Basically, it's like a handshake for animals that don't have opposable thumbs. 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. Often, they feel an urgency to urinate and produce very little urine. Expressing Submissiveness Or Dominance. Let yourself off the hook, crawl down off that . This less than appealing behavior annoys pet owners everywhere. Felines can extend social grooming to their owners to include them in their social group or get their attention. Why do cats lick their paws? If the upper urinary tract or kidneys are infected, the treatment may be prolonged for 4-6 weeks on average. Ignore them when they lick. CGAA will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. If your cat is meowing more than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. On the other hand, a submissive cat might lick a dominant cats butt as a way to show respect and submission. Cats who live in multi-cat households are more likely to engage in this behavior compared to cats who live alone. 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. Frequent or sustained licking of the urogenital(urinary and genital) area may indicate that a medical problem exists. When cats groom themselves, they swallow a lot of hair. It is also possible that a cat licking another cats privates is due to an underlying medical condition such as vaginitis or bladder infection. The licking marks you as a member of the pack and helps spread the cats scent. This type of licking, known as anogenital grooming, is more common among cats who have a close social bond, such as littermates. A matted or dirty coat can be irritating, and thus, lead to licking. Another possibility is that the male cat is simply showing affection to the female cat. 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. Related Read: When should cats switch from kitten to cat food? It is a very normal practice for the mother to clean her kittens by licking them. Queens lick their kittens to keep them clean. Cats are no different. 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. 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. 5. If the whole article wasnt enough, let us spell it out again. While this might not be a problem for some people, others may find it unsightly or gross. This helps them to identify each other and to claim their territory. If you have two cats, they lick each other because they are fascinated that they both have the same scent - from living in the same house. Because cats dont have baths or showers naturally, they lick each other as a means of cleaning themselves. A pup licking the private region of another canine can be a sign of dominance. At best you have a one-sided licking relationship with your cat." On the one However, cats can also develop excessive . One of the common symptoms is the cat licking her privates. If they're unwilling to talk, or if their behavior is causing you distress, you may want to seek professional help. Like dogs, cats express their love by licking, so another reason why cats lick each other is a sign of affection. Why Are Siamese Felines Cross-Eyed? Mother Cats Groom Their Kittens. Its part of their grooming routine. 4. One is that theyre simply trying to clean those hard-to-reach spots. They may urinate more frequently and may strain to urinate. After all, cats are such mysterious creatures, it can be hard to tell what is normal behavior and what isnt. Have you wondered why? Cats are known to be fastidious when it comes to cleanliness. Some of the more common reasons include: You should hope that they do it well, or else it will be you whod have to do all the ear-cleaning work. One is that they could spread bacteria or parasites. To Bond: Cats sometimes lick and groom each other as a way of bonding. It also helps to redistribute the cat's natural oils, which helps to keep the fur healthy and looking shiny. There are ways to stop your dog from licking you. Your email address will not be published. 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. Since this is part of the bonding process in both dogs and cats, a dog may lick the cat to show that it means the cat no harm and that it is interested in establishing a relationship with the . Some cats pretty much never seem to lick and other cats lick all the time. When cats lick you, it can mean that they are attempting to teach you to groom yourself. Allogrooming follows the same logic. This can be those in the same litter of kittens, but they don't always have to be with blood relatives. And the easiest way to stay clean is for cats to take care of it with their own tongue. It may be best to simply keep the two cats separated when the female cat is in heat to prevent any unwanted mating. And the other was a huge black cat with slanted yellow eyes and a wild look, like a . While it may seem strange to us humans, cats licking each others privates is completely normal. A familiar or a bad smell, desire for any sexual activity, or acceptance are some other possible reasons as to why your cats lick each other's bum. But dont worry, we are sure its not anything serious unless you are sensitive to their saliva. Why do cats lick each other's ears? As we indicated earlier on, cats respond to a behavior known as allogrooming, which refers to grooming between members of the same species. Licking and grooming each other, otherwise termed as allogrooming, is their manner of expressing themselves within their clique. Continue to 9 of 22 below. And finally, it could be a sign of dominance or submission within the feline social hierarchy. Cats learn very early on that grooming is a social activity. 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. Some may rub against each other, while others may lick or groom each other. 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. Cats are very sassy and independent animals and dont like being told what to do and what not. 3. 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. Can changing cat litter brand make cat sick? 2. 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. The third reason is that cats licking each others private areas signifies affection. The scent glands release a unique smell that acts as a marker for other cats to know whos been there. When they lick you, stand up and leave the room. These events let them know that it is time to reproduce. A different kind of scent. Allergies. Cats licking each others bums is a normal behavior and not necessarily an indication of any illness. (Explained). You can send the same signal to your cat, slowly shutting and then opening your eyes. Cats have two anal glands, remnants of scent glands, located near the rectum. It Can Signal Health Problems. Many people think that cats who lick each other are showing their affection. To clean themselves: Kittens will lick and groom each other to clean their fur and skin. It's a Sign of Affection. 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. One reason is that they are grooming each other. Similarly, if a cat is bored, it may start grooming its feline friends as a way to pass the time. For the sake of humanity, understand that they have four small legs, not enough brain power, and cannot use water or toilet paper to clean. Cats are very social animals, and they need to develop strong bonds with their fellow cats. This will reduce the amount of pollen, not eliminate it, but it will minimize exposure to the offending allergen. Kitties have some cute characteristics, in addition to silky fur and fuzzy mittens. Grooming helps your cat stay healthy; therefore cats groom themselves on a regular basis. 3. Its their habit. Its also possible that theyre simply trying to get your attention. They will lick their paws, legs, and body, so why not their crotch? In response to the irritation, the cat may lick the rectal region or scoot and rub the anus on the ground. Moms Message: Sometimes mothers encourage their kittens to engage in allogrooming by offering them some food when they start licking and grooming them. Cats have quite sensitive noses. Thus, let the felines lick each other and mingle their scents. Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by admin. Finally, you can try using anti-anxiety medication or pheromone products specifically designed to help calm cats. In conclusion, the potential health risks associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious. These infections require treatment with antibiotics (common choices include amoxicillin, cephalexin, or fluoroquinolones). To clean the site, you can also use a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Why do male cats bite other male cats on the back of the neck? If your cat is frequently aggressive when playing, you should speak to your veterinarian about their behaviour. Cat lovers sometimes ask questions about why do cats lick and try to determine when cat licking is normal and when the licking is abnormal. After all, by rule, all cats loathe water. Third, you can provide your cats with more opportunities to express their affection in other ways. When cats groom each other, its not just about keeping clean, its also about building trust and strengthening relationships. Another reason why cats lick each other is to show affection. 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. Impacted glands emit a noxious odor and the anal area may become swollen and irritated. It's like a built-in brush with tiny spines that are angled backward toward the kitty's mouth. 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. You can also try using a bitter-tasting spray to deter them from licking. 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. You might catch your pet biting its neck while grooming. Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. They simply bump noses or lick their companions private area. 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. Even for us, every house, start, country, or place has a different vibe. For example, you can give them more opportunities to cuddle, play, and groom each other. How often should you change cat litter for two cats? What might seem weird to non-pet parents might seem normal to you. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? How do you know if a cat loves another cat? One of the more embarrassing things that cats do is to lick their private parts. There are many reasons your older cat might begin licking your kitten. When one cat grooms the other, it shows that they view each other as close friends or family. Licking is a typical action among cats and is frequently used to communicate and associate with one another. This means that some behaviors that may be considered normal for one cat, may not be considered normal for another. Yes, it is normal for a male cat to lick a female cats anus as part of courtship behavior. Not necessarily. Just a quick swipe of the area takes care of business. Although it can be annoying, try to ignore her if possible. With the same tongue, they eat and drink. Cats licking each others private areas is normal behavior. The most common is undersocializationa lack of pleasant experiences with other cats early in life. Other signs of imminent labour include restlessness, drop in temperature, nesting. One option is to have your cats spayed or neutered. Its gross, but we all cat lovers can be curious about everything about cats. This includes licking each others private areas. Do cats enjoy licking their private areas? Reason #4 To Impose Dominance. Laboratory tests, including urinalysis, urine culture, and blood tests will help determine the best course and length of therapy. How to clean your cats private areas if they have been licking? Manually evacuating the distended anal glands via hand manipulation usually resolves the problem. Well, as for cats, it is not the case. In addition, cats licking each other's private areas can also be a way of showing affection and strengthening ties. 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? Social problems: This behavior can lead to social problems such as isolation, social anxiety, and relationship problems. Of course, by licking each other (including the bum, of course). There are a few reasons why cats may lick each other's private areas. Sometimes, cats may lick each others bums as a way of checking for or treating health issues. However, there are three main theories why domestic felines engage in this behaviour: They're displaying they trust you. First, every cat is different and has their own unique personality. It helps to strengthen the bond between cats, making them feel more secure in their environment. The best way to do this is to use mild soap and warm water. I used to have two cats, one a white blue-eyed Persian, very gentle and doll-faced, easily mistaken for a toy. There are several medical reasons that prompt a cat to persistently lick the genital or anal regions. Finally, consult with your veterinarian. 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. But they cant produce sentences. The most obvious reason why cats lick themselves is for cleanliness. By The tongue is quite multi-functional too. Many times, cats even reject others when they dont have their scent. Your email address will not be published. Alternatively, it could be a way of attracting attention or seeking approval from others. Less common causes include bacterial cystitis, anatomical defects and tumors. 09 of 22 Kneading and Treading pkline / Getty Images It it's a way of showing affection. For our finicky felines, licking is key to grooming, which, as any kitty owner knows, cats are obsessed with. In addition to this, when cats lick each other, it can also help to strengthen their ties and make them feel more connected. Why do cats lick each other? Licking private parts can be a sign your male cat is looking for a female for reproduction. Here are some of the reasons why cats like licking each othergenitals. For example, you can try spraying the area with water or bitter apple spray. 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. Thus, it is their way of remembering people and animals. It is considered a form of greeting between cats or a mating signal. Your cat feels safe with you and loves to be surrounded by your smell and the sounds of your heartbeat. While it may be considered cute or even funny, there are dangers associated with cats licking each others private areas. Neither type of licking (normal or weird) appears to harm the pup being licked. Chances are, your cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink. This type of behavior is part of a mother cats instinct to help her kittens pass waste.