Cats lick each other primarily as a behavior called allogrooming or social grooming. This licking helps cats show affection, establish and strengthen social bonds, and create a sense of community among them. It also serves practical purposes such as helping clean hard-to-reach areas, removing dirt and parasites, and reducing stress. Additionally, grooming can communicate social hierarchy and trust within a group of cats. Here are key reasons why cats lick each other:
- Social bonding and affection: Licking helps cats strengthen their relationships and shows mutual trust and comfort. It is common among bonded pairs like littermates, mothers with kittens, or cats living together for a long time.
- Cleanliness: Cats assist each other by grooming parts they cannot easily reach, like the head and neck, to maintain hygiene and reduce parasites.
- Communication and social hierarchy: Grooming behavior can signal social status, with dominant cats sometimes grooming others. It is also a calming activity that redirects aggression.
- Stress relief: The repetitive motion of grooming is soothing and relaxing for both the groomer and the recipient.
Thus, licking each other is an important multi-functional social and biological behavior among cats that helps maintain their health and relationships.
