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. 2 reasons 1. Causes for licking of the genital area in cats include pain, inflammation, problems with the urinary or reproductive tracts, and abnormal discharge. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 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 [] One reason is that they are grooming each other. A matted or dirty coat can be irritating, and thus, lead to licking. Required fields are marked *. This hair can build up in their stomach and form a hairball. The act of mutual grooming strengthens the bond between two cats, as well as serves as a communication tool for them. By licking each others butts, cats are showing their trust and affection for one another. In fact, its actually a pretty normal behavior among cats. You can do a few things if your cat licks your private areas. This is the act of licking and grooming each other, which helps strengthen the ties between them. For social bonding. Cats that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety may be less likely to engage in grooming behaviors, including licking each others bums. Social problems: This behavior can lead to social problems such as isolation, social anxiety, and relationship problems. This behavior is often misinterpreted as a sign of affection, but it is actually more likely to be a sign of dominance. Biting a cat hard can hurt or irritate them, so theyll eventually learn to bite and not just hurt them. Secondly, keep in mind that cats are natural hunters. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: 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. Keep an eye on your cats for any signs of illness, and consult with your vet if you have any concerns. 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. If your vet rules out any medical causes, they may be able to recommend a behavior modification plan to help reduce your cats' licking. The most obvious reason why cats lick themselves is for cleanliness. 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. It would help if you remembered that it is best to give cats baths only when necessary, that is when they are too dirty. Its also possible that the female cat is in heat and the male cat is expressing his interest in breeding. I used to have two cats, one a white blue-eyed Persian, very gentle and doll-faced, easily mistaken for a toy. ), or hydrolyzed or man-made proteins to which the cat has not been exposed. Allergies. - They snooze together. These were just my guesses, try guessing yourself now! Stress If a cat is stressed, she may exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and that can include cat suckling. Some dogs may also lick their owners' private areas as a way of marking their territory. Why would you deprive them of something like that? Finally, cats can irritate each other's skin if they lick too hard. Cats are always going to lick their private parts. First, have your cats spayed or neutered. Licking is a typical action among cats and is frequently used to communicate and associate with one another. If you notice your male cat licking another male cats bum, it could also be a sign that they are forming a bond. But they cant produce sentences. Chances are, your cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink. It keeps them clean and healthy. In addition, cats can transmit diseases to each other through their saliva, including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. If your cat is frequently aggressive when playing, you should speak to your veterinarian about their behaviour. Cats are no different. This is part of why much of allogrooming is focused on these areas of the body," Arden explains. For example, you can try spraying the area with water or bitter apple spray. We have discussed various causes for your cat licking your private area. You may have wondered, Why on earth do they do that?. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that "allogrooming is one of three ways cats express cohesion in . Its understandable that you may find them licking you unhealthy, since they may transmit disease, but its very rare. You're not even the Al Franken of the dog world. In the feline world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. - They head-butt each other. If the whole article wasnt enough, let us spell it out again. However, if you are seeing a lot of discharge and it's accompanied by your dog licking his privates excessively, it may. If you are concerned about the licking behavior, you can take steps to discourage it. The dog is helping to clean up the other dog, and it's a sign of care and affection. 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. Abnormal lip smacking may also be an early warning sign of oral cancer in dogs. The following are some common reasons why cats lick each other: 1. It should be fat-reducing and easy to digest. The problem is not just caused by them. [Explained! Oral, topical, or injectable forms of antibiotics may be used. A female cat will lick her vulva. 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? Licking is an acquired trait from the mother cat. Anal sac Matching search results: The potential health risks associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious. Genetics A musty odor or reddish-black discoloration of the skin may indicate a yeast infection that requires an additional treatment. You can also try using a bitter-tasting spray to deter them from licking. This mutual grooming encourages the cats to interact in a way that bonds them together and helps to keep them contented and comfortable. These may help to reduce the urge to lick, but it is important to work with your veterinarian to find the right product and dosage for your cats. - They groom each other. Both Cats Are from The Same Litter Social grooming tightens the bond within the family. 09 of 22 Kneading and Treading pkline / Getty Images Cats that are bonded sometimes show sweet displays of affection toward each other, like grooming. Licking each others buttholes can also be a way for cats to show their dominance or submissiveness within a group. To clean the site, you can also use a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. And sometimes, cats may just pick up this behavior from observing other cats in their group. One of the biggest dangers is the potential for fleas and other parasites to be passed between the cats. When cats scratch on f. 16 Che Egbuna Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy 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. The presence of pustules or red bumps usually indicates a bacterial infection and warrants antibiotic therapy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One is that theyre simply trying to clean those hard-to-reach spots. You might have noticed your cat doing the same to you, bumping noses and licking random parts of your skin. Now you know, they are just trying to say Hey Hooman, how you doing?. (Explained). Grooming and licking each other helps both the kitties get acquainted with each other and have a bonding. Social groo.ing helps them to bond to their family and other close Cats. At best you have a one-sided licking relationship with your cat." On the one It is not as common for cats to lick the anal area after eliminating; however, if the stool is sticky or watery, the cat may feel the need to tidy up a bit, especially if litter gets stuck around the anus. But have you ever wondered why cats lick each others private areas? Second, you can try to discourage the licking behavior by making it less enjoyable for your cats. Here are some of the more common problems: Urinary tract infection. There are hundreds of theories, why do you think they lick each others bum/private area? While it's usually nothing to worry about, excessive licking can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition, such as feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus. They may urinate more frequently and may strain to urinate. Dangers of why cats lick each others private areas? What to do if your cat starts licking 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. However, it's important to remember that not all behaviors are signs of something more serious. It is, after all, a part of them that you have accepted. And finally, if the problem persists, you may need to consult your veterinarian to see if an underlying medical condition is causing the behavior. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina caused by bacterial or fungal infection, and it can lead to irritation and frequent licking. There are many possible reasons why your dog might be licking her private area. Related Read: Can changing cat litter brand make cat sick? Licking and grooming each other, otherwise termed as allogrooming, is their manner of expressing themselves within their clique. Well, wonder no more! In addition, it can also help to stimulate blood flow and keep the skin healthy. Do cats lick each other because they love each other? Allogrooming also helps them express themselves within their clique, as it provides an opportunity to form a social hierarchy and recognize each others presence. First, every cat is different and has their own unique personality. Anal Gland Impaction. This will show them that licking you doesnt give them what they want. For example, if a cat is feeling stressed, it may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, including licking another cats butt. As we indicated earlier on, cats respond to a behavior known as allogrooming, which refers to grooming between members of the same species. To greet each other, we say Hello, Hi, and a huge variety of words. The same goes for felines. There is no sex discrimination associated with the act of licking and there is no polite way to discuss it. Well give some of the most major reasons cats do that to help you wrap your head around that. Its also a way for cats to keep themselves clean and healthy. While some cats overlap their territories a great deal, others prefer to keep a good distance from their neighbors. They simply bump noses or lick their companions private area. And so, this greeting of licking and biting ears when one cat returns home, is a method of communication. Continue to 9 of 22 below. There are a number of things you can do to stop your cats from licking each other's private areas. After all, cats are such mysterious creatures, it can be hard to tell what is normal behavior and what isnt. (What Motivates Cats). Cats licking each others private areas is normal behavior. 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. Reason #3: For Grooming. (4 Causes), Why Did My Cat Not Leave My Room? It starts at a young age, beginning the practice with the mother cat. Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your cats discomfort. Finally, older dogs may begin to lick their lips more often as a way to protect their teeth from wear and tear. Antihistamines have variable effectiveness with cats and are used less often. This is evident in the post-weaning kitten behavior of suckling when no milk is present. There are medical conditions that can cause an increase in licking, such as anxiety or allergies. 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. Cats typically start licking at a young age and will continue to do so throughout their lives. Just like humans, cats show their love for one another by giving them physical affection. If pain is the issue, the licking is focused on the painful area, like in cases of disc disease or anal sac impaction. 6 Strange Reasons. It is also common for two cats to lick each other's bottom during grooming. And they will both lick their anal regions. Tips for Observing Cats Licking Each Other's Bum. Why does my cat go from licking to biting my other cat? Male cats may also lick private parts as a sign that they are looking for a female for reproduction. How do you know if a cat loves another cat? Dr. Karen Becker, holistic veterinarian and author, Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, feline veterinarian and author, https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3894&context=open_access_etds, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/cats-lick-too-much, Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses? It is a friendly and polite handshake between two cats, they recognise each other through scent glands. ], How To Keep Cats Off The Porch? 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). Therefore, if you see your cats licking each others private areas, you must take them to the vet for a check-up to ensure they are not carrying parasites or diseases. One behavior that may seem abnormal is if your cat is excessively vocal. Since you've asked about what you can do to prevent your cats from licking each other's private areas, I'll assume you're not entirely comfortable with this behavior. They lick it because the other cat has the same scent as them. Cats can learn their limits and boundaries through this type of play. Well, it could be a few different things. However, if your cat licks your private area repeatedly, it can be a sign of some underlying medical condition. There are many reasons why cats might lick their partners heads, but one of the most common is to show affection. However, if you notice your cat licking her privates frequently, it could be due to vaginitis. This is why FLUTD is one of the reasons why cats keep licking their privates. Cats have scent glands in their mouths, so when they lick another cat, theyre essentially leaving their scent behind. Food allergies are triggered when the cat is sensitized to proteins (typically chicken, beef, or pork) or other molecules in the food. So, what are some behaviors that might make you question if your cat is acting normal? Less common causes include bacterial cystitis, anatomical defects and tumors. Living with cats is a heavenly lifetime experience. It is also possible that a cat licking another cats privates is due to an underlying medical condition such as vaginitis or bladder infection. There are many reasons your older cat might begin licking your kitten. If you notice that your dog is licking excessively, speak with your veterinarian about the best course of treatment. Cats licking each others private parts is a common behavior among feline companions. Cats are known to be fastidious when it comes to cleanliness. 5. 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. Manually evacuating the distended anal glands via hand manipulation usually resolves the problem. 13) Attention-seeking behavior. Just like humans, cats show their affection in different ways. Theyre just doing what comes naturally! Its most likely attempting to remove dirt from its body fur. They are saying Hello. finally, it's possible that your cats may be licking each other's private areas simply because they enjoy the taste. Mutual grooming is a common behavior among cats. You can send the same signal to your cat, slowly shutting and then opening your eyes. Why Do Cats Turn Their Heads Upside Down When Playing? When cats groom each other, they leave their scent on each other. Why cats lick each others private areas? Second, provide your cats with plenty of toys and playtime. Familiar Scent 4. According to Cat Wisdom 101, butt sniffing and licking is how cats greet each other. You must like to read about why my cat kisses me with his nose. 4. One of the things is cats licking themselves. Yes, cats clean their bum to remain fresh and maintain hygiene. For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. In the cat world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. In simple terms, these organs offer felines a google search of scent familiarization. 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. Licking and grooming behaviour can also be associated with feeding time, so kittens may be trying to get closer to the food source! [Explained! Your email address will not be published. Why do female cats lick each others private areas? It's a Sign of Affection. Cats who know each other will lick each other as a sign of affection, or for bonding. Dont Be Fooled, Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black? Licking is an important way for cats to show their love and affection for each other. They can also lick as part of pack behavior, licking . Higher numbers of couples of cats living in the same area and less aggressive behavior between cats are both related to increased allogrooming. It is a way for cats to show affection and establish dominance within the group.. Its like a feline version of a mom, theres something in my eye! moment. 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. If the cats are not blood-related, in a way the other cat adopted the cat. It is considered a form of greeting between cats or a mating signal. Cats love to sleep, and they love to sleep on top of their humans. This is because cats have scent glands located in their cheeks, chin, forehead, and tail. Repeated infections may require surgical removal of the glands. Simple, they bump their noses with each other then lick their friends butts. Cats lick each other mean positive social interactions, helping each other groom, showing acceptance and dominance. If cats grow up together, they will feel a familial bond and encourage it by licking another's coat. 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. Why Do Cats Lick and Groom Each Other and Then Bite? One of the common symptoms is the cat licking her privates. It can be addictive: This behavior can be addictive, and people who are addicted to it may have a difficult time stopping. Cats can lick too much, or over-groom. Especially their private body parts. Strengthening ties through licking is another reason why cats lick each others private areas. Can female cats be attracted to other . Benefits of why cats lick each others private areas? 3. If you want a short answer, it is good social bonding and hygiene reasons why kitties engage in butt-licking. 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. If ignored, an impaction may occur as the fluid becomes so thick that it does not flow through the narrow opening to the rectum. If one cat has a bacterial or parasitic infection, they can easily spread it to another cat through licking. Now, let us answer some of your most commonly asked questions about the licking habits of kitties. It's like a built-in brush with tiny spines that are angled backward toward the kitty's mouth. Let's first learn why dogs lick cats or anyone else for the matter! Cats have two anal glands, remnants of scent glands, located near the rectum. When they accept another cat, they lick, which transfers the scent. Cats lick each other's bottoms or butts as a form of communication. Let yourself off the hook, crawl down off that . Pain medication and warm water soaks may alleviate the discomfort. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. You dont want a foul-smelling cat running around the house. If your cat hasnt bathed in a long time, its friend might be trying to get them clean by licking. Dogs lick as a response to positive reinforcement, loving the praises or the good reactions humans (or other animals may) give them. A male cat will lick his penis. There is a family scent on all your family members, which helps cats recognize everyone. Cats licking each others bums is a normal behavior and not necessarily an indication of any illness. 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. They are more vulnerable when they're sleeping, so they choose someone they trust to sleep on. This type of grooming is a good signit means your cats are friends. In this way, your cat is trying to help the friend clean themselves without facing the wrath of a water bath. 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. Hence, cats nibble or bite on their own fur too in addition to utilizing their thorny tongues. Expressing Submissiveness Or Dominance 8. It is also an act of self-care, since a well-groomed cat is less likely to get sick. This type of licking, known as anogenital grooming, is more common among cats who have a close social bond, such as littermates. 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. If you limit them too much, it might make them aversive to you. That doesnt mean they dont interact with each other. It can be difficult to decipher why our dogs lick us all the time. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. What it means when cat licks another cat? Home Blog Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? It is not recommended to try and stop a male cat from expressing natural mating behaviors, as it is a natural instinct for cats. You cant even convince them otherwise unless you know the cats body language accurately and can be a feline. What does it mean when two cats lick each other? Allogrooming follows the same logic. There are a few possible explanations as to why this behavior may occur. Kitties have some cute characteristics, in addition to silky fur and fuzzy mittens. A different kind of scent. Barbering results in thin or patchy hair, broken hairs, or even scabs in some cases. Grooming Redirects Aggression. Cats anal sacs located on both the sides of the anus act as an olfactory smorgasbord. When cats groom, they typically start at the head and work their way down the body. How to clean your cats private areas if they have been licking? 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. "These pheromones are chemicals that provide information for communication with other cats. Well, this behavior isn't really about the butt, it's about the placement of those active glands. They may urinate more frequently and may strain to urinate. Adult cats that are in the same group may groom each other to promote bonding and establish dominance without resorting to violent behavior. 2. Why do cats lick each others private parts? 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. 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Hook, crawl down off that bitter-tasting spray to deter them from licking biting! Mean when two cats, as well as serves as a communication tool for them cats best a common among... Second, provide your cats best and healthy private areas encourage it by licking another cats butt save name... Cat running around the house and potentially quite serious frequently aggressive when playing, you can do to your. In fact, its friend might be trying to get them clean by licking and warm water soaks alleviate!