingers to engage in a good ol handshake. In addition, it can also help to stimulate blood flow and keep the skin healthy. Home Blog Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? And the easiest way to stay clean is for cats to take care of it with their own tongue. Theyre just doing what comes naturally! Dont Be Fooled, Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black? We all know that cats are fastidious creatures when it comes to grooming. Licking may also be a sign that your dog is just showing affection to your other dog. Dangers of why cats lick each others private areas? Feline interaction is always a fun exchange. (4 Tips for Taking Care), Why Do Cats Put Toys in the Toilet? Because cats dont have baths or showers naturally, they lick each other as a means of cleaning themselves. You can do a few things if your cat licks your private areas. You might catch your pet biting its neck while grooming. As a cat parent, we are sure you might have asked yourself multiple times, why do cats lick each others private areas?. If a cat ingests too much hair, it can cause an obstruction in their digestive system and they may need to be hospitalized. 5.Sexual Activities Male cats usually pursue female ones when they sense the very distinctive smell of Pheromone. Seriously, I've never been so . Also, it's a form of social bond between cats -- it's like the feline's version of petting! And the other was a huge black cat with slanted yellow eyes and a wild look, like a . 3. 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. 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. Cats have scent glands in their mouths, so when they lick another cat, theyre essentially leaving their scent behind. In multi-cat households, anal licking is a common behavior among cats. Cats are known to be fastidious groomers who spend significant time on their personal hygiene. If you're concerned about your cats licking each other's private areas, there are a few things you can do to discourage the behavior. 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. 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. You should hope that they do it well, or else it will be you whod have to do all the ear-cleaning work. In this case, you should take your cats to the vet to make sure there are no medical problems causing the licking. If you limit them too much, it might make them aversive to you. They're not just randomly flinging their tongues across each other but engaging in an elaborate communication system. 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. Related Read: When should cats switch from kitten to cat food? This can be detected when your cat constantly licks his private area after urinating. In addition to this, when cats lick each other, it can also help to strengthen their ties and make them feel more connected. First, gently clean the area and then rinse with warm water. This is evident in the post-weaning kitten behavior of suckling when no milk is present. When it comes to feline behavior, there are a lot of questions that come up. This means that many of their behaviors, such as stalking and pouncing, are actually quite normal. Allogrooming is a way for kittens to socialize with each other and help them learn how to groom themselves. It also helps to redistribute the cat's natural oils, which helps to keep the fur healthy and looking shiny. Other Possible Reasons 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. 09 of 22 Kneading and Treading pkline / Getty Images Secondly, keep in mind that cats are natural hunters. They dont have thumbs and fingers so that handshakes can be done. 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. It is also referred to as allogrooming. Cats will lick each others fur and body parts, including their private areas. Some dogs can also sense when something is wrong with their companion. Part of it has to do with comfort and security. 10 Reasons Why Your Cats Lick Each Other's Bums/ Private Areas 1. If your dog is feeling stressed, or if there is another problem going on at home, they may lick you as an attempt to physically calm down or to help relieve some of the emotional stress they are experiencing. When cats groom, they typically start at the head and work their way down the body. Anal Gland Impaction. In the feline world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. At best you have a one-sided licking relationship with your cat." On the one The person may be compensating for something they feel they are lacking in themselves. It can be addictive: This behavior can be addictive, and people who are addicted to it may have a difficult time stopping. A pup licking the private region of another canine can be a sign of dominance. Cats also lick each other to strengthen their ties within the same family. Male cats usually pursue female ones when they sense the very distinctive smell of Pheromone. Cats have scent glands located near their bottoms, and licking each others bottoms is a way for them to mark their territory. Cats lick each other to strengthen their ties. (Explained). Cats are very attentive to their owner's moods so you might find your cat is more . Why do cats and dogs lick you? It is the human equivalent of a handshake for these thumbless animals. Your dog may use licking as a way to get your attention. 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. You might also like to read about why do cats like butt pats. 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. 1. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Licking each others buttholes can also be a way for cats to show their dominance or submissiveness within a group. Social groo.ing helps them to bond to their family and other close Cats. Licking is an acquired trait from the mother cat. You can send the same signal to your cat, slowly shutting and then opening your eyes. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice excessive genital grooming, which may be accompanied by repeated. Dont worry if it is not. Many times, cats even reject others when they dont have their scent. If you see cats licking each other, it can indicate that the male cat is looking for a partner for reproduction. [Everything You Need To Know]. The licking marks you as a member of the pack and helps spread the cats scent. The dog is helping to clean up the other dog, and it's a sign of care and affection. It may be best to simply keep the two cats separated when the female cat is in heat to prevent any unwanted mating. It just means that they dont form sentences for communication. Don't worry, not in an aggressive way! Finally, they could irritate each other's skin if they lick too hard. There are a number of possible explanations for this behavior. It can help relieve stress or anxiety. There are a number of things you can do to stop your cats from licking each other's private areas. If you prevent them from cleaning their butt or their friend after using the litter box, dont use toilet paper or water to clean your excretion. Related Read: How do you get free cat food in battle cats? Keep an eye on your cats for any signs of illness, and consult with your vet if you have any concerns. You can also try separating your cats so they can't lick each other's private areas. Similarly, cats communicate as well. It could be a sign of insecurity or low self-esteem. Cats that are aggressive towards them are more likely to groom them. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. It's a Sign of Affection. It would help if you remembered that it is best to give cats baths only when necessary, that is when they are too dirty. Dogs can have two different signals to their nose touching greeting. Grooming Redirects Aggression. Cats that are well-socialized and have a strong bond with their group members may engage in more frequent grooming behaviors, including licking each others bums. You are not alone. Why does my cat go from licking to biting my other cat? Licking helps cats to create a communal smell. Antihistamines have variable effectiveness with cats and are used less often. How Do Cats Clean Themselves After Pooping? As we indicated earlier on, cats respond to a behavior known as allogrooming, which refers to grooming between members of the same species. There are many reasons your older cat might begin licking your kitten. With the same tongue, they eat and drink. Your email address will not be published. You dont want a foul-smelling cat running around the house. Already have a myVCA account? Even cats can sense it in their identification of different scents. Some may rub against each other, while others may lick or groom each other. There are hundreds of theories, why do you think they lick each others bum/private area? Ignore them when they lick. First, every cat is different and has their own unique personality. Other signs of imminent labour include restlessness, drop in temperature, nesting. Skin Infection. However, sometimes they may lick each other's private areas. Usually, as cat moms and dads, we arent very fazed by their gross habits. 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. It's like a built-in brush with tiny spines that are angled backward toward the kitty's mouth. 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. This is due to confidence in the group dynamic. Well, this behavior isn't really about the butt, it's about the placement of those active glands. Physical problems: This behavior can lead to physical problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. For indoor cats, windows should only be opened during these times as well. Depending on how long the cats have been allogrooming, theyll probably want to play afterward. 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. While it may not be something you want to think about, cats licking each others private areas are normal behavior. Cats that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety may be less likely to engage in grooming behaviors, including licking each others bums. One reason is that they are grooming each other. I used to have two cats, one a white blue-eyed Persian, very gentle and doll-faced, easily mistaken for a toy. Why Is My Male Cat Licking My Female Cat Bum? In this way, your cat is trying to help the friend clean themselves without facing the wrath of a water bath. Overall, its best to observe your cats behavior and try to understand the context of the situation. They're marking you as another one of their possessions. 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. Living with cats is a heavenly lifetime experience. 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. A male cat will lick his penis. 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. This practice helps the babies poop and pee more smoothly without any hiccups. While marking territory with scent glands can be a sign of dominance, cats also groom each other as a form of bonding and hygiene. They will be able to diagnose and treat any potential problems that may be present. One reason that could be is that your dog feels secure when they are licking you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If your cat is meowing more than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Bladder infections are fairly common and are caused by bacteria that usually respond to treatment with antibiotics. And sometimes, cats may just pick up this behavior from observing other cats in their group. Mutual grooming is not only a hygienic activity, but it also helps cats strengthen their social ties. When cats groom themselves, they swallow a lot of hair. Its not uncommon for male cats to lick each others bums. 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. There are several reasons that cats might not get along. Its gross, but we all cat lovers can be curious about everything about cats. Allogrooming is also affected by dominance, social structure, and relationships. 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. One of the things is cats licking themselves. Cats may be more relaxed and natural if they are not being watched closely. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM. What to do if your cat starts licking private areas? There are many possible reasons why your dog might be licking her private area. Your email address will not be published. Just like humans, cats show their affection in different ways. "Mutual grooming [aka grooming between two individuals] helps connect cats with [a] 'safe' familiar family scent," Shojai told The Dodo. In addition, cats licking each others private areas can also be a way of showing affection and strengthening ties. The first reason is that they are cleaning each other. In the cat world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. We, as humans, dont realize just how many ways there are for us to greet each other. Cats with a different odor are seen as a potential threat, and their . (Explained). This act of social grooming, also known as allogrooming, will happen when two cats completely love and trust each other. One is that they could spread bacteria or parasites. [Explained! Third, keep their coat well-groomed. When cats lick each other, they are telling the other cat that they care about them. The guilt, the feelings of shamelet them go. What it means when cat licks another cat? Their body odor is used as a form of identification for members of a clowder ( a clowder is a name for a group of cats). It should be fat-reducing and easy to digest. These infections require treatment with antibiotics (common choices include amoxicillin, cephalexin, or fluoroquinolones). These parasites can cause severe health problems, including anemia, weight loss, and even death. 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. This mutual grooming encourages the cats to interact in a way that bonds them together and helps to keep them contented and comfortable. Similar to a dog licking a cat for grooming purposes, your dog may also be licking your cat as a sign of affection. Especially their private body parts. Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? This can be those in the same litter of kittens, but they don't always have to be with blood relatives. And how do you think this transferring works? Adult cats that are in the same group may groom each other to promote bonding and establish dominance without resorting to violent behavior. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! We can think of it as a means for them to hone their ancestral hunting skills. Some of the risks include: Psychological problems: This behavior can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. For social bonding. This will reduce the amount of pollen, not eliminate it, but it will minimize exposure to the offending allergen. They can also lick as part of pack behavior, licking . In the cat world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. It is also common for two cats to lick each other's bottom during grooming. In conclusion, the potential health risks associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious. A familiar or bad smell, desire for any sexual activity, or acceptance are some other possible reasons why your cats lick each others bum/private area. Hence, cats nibble or bite on their own fur too in addition to utilizing their thorny tongues. How to clean your cats private areas if they have been licking? Have you wondered why? A bored cat is more likely to turn to licking as a form of self-soothing. Let yourself off the hook, crawl down off that . 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. It is their habit and something very basic to them. Steroids (usually prednisolone) can be effective but are often reserved for severe cases or as a last resort. Similarly, if a cat is bored, it may start grooming its feline friends as a way to pass the time. -She is experiencing pain or discomfort in her private area [Explained! AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Of course, these are just a few examples of behaviors that could make you question if your cat is acting normal. Factors That May Increase or Decrease The Frequency Of Cats Licking Each Other's Butt. Do cats lick each other because they love each other? If your vet rules out any medical causes, they may be able to recommend a behavior modification plan to help reduce your cats' licking. Common Myths About Cats Licking Each Other's Bum. Its their love. Its like leaving a little I was here note for other cats to find. This means that some behaviors that may be considered normal for one cat, may not be considered normal for another. Repeated infections may require surgical removal of the glands. It is not usually a sign of a medical issue unless the cat is excessively licking or showing other signs of discomfort., Also, check out why do cats raise their butts. One behavior that may seem abnormal is if your cat is excessively vocal. Allogrooming Helps Other Cats Groom Unreachable Areas. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. Why do cats lick each other? It is their way of maintaining hygiene. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. While it is possible for cats to transfer parasites or illnesses through licking, it is not a common occurrence. Vaginitis is a condition that can affect female cats and can be caused by a range of issues. The licks don't just serve as a sign of affection. If ignored, an impaction may occur as the fluid becomes so thick that it does not flow through the narrow opening to the rectum. Nausea, excitement, fear or anxiety can all lead to licking. Your email address will not be published. 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. ], How To Keep Cats Off The Porch? If your cats are healthy, then the licking is probably just a sign of affection. 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 . It is also an act of self-care, since a well-groomed cat is less likely to get sick. They lick it because the other cat has the same scent as them. These were just my guesses, try guessing yourself now! One of the more embarrassing things that cats do is to lick their private parts. Cats who live in multi-cat households are more likely to engage in this behavior compared to cats who live alone. They are saying Hello. How To Stop Cats From Licking Themselves? Cats have two anal glands, remnants of scent glands, located near the rectum. It can be difficult to decipher why our dogs lick us all the time. The tongue is quite multi-functional too. It starts at a young age, beginning the practice with the mother cat. Thus, it is their way of remembering people and animals. To a mother and kittens, licking is also a way to show her love and care for them. Social problems: This behavior can lead to social problems such as isolation, social anxiety, and relationship problems. Neither type of licking (normal or weird) appears to harm the pup being licked. For example, you can try interspersing their playtime with cuddles and petting or give them each their scratching post to focus their attention on. Its important to note that its important to have your cats checked by a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Familiar Scent 4. 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. First, make sure that there are no medical problems causing the licking. Their owner & # x27 ; re cleaning their paws them aversive you... During these times as well are addicted to it may have a difficult time stopping communal,. 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For a partner for reproduction Increase or Decrease the Frequency of cats licking each others bottoms is a occurrence... Socially functional pride through allogrooming against each other, make sure there are reasons!, while others may lick at another dog & # x27 ; s a of. ; re marking you as another one of the normal maternal instinct and grooming behaviors, anemia! Them to bond to their family and other close cats flow and keep the two cats completely love and each! Decrease the Frequency of cats licking each others private areas bottoms or butts as a sign of affection pass. Groom themselves in addition to utilizing their thorny tongues in their group, potential... Will reduce the amount of pollen, not in an elaborate communication.. Tongues across each other 's skin if they lick it why do cats lick each others private areas the other dog, and death.