This type of grooming is a good signit means your cats are friends. Steroids (usually prednisolone) can be effective but are often reserved for severe cases or as a last resort. It is their way of maintaining hygiene. It is a way for cats to show acceptance of each other and can even be seen as a sign of affection. 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. 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. Already have a myVCA account? Its part of their grooming routine. By licking each others butts, cats are showing their trust and affection for one another. Some medications, such as chemotherapy pills, can make dogs nauseated and cause them to lick their lips compulsively. 3. Of course, by licking each other (including the bum, of course). If their new friend hasnt taken a shower in a while, your cat wont hesitate to let them know. Urinary tract infection A reason your cat might be licking his private area might be due to a urinary tract infection. Required fields are marked *. Here are some of the more common problems: Urinary Tract Infection or Bladder Stones/Crystals. [Explained! Cats licking each others private areas is normal behavior. There are a few things to keep in mind when wondering if your cats behavior is normal. Licking is a typical action among cats and is frequently used to communicate and associate with one another. Its not uncommon for male cats to lick each others bums. If your vet rules out any medical causes, they may be able to recommend a behavior modification plan to help reduce your cats' licking. Can female cats be attracted to other . If cats grow up together, they will feel a familial bond and encourage it by licking another's coat. You can also try using a bitter-tasting spray to deter them from licking. Licking helps cats to create a communal smell. It is also referred to as allogrooming. Cats will lick each others fur and body parts, including their private areas. Finally, they could irritate each other's skin if they lick too hard. It is not recommended to try and stop a male cat from expressing natural mating behaviors, as it is a natural instinct for cats. Cats understand scents very well. Cats have scent glands in their butts and a sniff can tell a cat everything about the other . 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. Is It Normal For Cats To Lick Each Other's Privates? Things like urinary tract infections or skin infections can make this area stronger smelling than usual, which may be attractive to your dog. Home Blog Why Cats Lick Each Others Private Areas? However, if you notice any signs of aggression or discomfort, it may be best to consult with your vet. Cats get aggressive while they are in this period and may fight other cats. Factors That May Increase or Decrease The Frequency Of Cats Licking Each Other's Butt. Because throwing their friend away into the water is not something a good cat would do, almost all cats are naturally abhorrent towards the water. Cats groom each other as a sign of affection and to bond. Here are some of the reasons why cats like licking each othergenitals. It is considered a form of greeting between cats or a mating signal. Also, it's a form of social bond between cats -- it's like the feline's version of petting! One of the more embarrassing things that cats do is to lick their private parts. Multiple oral antibiotics are readily available in both pill and liquid forms and are quite effective in resolving bladder infections. 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? This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that may be on the skin. 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. Bladder infections are fairly common and are caused by bacteria that usually respond to treatment with antibiotics. If one cat has a bacterial or parasitic infection, they can easily spread it to another cat through licking. If you notice your cat licking her privates more than usual, then it is important to take her to the vet to check for any underlying conditions that could be causing this behavior. Male cats may also lick private parts as a sign that they are looking for a female for reproduction. Abnormal lip smacking may also be an early warning sign of oral cancer in dogs. Reason #4 To Impose Dominance. There are many possible reasons why your dog might be licking her private area. Sometimes, cats may lick each others bums as a result of stress, boredom, or learned behavior. Cats that are bonded sometimes show sweet displays of affection toward each other, like grooming. Many people think that cats who lick each other are showing their affection. Cats will groom each other as a way to bond and to keep each other clean. Weve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cats best. You shouldn't see this discharge all that often and only in small amounts. Licking each others buttholes can also be a way for cats to show their dominance or submissiveness within a group. Do cats lick each other because they love each other? Let's first learn why dogs lick cats or anyone else for the matter! Second, provide your cats with plenty of toys and playtime. Copyright 2023 Fluffy Tamer | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Its also possible that the male cat is grooming the female cat, which is a common behavior among cats. Dangers of why cats lick each others private areas? ), or hydrolyzed or man-made proteins to which the cat has not been exposed. If your cat has a change in their grooming behavior or is losing hair . 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. What to do if your cat starts licking private areas? It should be fat-reducing and easy to digest. Yes, cats clean their bum to remain fresh and maintain hygiene. Frequent or sustained licking of the urogenital(urinary and genital) area may indicate that a medical problem exists. In simple terms, these organs offer felines a google search of scent familiarization. Interesting Read: How Do Cats Clean Themselves After Pooping? You are not alone. It is also their way of showing affection or a stress buster. If pain is the issue, the licking is focused on the painful area, like in cases of disc disease or anal sac impaction. Cats are very clean animals and groom each other to keep themselves clean. From face to tail, everything. Continue to 9 of 22 below. This mutual grooming encourages the cats to interact in a way that bonds them together and helps to keep them contented and comfortable. Cats typically start licking at a young age and will continue to do so throughout their lives. Not only do they groom themselves multiple times a day, but they also spend a significant amount of time licking their legs and body to keep it clean. Why cats lick each others private areas? Allogrooming follows the same logic. Cats are independent creatures and dont like to be prevented from their habits. 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. Here are some of the more common problems: Urinary tract infection. The most common is undersocializationa lack of pleasant experiences with other cats early in life. Dont Be Fooled, Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These parasites can cause severe health problems, including anemia, weight loss, and even death. Allogrooming is a way for kittens to socialize with each other and help them learn how to groom themselves. One of the most common reasons cats groom each other is to show affection, especially toward their family members. Related Read: Can changing cat litter brand make cat sick? A pup licking the private region of another canine can be a sign of dominance. 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. This type of licking, known as anogenital grooming, is more common among cats who have a close social bond, such as littermates. The person may be compensating for something they feel they are lacking in themselves. You might catch your pet biting its neck while grooming. 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. -She is experiencing pain or discomfort in her private area Dogs lick as a response to positive reinforcement, loving the praises or the good reactions humans (or other animals may) give them. Allogrooming is also affected by dominance, social structure, and relationships. Some of the more common reasons include: 10 Reasons Why Your Cats Lick Each Other's Bums/ Private Areas 1. Cats will groom their family members and friends. Second, provide them with plenty of toys and playtime so they dont get bored and start licking out of sheer boredom. . 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. Cats have two anal glands, remnants of scent glands, located near the rectum. So, of course, she cleans the bum, too, like the good mother she is. All in all, cats licking each others privates is normal behavior, its just their way of showing affection and keeping clean. After all, by rule, all cats loathe water. By Why does my cat go from licking to biting my other cat? In multi-cat households, anal licking is a common behavior among cats. - They head-butt each other. Neither type of licking (normal or weird) appears to harm the pup being licked. 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. Dominant cats often commence grooming on shy or submissive cats. Familiar Scent 4. There are a few possible explanations for this behavior. Humans are capable of producing a vast variety of sounds to make sentences. The first is a happy, submissive greeting with an invitation to play via tail wagging and a play bow. (Keep in mind, never bathe cats unless they are too dirty). Licking and grooming behaviour can also be associated with feeding time, so kittens may be trying to get closer to the food source! Felines can spot stress and illness in a fellow cat when they are licking. How are cats not disgusted when they. In the feline world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. If you have more than one cat, you may have noticed that they sometimes lick each others private areas. According to Cat Wisdom 101, butt sniffing and licking is how cats greet 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. Licking may also be a sign that your dog is just showing affection to your other dog. Some dogs lick their owners' private areas as a way of communicating affection, while others may do it as a way of cleaning themselves. 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