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. Second, you can try to discourage the licking behavior by making it less enjoyable for your cats. 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. So next time you see your kitties getting up close and personal, dont be alarmed. Cats that are bonded sometimes show sweet displays of affection toward each other, like grooming. Cats that are kept in clean and healthy environments may be more likely to engage in grooming behaviors, including licking each others bums. For indoor cats, windows should only be opened during these times as well. Licking may also be a sign that your dog is just showing affection to your other dog. 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. Felines can extend social grooming to their owners to include them in their social group or get their attention. All the functions of Jacobson's organ are not fully known. This is part of why much of allogrooming is focused on these areas of the body," Arden explains. Biting a cat hard can hurt or irritate them, so theyll eventually learn to bite and not just hurt them. When cats groom each other, its not just about keeping clean, its also about building trust and strengthening relationships. If youre not keen on your cats licking each others private areas, you can do a few things to stop them. Required fields are marked *. If the upper urinary tract or kidneys are infected, the treatment may be prolonged for 4-6 weeks on average. What to do if your cat starts licking private areas? This is because the cat may be experiencing pain or discomfort in the area and is trying to soothe it. One option is to have your cats spayed or neutered. It is a way for cats to show acceptance of each other and can even be seen as a sign of affection. Why Are Siamese Felines Cross-Eyed? Should I be worried if my cat is constantly licking another cat's bum? A cat's mouth may also open when sniffing another cat's anal sacs. There are some theories as to what it means if a cat licks you. Cats lick each other's heads and other facial features because all these spots have scent glands that release pheromones. Cats will groom each other as a way to bond and to keep each other clean. Severe infections may lead to the formation of an abscess that ruptures through the skin to the outside area around the anus. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. All in all, cats licking each others privates is perfectly normal and not cause for alarm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina caused by bacterial or fungal infection, and it can lead to irritation and frequent licking. According to Shojai, you won't really see two cats who are strangers start to lick . Cats also lick each other to strengthen their ties within the same family. It is a friendly and polite handshake between two cats, they recognise each other through scent glands. This will reduce the amount of pollen, not eliminate it, but it will minimize exposure to the offending allergen. In the cat world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. Especially their private body parts. Most of the time cats are a source of amusement, but sometimes they can be a source of embarrassment. 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. A male cat will lick his penis. This is evident in the post-weaning kitten behavior of suckling when no milk is present. To clean the site, you can also use a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. FAQs; Top 19 why do my cats lick each others private areas compiled by Pet Paradise. 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. This mutual grooming encourages the cats to interact in a way that bonds them together and helps to keep them contented and comfortable. Cats will lick when an area of their body is itchy or painful, says William Miller, Jr., VMD, a board certified specialist in dermatology and a professor at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Although it can be annoying, try to ignore her if possible. Cats are independent creatures and dont like to be prevented from their habits. Cats are very attentive to their owner's moods so you might find your cat is more . Already have a myVCA account? Social problems: This behavior can lead to social problems such as isolation, social anxiety, and relationship problems. Another reason why cats may lick each other's private areas is to show affection. Allogrooming is also affected by dominance, social structure, and relationships. Dont Be Fooled, Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black? 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. 5. Its like leaving a little I was here note for other cats to find. Its like a feline version of a mom, theres something in my eye! moment. - They snooze together. One is that theyre simply trying to clean those hard-to-reach spots. . When cats lick each other, they are telling the other cat that they care about them. 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 . This act of social grooming, also known as allogrooming, will happen when two cats completely love and trust each other. First, gently clean the area and then rinse with warm water. When cats groom, they typically start at the head and work their way down the body. This less than appealing behavior annoys pet owners everywhere. It is not recommended to try and stop a male cat from expressing natural mating behaviors, as it is a natural instinct for cats. 4. Cats love to sleep, and they love to sleep on top of their humans. Just a quick swipe of the area takes care of business. Finally, you can try using anti-anxiety medication or pheromone products specifically designed to help calm cats. Bladder infections are fairly common and are caused by bacteria that usually respond to treatment with antibiotics. 3. There are medical conditions that can cause an increase in licking, such as anxiety or allergies. While some cats overlap their territories a great deal, others prefer to keep a good distance from their neighbors. (4 Tips for Taking Care), Why Do Cats Put Toys in the Toilet? With the same tongue, they eat and drink. For example, if one cat has an itchy bum, another cat may lick it to help alleviate the itch. Grooming is an act of trust and affection between cats. 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. Licking helps cats to create a communal smell, which is part of the process of grooming. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM. "These pheromones are chemicals that provide information for communication with other cats. They like to lick every part, right from face to tail. 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. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Stress If a cat is stressed, she may exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and that can include cat suckling. There are a few possible explanations as to why this behavior may occur. For example, you can try spraying the area with water or bitter apple spray. To Bond: Cats sometimes lick and groom each other as a way of bonding. 2. Your email address will not be published. So, if your cat is licking your private area and you are uncomfortable with this, you should seek medical help immediately. Frequent or sustained licking of the urogenital(urinary and genital) area may indicate that a medical problem exists. Mutual grooming is not only a hygienic activity, but it also helps cats strengthen their social ties. 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. Social Grooming As A Means Of Bonding 7. Why do cats hate other cats? Have you wondered why? In addition to this, when cats lick each other, it can also help to strengthen their ties and make them feel more connected. Impacted glands emit a noxious odor and the anal area may become swollen and irritated. Why do cats lick their private areas? 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 can be detected when your cat constantly licks his private area after urinating. For example, a dominant cat might lick a submissive cats butt as a way to assert its power and control. They dont even have thumbs or fingers to engage in a good ol handshake. Cats licking each others bums is a normal behavior and not necessarily an indication of any illness. Adult cats that are in the same group may groom each other to promote bonding and establish dominance without resorting to violent behavior. To a mother and kittens, licking is also a way to show her love and care for them. You can do a few things if your cat licks your private areas. Your email address will not be published. Also, it's a form of social bond between cats -- it's like the feline's version of petting! There are a few potential consequences of cats licking each other's private areas. First, every cat is different and has their own unique personality. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that "allogrooming is one of three ways cats express cohesion in . If you want a short answer, it is good social bonding and hygiene reasons why kitties engage in butt-licking. How often should you change cat litter for two cats? Its also possible that theyre simply trying to get your attention. Do you have young cats from the same litter and one older cat? We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Being gentle souls, cats will try to clean the dirty friend by kicking their butt. Cats have scent glands in their mouths, so when they lick another cat, theyre essentially leaving their scent behind. It is also common for two cats to lick each other's bottom during grooming. They will lick their paws, legs, and body, so why not their crotch? A musty odor or reddish-black discoloration of the skin may indicate a yeast infection that requires an additional treatment. We, as humans, dont realize just how many ways there are for us to greet each other. Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by admin. Acceptance Between Them 6. They're loosening the old, outer part of their claw so it will come off. While it may be considered cute or even funny, there are dangers associated with cats licking each others private areas. Often, they feel an urgency to urinate and produce very little urine. 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. Let yourself off the hook, crawl down off that . As a cat parent, we are sure you might have asked yourself multiple times, why do cats lick each others private areas?. Continue to 9 of 22 below. 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. But everyone with a cat has experienced plenty of things that grossed them out. These infections require treatment with antibiotics (common choices include amoxicillin, cephalexin, or fluoroquinolones). You will never be bored just by looking at your kitties. While marking territory with scent glands can be a sign of dominance, cats also groom each other as a form of bonding and hygiene. I used to have two cats, one a white blue-eyed Persian, very gentle and doll-faced, easily mistaken for a toy. 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 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. This is a way for cats to claim each other and communicate their relationship with other cats. Thus, you should pay attention to their behaviors and ticks. These were just my guesses, try guessing yourself now! A cat licking each others private areas is a form of communication. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice excessive genital grooming, which may be accompanied by repeated. If your vet rules out any medical causes, they may be able to recommend a behavior modification plan to help reduce your cats' licking. Licking is an important way for cats to show their love and affection for each other. 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. 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 . It helps to strengthen the bond between cats, making them feel more secure in their environment. Is it normal for cats to lick each others private areas? It could be that theyre trying to clean each other or as a sign of affection. Why Do Cats Turn Their Heads Upside Down When Playing? Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. Its their hygiene. Why cats lick each others private areas? Another possible explanation is that your dog is trying to clean you or enhance their scent. It is a very normal practice for the mother to clean her kittens by licking them. It would help if you remembered that it is best to give cats baths only when necessary, that is when they are too dirty. Like dogs, cats express their love by licking, so another reason why cats lick each other is a sign of affection. Thus, they can easily catch on to funny smells. 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. When cats lick each other, endorphins are released, which are substances that provide sensations of pleasure and relaxation. For example, if a cat is feeling stressed, it may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, including licking another cats butt. It happens in humans too. So, what do they do? Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. In this case, you should take your cats to the vet to make sure there are no medical problems causing the licking. Reason #4 To Impose Dominance. 10 Reasons Why Your Cats Lick Each Other's Bums/ Private Areas 1. When should cats switch from kitten to cat food? The same goes for felines. Cats are very sassy and independent animals and dont like being told what to do and what not. It could be a sign of insecurity or low self-esteem. Cats that are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety may be less likely to engage in grooming behaviors, including licking each others bums. 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