Why Do Cats Groom Themselves So Much?
You might’ve heard or observed that cats lick themselves so often. But have you ever wondered why they do so? And exactly how often they engage themselves in cleaning and grooming? What you might have known about them is they groom frequently, like it’s their trademark characteristic. In addition, you might have seen mothers licking their kittens to clean them, provoke urination and suckling, provide comfort, and thereby strengthening their bond.
In this article, we are going to discuss what makes them groom so much and to how much extent grooming is normal. Because overgrooming or under-grooming has adverse effects on a cat’s health and well-being.
A Little Bit About Cat’s Grooming
Cats start grooming themselves at the age of 4 weeks. First, they will start grooming themselves and then they will start licking their mother and other littermates. This mutual-grooming and self-grooming continues into adulthood.
Felines are naturally equipped with all the grooming tools they need. From rough surfaces of a cat’s tongue to her sharp teeth, they use it all. A cat can even use his forepaw to stimulate tiny oil glands on her head. This will help spread the oil, also known as a cat’s perfume all over the body.
Grooming Reasons Apart From Cleaning
Cats like to stay clean all the time but there are some other health reasons why they do so. That said, cats need to groom themselves so often.
● To cool herself down with the evaporation effect of saliva
When cats lick themselves, their saliva gets stuck on their bodies which produces evaporation effect and cools down the body. So, next time when you see your cat is licking herself on a sizzling hot day, she might be doing it to cool herself down a bit.
● To stimulate the circulation of blood and to stimulate several glands spread over the body
● To keep her body clean and to keep the coat smooth by licking and spreading the essential body oils
The outer surface of a cat’s body contains some trigger points. When a cat licks the surface its skin secrets essential oils which further gets spread by following licks. Moreover, the licking cleanses the skin making it free from dust particles, matted hair making the coat smoother.
● To eliminate any kind of infections, allergies, and keep away parasites
When a cat’s body is free from any harmful particles stuck in her coat and body oils are spread well on her skin, there are less chance of your cat developing infections, allergies, and promoting a healthy atmosphere for parasites.
● To hide from the predators
Cats are obligate carnivores. Being in the wild, they used to prey and thrive on them. Other predators like big cats, dogs, wolves, foxes, etc. can smell food particles stuck on a cat’s coat from far away. That said, cats lick themselves up to ensure that they don’t make themselves as well as their catch vulnerable to other predators.
● To cleanse wounds
Cats do it to clean up the wound and make the wounded area safe from parasites and other infections. Moreover, their rough tongues can pull out the dead skin cells from that area.
● To enjoy
Cats seem to feel pleasure in grooming. They not only groom themselves but also do it with their fellow mates. This looks like they’re actually strengthing their bond with each other.
Cat Overgrooming
Most cats spend 30%-50% of their waketime grooming themselves. That said, on a good day, if you decide to observe them grooming, you might feel cats are overgrooming. But they’re not, actually. It’s their natural habit to do so. In fact, cats can suffer from overgrooming or compulsive grooming.
Cats usually are seen licking, biting, or nibbling themselves incessantly. But when you start noticing obsessive grooming, which turns out to be hair loss in them, skin lesions, it may be the time to visit your vet.
Ethan from CatLovesBest says, “Medical conditions, neurological disorder, flea infestations, parasites, or a psychological disorder can be a culprit for compulsive grooming.” He adds, “Stress can also often lead cats to excessive grooming early in life.” The events in your cat’s life like moving, home remodeling, a new family member or a pet (especially feline), separation anxiety can cause psychological disorders, stress, anxiety disorders which ultimately results in overgrooming.
Due to the fact that cats use licking and grooming to keep themselves calm, they will do it more every time they face with such conflicts. But when the problems are not addressed, the whole situation may end up in self-inflicted injury that includes issues like psychogenic alopecia which often characterizes hair thinning, balding, and skin infections.
Cat Undergrooming
Undergrooming may indicate that something’s not ok with your cat. Mostly, the reason behind undergrooming is your cat is sick and she is not able to clean herself. The underlying issues can be arthritis, pain, or dental problems. However, it is important to note that cats that are taken away from their mother in early life may not be able to clean themselves up properly.
Here are signs of undergrooming you should look for:
- Greasy and messy coat
- Small matty spots on her fur or tail
- Stench or foul smell
- Food particles stuck on her chest or face after her meals
Final Note
If you think your cat is undergrooming, you should start brushing her daily. This will stimulate her skin and blood circulation and will keep fleas and ticks away. And when you notice your kitty is trying to groom by herself, don’t interrupt her. It is natural and definitely good for her. Whereas if you observe your cat is overgrooming, visit your vet. Long may the felines live!
