Cats lick each other primarily as a form of social bonding and affection, a behavior known as allogrooming. This helps strengthen their relationships, establish social networks, and build trust within their group. Cats groom one another to clean areas they can't easily reach themselves, like the head and neck. This behavior also communicates social hierarchy, with higher-ranked cats often grooming lower-ranked ones. Additionally, mutual grooming can relieve stress and provides a soothing, comforting experience for both cats involved. Sometimes, grooming helps redirect potential aggression or serves as playful interaction between cats that are bonded or familiar with each other.
In summary, when cats lick each other, it is mostly about showing affection, maintaining cleanliness, communicating social status, and building or reinforcing their social bonds.
