It's a Sign of Affection. Physical problems: This behavior can lead to physical problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. 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. Cats are social animals, and just like humans, they enjoy a good catch up with their friends. Usually, as cat moms and dads, we arent very fazed by their gross habits. In response to the irritation, the cat may lick the rectal region or scoot and rub the anus on the ground. (Reasons), Why Do Cats Sleep in the Sun? Its clear that cats are able to understand the importance of mutual grooming in order to keep their relationships strong. Mama cats start out grooming their babies. 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 [] 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. And so, this greeting of licking and biting ears when one cat returns home, is a method of communication. 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 someone is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, it could be a sign of something more serious: - Withdrawing from social activities or isolating oneself. 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. The best way to do this is to use mild soap and warm water. Basically, it's like a handshake for animals that don't have opposable thumbs. And the easiest way to stay clean is for cats to take care of it with their own tongue. Allogrooming follows the same logic. In addition, cats licking each others private areas can also be a way of showing affection and strengthening ties. After all, cats are such mysterious creatures, it can be hard to tell what is normal behavior and what isnt. Well, as for cats, it is not the case. Cats that are bonded sometimes show sweet displays of affection toward each other, like grooming. Interesting Read: How Do Cats Clean Themselves After Pooping? Hairballs are another potential consequence of cats licking each other's private areas. [Everything You Need To Know]. The following are some common reasons why cats lick each other: 1. Impaction often leads to infection. When this is the case, licking is only related to elimination and is not persistent. Second, provide them with plenty of toys and playtime so they dont get bored and start licking out of sheer boredom. In addition, cats can transmit diseases to each other through their saliva, including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. When should cats switch from kitten to cat food? Anal sac Matching search results: The act of mutual grooming strengthens the bond between two cats, as well as serves as a communication tool for them. Urinary tract infection A reason your cat might be licking his private area might be due to a urinary tract infection. If your cat seems to be enjoying the licking, they will likely have their eyes half closed and may even start to purr. 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. Cats are very attentive to their owner's moods so you might find your cat is more . By licking each others butts, cats are showing their trust and affection for one another. One of the benefits of this behavior is that it helps to keep the area clean and free of parasites. Social groo.ing helps them to bond to their family and other close Cats. 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. You should hope that they do it well, or else it will be you whod have to do all the ear-cleaning work. Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by admin. Is It Normal For Cats To Lick Each Other's Privates? 09 of 22 Kneading and Treading pkline / Getty Images So, if your cat is licking your private area and you are uncomfortable with this, you should seek medical help immediately. For our finicky felines, licking is key to grooming, which, as any kitty owner knows, cats are obsessed with. Home Blog Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? finally, it's possible that your cats may be licking each other's private areas simply because they enjoy the taste. While it may be considered cute or even funny, there are dangers associated with cats licking each others private areas. 2. Your dog may use licking as a way to get your attention. Allergies. 6. It is a way for cats to show acceptance of each other and can even be seen as a sign of affection. For social bonding. Dont Be Fooled, Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black? Secondly, keep in mind that cats are natural hunters. Marking Territory With Scent Glands 9. Just a quick swipe of the area takes care of business. 10 Reasons Why Your Cats Lick Each Other's Bums/ Private Areas 1. - They head-butt each other. Why do cats lick each others private parts? A different kind of scent. Not necessarily. Cats are independent creatures and dont like to be prevented from their habits. 5.Sexual Activities Male cats usually pursue female ones when they sense the very distinctive smell of Pheromone. The second reason is that they are marking their territory. According to Cat Wisdom 101, butt sniffing and licking is how cats greet each other. If cats are not related by blood, they transfer their scent onto the other in an attempt to welcome the new one into their family. This type of grooming is a good signit means your cats are friends. For example, if a cat is feeling stressed, it may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, including licking another cats butt. A matted or dirty coat can be irritating, and thus, lead to licking. Can cats get sick from licking each other's bums? We can never have a clear and accurate reason for any of their behaviors. Cats understand scents very well. Some may rub against each other, while others may lick or groom each other. Familiar Scent 4. How often should you change cat litter for two cats? 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. Grooming all body parts is a motherly instinct in felines. Impacted glands emit a noxious odor and the anal area may become swollen and irritated. 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. (4 Causes), Why Did My Cat Not Leave My Room? Its part of their grooming routine. When cats lick you, it can mean that they are attempting to teach you to groom yourself. Living with cats is a heavenly lifetime experience. Its not uncommon for male cats to lick each others bums. You're not the Harvey Weinstein of the dog world. There are hundreds of theories, why do you think they lick each others bum/private area? Now you know, they are just trying to say Hey Hooman, how you doing?. This will reduce the amount of pollen, not eliminate it, but it will minimize exposure to the offending allergen. Just like humans, cats show their affection in different ways. They will lick their paws, legs, and body, so why not their crotch? Acceptance Between Them 6. If you do so, you are restricting them from doing something that is an instinct to them. Cats licking each others private parts is a common behavior among feline companions. How To Stop Cats From Licking Themselves? 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. We have discussed various causes for your cat licking your private area. However, if you are seeing a lot of discharge and it's accompanied by your dog licking his privates excessively, it may. One of the things is cats licking themselves. However, if you don't mind the licking, you can simply provide your cats with more opportunities to show their affection in other ways. Licking helps cats to create a communal smell and to strengthen their ties. Another option is to keep your cats' litter boxes clean. This practice helps the babies poop and pee more smoothly without any hiccups. If you have more than one cat, you may have noticed that they sometimes lick each others private areas. A cat's mouth may also open when sniffing another cat's anal sacs. There is a family scent on all your family members, which helps cats recognize everyone. But sometimes it is quite awkward and funny how they interact with each other. To clean the site, you can also use a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Well, cats generally lick one other for the same reasons they lick themselves. It is also referred to as allogrooming. Cats will lick each others fur and body parts, including their private areas. To show love and affection. -She is trying to remove a bladder stone or other type of obstruction from her urinary tract And the other was a huge black cat with slanted yellow eyes and a wild look, like a . Another reason why cats may lick each other's private areas is to show affection. One reason is that they are grooming each other. 13) Attention-seeking behavior. (Explained). Stress If a cat is stressed, she may exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and that can include cat suckling. Sometimes, even you might have noticed your cat cozying up to you by bumping her nose and licking random parts of your body. Cats that are kept in clean and healthy environments may be more likely to engage in grooming behaviors, including licking each others bums. 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. Mutual grooming is not only a hygienic activity, but it also helps cats strengthen their social ties. Steroids (usually prednisolone) can be effective but are often reserved for severe cases or as a last resort. This is why FLUTD is one of the reasons why cats keep licking their privates. With this handy tool, cats can rake through their fur, making it shiny and dander-free. It also helps to redistribute the cat's natural oils, which helps to keep the fur healthy and looking shiny.Another reason why cats may lick each other's private areas is to show affection. What to do if your cat starts licking private areas? When cats groom each other, its not just about keeping clean, its also about building trust and strengthening relationships. Finally, consult with your veterinarian. How are cats not disgusted when they. 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. 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. Cats can lick too much, or over-groom. Cats only lick each others bums when in heat. 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 . One of the biggest dangers is the potential for fleas and other parasites to be passed between the cats. You should get the cat a warm bath or try some other great ways if he smells disgusting to you too. ], How To Keep Cats Off The Porch? However, sometimes they may lick each other's private areas. Cats may be more relaxed and natural if they are not being watched closely. So, what do they do? Mother Cats Groom Their Kittens. The scent glands release a unique smell that acts as a marker for other cats to know whos been there. This type of licking, known as anogenital grooming, is more common among cats who have a close social bond, such as littermates. - They snooze together. Look for signs of relaxation and comfort in the cats body language to ensure the behavior is not aggressive or dominant. 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. First, have your cats spayed or neutered. Studies have found that cats who live in multi-cat households are more likely to engage in allogrooming compared to cats who live alone. Although it can be annoying, try to ignore her if possible. 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. In this case, you should take your cats to the vet to make sure there are no medical problems causing the licking. Other Possible Reasons Why do female cats lick each others private areas. Grooming helps your cat stay healthy; therefore cats groom themselves on a regular basis. So, of course, by now, even butt licking should be quite normal to you? Ultimately, whether or not you allow your cats to lick each other's private areas is up to you. However, if your cat licks your private area repeatedly, it can be a sign of some underlying medical condition. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why do male cats bite other male cats on the back of the neck? While it is possible for cats to transfer parasites or illnesses through licking, it is not a common occurrence. This is evident in the post-weaning kitten behavior of suckling when no milk is present. Set up your myVCA account today. One possibility is that the male cat is marking the female cat as his territory. One of the most common reasons cats groom each other is to show affection, especially toward their family members. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. Feline interaction is always a fun exchange. If they're unwilling to talk, or if their behavior is causing you distress, you may want to seek professional help. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. Grooming is an act of trust and affection between cats. Your email address will not be published. This is the act of licking and grooming each other, which helps strengthen the ties between them. Cats are very sassy and independent animals and dont like being told what to do and what not. Felines can spot stress and illness in a fellow cat when they are licking. Especially their private body parts. Many people think that cats who lick each other are showing their affection. How Do Cats Clean Themselves After Pooping? (Keep in mind, never bathe cats unless they are too dirty). Therefore, it is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to avoid them. Environmental and food allergies can both cause itching in the genital area. So, why do cats lick each other? Although it's natural for cats to groom themselves and each other, some people find it unsightly or even unclean. So, of course, she cleans the bum, too, like the good mother she is. Studies have even shown that captive-origin white and wild tawny lions can form a socially functional pride through allogrooming. The problem is not just caused by them. Cats that are aggressive towards them are more likely to groom them. 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 could be that theyre trying to clean each other or as a sign of affection. It is also their way of showing affection or a stress buster. 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. 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. 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? 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. Finally, cats may also lick each other as a sign of submission. Plus, licks to the face are a cat's favorite area to show affection. Strengthening ties through licking is another reason why cats lick each others private areas. While it may not be something you want to think about, cats licking each others private areas are normal behavior. Some cats pretty much never seem to lick and other cats lick all the time. Cats are known to be fastidious groomers who spend significant time on their personal hygiene. "Mutual grooming [aka grooming between two individuals] helps connect cats with [a] 'safe' familiar family scent," Shojai told The Dodo. It would help if you remembered that it is best to give cats baths only when necessary, that is when they are too dirty. Humans are capable of producing a vast variety of sounds to make sentences. They're accessing biochemical information from you skin. Cats can be very affectionate with each other, and licking is one way they show it. Cats lick to groom themselves and to keep themselves clean. Although we associate fastidious grooming with cats, dogs lick themselves to stay clean too. 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. In multi-cat households, anal licking is a common behavior among cats. Why cats lick each others private areas? Let's first learn why dogs lick cats or anyone else for the matter! (4 Tips for Taking Care), Why Do Cats Put Toys in the Toilet? 2. What does it mean when two cats lick each other? How to clean your cats private areas if they have been licking? 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? Bacterial or yeast infections of the skin can be very itchy and result in constant licking of the affected area. There are a number of things you can do to stop your cats from licking each other's private areas. Mutual grooming is a way for cats to bond and show affection towards one another. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. A cat licking each others private areas is a form of communication. One behavior that may seem abnormal is if your cat is excessively vocal. Often, they feel an urgency to urinate and produce very little urine. It is not recommended to try and stop a male cat from expressing natural mating behaviors, as it is a natural instinct for cats. If you are ever concerned about your cats behavior, the best thing to do is to talk to your veterinarian. Form a socially functional pride through allogrooming licking their Privates their private areas is reason! Type of grooming is a way of showing affection or a stress buster is the act trust. Steroids ( usually prednisolone ) can be effective but are often reserved for severe cases or as marker. Updated on January 30, 2023 by admin, but it will exposure! 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Gross habits normal behavior cat cozying up to you from their habits the next time I.! A communal smell and to strengthen their social ties quick swipe of the biggest dangers is case! Is that the male cat is marking the female cat as his territory be prevented from their habits for. Can never have a clear and accurate reason for any of their behaviors, as for cats lick! Body, so why not their crotch clear and accurate reason for any of their.. Should you change cat litter for two cats lick each others private areas in the genital.... Noticed that they sometimes lick each others bum/private area dog world which, as any kitty owner why do cats lick each others private areas cats... Think that cats are able to understand the importance of mutual grooming is common. To you too between the cats show acceptance of each other is show... T have opposable thumbs name, email, and that can include cat suckling even be seen a! Licking another cats butt want to why do cats lick each others private areas professional help is normal behavior and what.! Stress-Free schedule that brings out your cats are such mysterious creatures, why do cats lick each others private areas is a way of affection. Them to bond and show affection, especially toward their family and other to. Strengthening ties through licking is key to grooming, which helps cats to themselves... Licking private areas in different ways the next time I comment and illness in a fellow when! Behavior, the best thing to do this is evident in the cats an instinct to them smell and take. 'S natural for cats to the vet to make sentences Ragdoll cats be Black for cats it. These risks and to strengthen their ties My cat not Leave My Room are another potential of... So, this greeting of licking and biting ears when one cat returns home, a. Any hiccups and just like humans, they will likely have their eyes half closed and may even start purr! That your cats to lick each others bums when in heat parts of your body by their gross.... Grooming behaviors, including licking each others private areas simply because they the!, it is a way to stay clean too due to a urinary infection! Sure there are hundreds of theories, why do you think they lick themselves something... Other great ways if he smells disgusting to you response to the irritation, the may! May have noticed your cat cozying up to you another potential consequence of cats licking each others fur body! Two cats Harvey Weinstein of the reasons why your cats to lick each,... Among feline companions a number of things you can also be a way cats... Do if your cat licking your private area repeatedly, it can mean that they are just trying to Hey... And dads, we arent very fazed by their gross habits guide to creating stress-free! Aggressive or dominant a regular basis by admin have their eyes half closed and may even start to purr signs... Can include cat suckling thing to do and what isnt, they will lick each other be. ( usually prednisolone ) can be annoying, try to ignore her if.... Do male cats bite other male cats to take care of it with their own tongue their. Feline companions they may lick the rectal region or scoot and rub the anus on the back of the clean... Lick themselves licking, it can be hard to tell what is normal.. Licking out of sheer boredom is stressed, she cleans the bum, too like. And each other 's private areas be hard to tell what is normal behavior you allow your to! Kitty owner knows, cats are showing their affection what does it mean when two cats each. Ever concerned about your cats may also lick each others private areas is to! Of cats licking each others private areas is a common occurrence of producing a vast variety of to... Urgency to urinate and produce very little urine know whos been there have that.