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. If you notice your male cat licking another male cats bum, it could also be a sign that they are forming a bond. -She is trying to relieve herself of an uncomfortable odor 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. Thus, it is their way of remembering people and animals. You might have noticed your cat doing the same to you, bumping noses and licking random parts of your skin. If your cats are healthy, then the licking is probably just a sign of affection. ], Can Cats Find Their Way Home If Lost? They are saying Hello. . You, of course, shouldnt discourage your kitties from licking each other. Cats love to sleep, and they love to sleep on top of their humans. Although it's natural for cats to groom themselves and each other, some people find it unsightly or even unclean. The potential health risks associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious. Let's first learn why dogs lick cats or anyone else for the matter! -She is trying to remove a bladder stone or other type of obstruction from her urinary tract Cats may be more relaxed and natural if they are not being watched closely. While some cats overlap their territories a great deal, others prefer to keep a good distance from their neighbors. This is because the cat may be experiencing pain or discomfort in the area and is trying to soothe it. The most common is undersocializationa lack of pleasant experiences with other cats early in life. Food allergies are triggered when the cat is sensitized to proteins (typically chicken, beef, or pork) or other molecules in the food. Familiar Scent 4. 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. How To Stop Cats From Licking Themselves? Finally, you can consult with a veterinarian to see if there is a medical reason for the licking and to get advice on how to stop it. This is particularly common around dogs that have a close bond. Cats licking each others bums is a normal behavior and not necessarily an indication of any illness. There are a few reasons why cats may lick each other's private areas. When cats are cleaning, they frequently nip or bite on the others ears. Urinary tract infection A reason your cat might be licking his private area might be due to a urinary tract infection. 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. (Explained). Cats will groom their family members and friends. These infections require treatment with antibiotics (common choices include amoxicillin, cephalexin, or fluoroquinolones). Finally, consult with your veterinarian. One of the benefits of this behavior is that it helps to keep the area clean and free of parasites. This is more likely to happen if one cat has a sensitive skin condition like allergies. Its also possible that theyre simply trying to get your attention. 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 know the scents very well, too. Can female cats be attracted to other . Grooming every body part is a motherly behavior in cats. Allogrooming is a way for kittens to socialize with each other and help them learn how to groom themselves. 5.Sexual Activities Male cats usually pursue female ones when they sense the very distinctive smell of Pheromone. If your cat seems to be enjoying the licking, they will likely have their eyes half closed and may even start to purr. 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. Licking may also be a sign that your dog is just showing affection to your other dog. 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. 2 reasons 1. Grooming is unarguably the most common reason cats lick each other. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. Cats are very attentive to their owner's moods so you might find your cat is more . Studies have found that cats who live in multi-cat households are more likely to engage in allogrooming compared to cats who live alone. Why Do Cats Lick Each Other? Why do cats lick their paws? If you want a short answer, it is good social bonding and hygiene reasons why kitties engage in butt-licking. Similar to a dog licking a cat for grooming purposes, your dog may also be licking your cat as a sign of affection. Seriously, I've never been so . For example, a male or female cat may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. Just a quick swipe of the area takes care of business. When cats lick each other, they are telling the other cat that they care about them. It helps to strengthen the bond between cats, making them feel more secure in their environment. How do you get free cat food in battle cats? Cats engage in mutual grooming, or allogrooming, as a way of expressing themselves and forming bonds with other cats. Related Read: Why is my cat under my bed? If you see cats licking each other, it can indicate that the male cat is looking for a partner for reproduction. Cat licking is a part of the normal maternal instinct and grooming behaviors, however, these behaviors can become excessive and abnormal. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. A pup licking the private region of another canine can be a sign of dominance. Mutual grooming between cats may be their way of showing acceptance with each other. 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. Its like leaving a little I was here note for other cats to find. They dont have enough brain power to use another method of greeting. They can also lick as part of pack behavior, licking . From face to tail, everything. Queens lick their kittens to keep them clean. Why Do Cats Lick and Groom Each Other and Then Bite? Mama cats start out grooming their babies. As weird a behavior as it might seem to us humans, it is considered a necessity in the kitty world. 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. Why do cats and dogs lick you? Especially their private body parts. If that doesnt work, you can try giving them a drink or spraying them with water to discourage the behavior. Theyre just doing what comes naturally! One reason that could be is that your dog feels secure when they are licking you. 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. This type of grooming is a good signit means your cats are friends. For example, you can try spraying the area with water or bitter apple spray. 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. Dont worry if it is not. But dont worry, we are sure its not anything serious unless you are sensitive to their saliva. To clean the site, you can also use a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Yes, cats clean their bum to remain fresh and maintain hygiene. If the upper urinary tract or kidneys are infected, the treatment may be prolonged for 4-6 weeks on average. They lick it because the other cat has the same scent as them. Some dogs lick their owners' private areas as a way of communicating affection, while others may do it as a way of cleaning themselves. 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. When cats groom themselves, they swallow a lot of hair. There are a few common reasons why your dog might be licking their lips a lot. Felines can spot stress and illness in a fellow cat when they are licking. 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. They're accessing biochemical information from you skin. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Underlying health conditions can trigger over-grooming. It can also be when they hear howls that cats release at certain times. They dont even have thumbs or fingers to engage in a good ol handshake. Another possibility is that the male cat is simply showing affection to the female cat. Do you have young cats from the same litter and one older cat? Cats that are kept in clean and healthy environments may be more likely to engage in grooming behaviors, including licking each others bums. Cats have scent glands in their mouths, so when they lick another cat, theyre essentially leaving their scent behind. Well, this behavior isn't really about the butt, it's about the placement of those active glands. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 4. They simply bump noses or lick their companions private area. Finally, they could irritate each other's skin if they lick too hard. Now, let us answer some of your most commonly asked questions about the licking habits of kitties. Bacteria and parasites are the most common concern when cats lick each other's private areas. When cats groom, they typically start at the head and work their way down the body. 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. Causes for licking of the genital area in cats include pain, inflammation, problems with the urinary or reproductive tracts, and abnormal discharge. Cats lick each other mean positive social interactions, helping each other groom, showing acceptance and dominance. Physical problems: This behavior can lead to physical problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Being gentle souls, cats will try to clean the dirty friend by kicking their butt. Why 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. Certain behaviors like licking each others butts completely go above our heads. While it may seem strange to us humans, cats licking each others privates is completely normal. A male cat will lick his penis. Well, cats generally lick one other for the same reasons they lick themselves. Another is that theyre enjoying the taste of their partners pheromones. Social groo.ing helps them to bond to their family and other close Cats. This can be detected when your cat constantly licks his private area after urinating. Thus, it is their way of remembering people and animals. 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. Its part of their grooming routine. The second reason is that they are marking their territory. Cats that are aggressive towards them are more likely to groom them. One way cats show their companionship and bond with each other is through allogrooming. Some cats enjoy the taste of their own urine, so it's possible that they are licking each other's private areas for the salty or savory taste.Regardless of the reason, if you notice that your cats are licking each other's private areas more than usual, it's always best to have them checked out by a veterinarian. It can help relieve stress or anxiety. In multi-cat households, anal licking is a common behavior among cats. From various observations made of the cat colony, experts deduced the following: Even when two cats engage in allogrooming, one always does the majority of grooming. What to do if your cat starts licking private areas? They also groom each other as a way of bonding and maintaining social harmony within their group. Moms Message: Sometimes mothers encourage their kittens to engage in allogrooming by offering them some food when they start licking and grooming them. It is, after all, a part of them that you have accepted. When this is the case, licking is only related to elimination and is not persistent. It is a way for cats to show affection and establish dominance within the group.. Its their hygiene. Cats who know each other will lick each other as a sign of affection, or for bonding. Less common causes include bacterial cystitis, anatomical defects and tumors. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM. Cats with a different odor are seen as a potential threat, and their . What might seem weird to non-pet parents might seem normal to you. Also, it's a form of social bond between cats -- it's like the feline's version of petting! It is a friendly and polite handshake between two cats, they recognise each other through scent glands. Remember, body language is the most efficient way of communicating with your kitty-cats. 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. Cats are always going to lick their private parts. And sometimes, cats may just pick up this behavior from observing other cats in their group. Its not uncommon for male cats to lick each others bums. Of course, these are just a few examples of behaviors that could make you question if your cat is acting normal. Some dogs may also lick their owners' private areas as a way of marking their territory. One is that they could spread bacteria or parasites. Male cats may also lick private parts as a sign that they are looking for a female for reproduction. Why does my cat go from licking to biting my other cat? Steroids (usually prednisolone) can be effective but are often reserved for severe cases or as a last resort. If your cat is meowing more than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Its also possible that the male cat is grooming the female cat, which is a common behavior among cats. 6 Strange Reasons. While it may not be something you want to think about, cats licking each others private areas are normal behavior. 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. Cats have quite sensitive noses. There are a number of things you can do to stop your cats from licking each other's private areas. 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. On top of cleaning the kids bums, she also licks it to stimulate the urine hole and anus. Pain medication and warm water soaks may alleviate the discomfort. Reason #2: It's a sign of affection. Set up your myVCA account today. You can do a few things if your cat licks your private areas. 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. Cats love to greet each other with butt licking and sniffing. They're marking you as another one of their possessions. Licking each others buttholes can also be a way for cats to show their dominance or submissiveness within a group. For example, indoor-outdoor cats with environmental allergies should go outside in the early morning and late evening when the dew on the ground reduces pollen in the air. Grooming all body parts is a motherly instinct in felines. There are a few reasons why cats lick each other's private areas: It helps them keep clean. In conclusion, the potential health risks associated with this behavior are numerous and potentially quite serious. This security can come from the natural chemicals produced by the body when it's in close proximity to its owner. And how do you think this transferring works? When one cat grooms the other, it shows that they view each other as close friends or family. Just like humans, cats show their love for one another by giving them physical affection. This is because cat's have something called the Jacobson's organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ. Oral, topical, or injectable forms of antibiotics may be used. Vaginitis is a condition that can affect female cats and can be caused by a range of issues. Required fields are marked *. Here are some of the reasons why cats like licking each othergenitals. With this handy tool, cats can rake through their fur, making it shiny and dander-free. Of course, by licking each other (including the bum, of course). If you have more than one cat, you may have noticed that they sometimes lick each others private areas. In many cases, people exhibit negative behaviors simply because they're going through a tough time, or because they haven't learned healthy coping mechanisms. What does it mean when two cats lick each other? It could be a sign of insecurity or low self-esteem. Licking is an important way for cats to show their love and affection for each other. Ultimately, whether or not you allow your cats to lick each other's private areas is up to you. Keep an eye on your cats for any signs of illness, and consult with your vet if you have any concerns. Severe infections may lead to the formation of an abscess that ruptures through the skin to the outside area around the anus. Table of Contents [ hide] Reasons Why Cats Lick Each Other. 6. 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. A bored cat is more likely to turn to licking as a form of self-soothing. Similarly, if a cat is bored, it may start grooming its feline friends as a way to pass the time. Dont Be Fooled, Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black? A cat licking each others private areas is a form of communication. This is the act of licking and grooming each other, which helps strengthen the ties between them. Grooming and licking each other helps both the kitties get acquainted with each other and have a bonding. Why Do Cats Turn Their Heads Upside Down When Playing? - They head-butt each other. Why do cats lick each other's ears? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In addition, cats licking each others private areas can also be a way of showing affection and strengthening ties. Hairballs are another potential consequence of cats licking each other's private areas. For example, if one cat has an itchy bum, another cat may lick it to help alleviate the itch. So, what do they do? Related Read: Can changing cat litter brand make cat sick? Cats may bite each other when playing since it is instinctive for them to do it. Some of the more common reasons include: It is the human equivalent of a handshake for these thumbless animals. Cats lick each other's heads and other facial features because all these spots have scent glands that release pheromones. Why do cats lick each other? It could be that theyre trying to clean each other or as a sign of affection. Let yourself off the hook, crawl down off that . FAQs; Top 19 why do my cats lick each others private areas compiled by Pet Paradise. Continue to 9 of 22 below. Cats also lick each other to strengthen their ties within the same family. Secondly, keep in mind that cats are natural hunters. -She is anxious or stressed. So, what are some behaviors that might make you question if your cat is acting normal? We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. Studies have even shown that captive-origin white and wild tawny lions can form a socially functional pride through allogrooming. The most common causes of FLTUD are feline idiopathic cystitis, urinary stones and urethral obstructions. Even your cat themself has the scent, so they sniff and lick another cats butt wondering how in the actual family does this beast have the same scent as me? The following are some common reasons why cats lick each other: 1. We, as humans, dont realize just how many ways there are for us to greet each other. If your cat has a change in their grooming behavior or is losing hair . Licking is a typical action among cats and is frequently used to communicate and associate with one another. 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. So, are you ready for the long answer? Its like a feline version of a mom, theres something in my eye! moment. 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 . 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Well, its definitely not uncommon for cats to engage in mutual grooming, which can include licking each others private areas. Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. When cats lick each other, endorphins are released, which are substances that provide sensations of pleasure and relaxation. This will help to reduce their overall drive to mate, and therefore, lick each other's private areas. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: Dogs lick each other's private areas for a variety of reasons. However, if you notice excessive or aggressive licking, or if your cat seems to be in pain or discomfort, its best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Should I be worried if my cat is constantly licking another cat's bum? 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? Cats with a bladder infection may lick the penis or vulva for an extended period of time after urinating or may lick between eliminations. 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. Although we associate fastidious grooming with cats, dogs lick themselves to stay clean too. It's a memory your cat had from being licked by its own mother and is a real sign of affection. Is It Normal For Cats To Lick Each Other's Privates? Allow your cats are always going to lick each others private areas the taste of partners... It unsightly or even unclean body parts is a form of self-soothing and forming bonds other. Compared to cats who know each other, it could be a sign of dominance natural produced... Behaviors, including licking each other ( including the bum, it indicate. Licking random parts of your most commonly asked questions about the licking, typically. Go from licking each others butts completely go above our heads: dogs lick cats or anyone else for next. 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Are normal behavior and not necessarily an indication of any illness effective but are often reserved for severe or. She also licks it to stimulate the urine hole and anus Upside down when Playing acting.... Cats early in life can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use.! Also groom each other as a sign of affection seem weird to non-pet parents might seem weird non-pet... Reason that could make you question if your cat has a change in their.! About them in life 2: it is instinctive for them to bond to their saliva, your dog also! Of expressing themselves and each other, endorphins are released, which include...