Why Do Cats Groom Themselves So Often?

Cat parents know how our cats groom themselves all the time. It is one of the benefits of having a cat because they are such clean pets!  In fact, cats will spend about half of their day grooming themselves or another cat in the home. There are many reasons why cats groom themselves so often.

Cats begin learning grooming habits from the moment they are born. The mother cat's first instinct after giving birth is to clean her kittens by removing the amniotic sac and then using her rough tongue to stimulate their breathing. This initial grooming not only jumpstarts the kitten's respiratory system but also sets the stage for their lifelong grooming habits.

As kittens grow, they start emulating their mothers, engaging in self-grooming rituals by the time they are a few weeks old. This behavior is not only about hygiene but also plays a crucial role in their overall well-being. Here are some expanded reasons why cats groom themselves and each other:

Cleanliness:

Cats are naturally clean animals, and grooming helps them stay that way. Their rough tongues act like combs, removing old fur, loose fur, and dirt. This grooming routine is essential for maintaining a healthy coat and is often a visible sign of good health in cats.

This process not only keeps them looking neat but also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy coat and skin. By removing old fur and distributing natural oils, grooming helps prevent matting and keeps the fur soft and lustrous. Additionally, grooming helps cats stay free of parasites like fleas and ticks, as they can remove these pests during their thorough grooming sessions.

Wound Care:

Cats instinctively groom their injuries to clean wounds and potentially prevent infections. Their rough tongues can remove dead skin cells and promote healing. For instance, when a cat gets injured, whether it's a small scratch or a more significant wound, they instinctively clean the area by licking it. This serves multiple purposes—it cleanses the wound, removes debris that could cause infection, and stimulates blood flow to aid in healing. Cats' saliva contains enzymes that have mild antiseptic properties, further aiding in keeping wounds clean

Scent Masking:

Cats have a keen sense of smell, and grooming helps them hide their scent from predators (even if they are indoor cats.). Mother cats in the wild clean themselves and their young to reduce the smell that might attract potential threats.

Fur Maintenance:

Grooming isn't just about hygiene; it's also about keeping their fur in top condition. When cats groom, their tongues stimulate sebaceous glands, spreading natural oils that help waterproof their fur and keep it healthy.

Emotional Well-being:

Grooming serves as a calming mechanism for cats. It helps them cope with stress, fear, or anxiety, acting as a form of emotional self-soothing.

Temperature Regulation:

Cats don't sweat like humans do, so grooming also helps them regulate body temperature. In warm weather, grooming helps cool them down, while in colder temperatures, it helps retain heat by fluffing up their fur.

In colder weather, cats may groom to fluff up their fur, creating a layer of insulation that helps retain body heat. Additionally, grooming stimulates the production and distribution of natural oils from the skin's sebaceous glands. These oils not only keep the fur moisturized and shiny but also help waterproof the coat, making it more resistant to water and environmental elements.

Social Bonding:

Mutual grooming among cats, or between cats and their human companions, is a way of expressing affection and bonding. It's a social activity that reinforces feelings of comfort, companionship, and love within the feline community.

Understanding your cat's grooming habits can provide insights into their overall health and emotional state. Changes in grooming behavior, such as excessive grooming or a sudden decrease in grooming, can indicate underlying health issues and you should make an appointment to see your vet for evaluation and treatment.