Why Do Cats Lick Themselves, Other Cats, and Humans?

Why Do Cats Lick Themselves?

Cats spend an impressive two to five hours each day grooming themselves, and while this may seem excessive to humans, it is an essential and instinctive behavior. From removing dirt and parasites to maintaining healthy skin and relieving stress, licking plays a vital role in a cat’s overall well-being. Kittens begin self-grooming as early as four weeks old, showing just how deeply rooted this behavior is. Grooming is more than just keeping clean—it is a full-body maintenance system for cats. Their specialized tongues, with tiny hook-like structures, efficiently catch loose fur, dirt, and debris while distributing natural oils evenly across their coats. After meals, cats often lick their paws and wipe them over their faces and ears, further balancing oil distribution and removing food residue. This routine not only keeps their fur glossy but also prevents buildup that could attract parasites.

Key Reasons Cats Groom Themselves

Cleaning and Coat Health

One of the primary reasons cats lick themselves is cleanliness. Grooming helps remove loose hair, dirt, and potential parasites, maintaining coat health and preventing skin irritations. A cat’s saliva contains enzymes that assist in cleaning wounds, which explains why cats often lick areas that feel uncomfortable.

Regulating Body Temperature

Unlike humans, cats cannot sweat to regulate their body heat. Instead, licking their fur serves as a cooling mechanism. As saliva evaporates from their coat, it lowers body temperature and helps them stay comfortable during warm conditions.

Improving Blood Circulation

The massaging motion of a cat’s tongue against its skin enhances circulation. This stimulation is particularly beneficial in maintaining flexibility in the legs, paws, and muscles. Regular grooming also promotes healthy blood flow, which contributes to overall skin and coat condition.

Addressing Itchiness and Pain

Cats instinctively target areas that itch or hurt. Licking may focus on specific spots due to irritation, allergies, or skin conditions. In cases of joint discomfort, arthritis, or bladder issues, cats may lick the skin over the affected body part, signaling underlying health concerns.

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Cats often groom to self-soothe during stressful moments. Changes in routine, new household members, or environmental stressors may trigger excessive licking. This behavior releases endorphins, calming the cat and reducing anxiety. Pet parents can help by creating a stable environment or using calming tools such as pheromone diffusers to reduce anxious grooming episodes.

Why Do Cats Lick Each Other?

Social grooming, known as allogrooming, is an important behavior in feline communities. When cats lick each other, they exchange scents from glands located on their head and cheeks. This exchange creates a unified colony scent, allowing cats to identify one another as part of the same family group. Beyond scent marking, licking strengthens social bonds and demonstrates affection. It is also functional—cats assist each other in cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as the top of the head or behind the ears, reducing parasite loads and maintaining hygiene. Mother cats begin grooming their kittens immediately after birth, stimulating them and keeping them clean. Kittens, in turn, mimic this behavior, learning early to groom themselves and others as part of social bonding.

Why Does My Cat Lick Me?

When your cat licks you, it may be extending the same social behaviors used with other cats. Cats often treat their human companions as members of their colony, meaning licking can be a sign of affection, trust, and inclusion. By licking you, your cat may also be mingling its scent with yours, reinforcing the colony bond. Some cats lick to groom their humans as they would a feline companion, while others do it to seek attention. In some cases, cats may lick you simply because they are attracted to the taste of natural oils or sweat on your skin. While this behavior is usually harmless, pet parents should be mindful of sudden changes in licking patterns that could suggest stress or health issues.

Breed-Specific Grooming Habits in Cats

While grooming is instinctive in all cats, different breeds show unique tendencies based on coat type, lifestyle, and genetic predispositions.

• Persian Cats: Known for their long, thick coats, Persians spend more time grooming and may require additional help from owners to prevent matting. Their self-licking alone isn’t enough to maintain coat health, making daily brushing essential.
• Sphynx Cats: Despite being nearly hairless, Sphynx cats lick themselves frequently to clean their skin. However, because they lack fur to absorb oils, they need regular baths to prevent oil buildup.
• Maine Coons: These large, semi-longhaired cats are effective self-groomers but can still benefit from owner-assisted grooming, especially during shedding seasons. Their size sometimes makes reaching certain areas difficult.
• Siamese Cats: Known for their short coats, Siamese cats spend long hours grooming, often as a self-soothing behavior. They may groom excessively if stressed or left alone for extended periods.
• Bengals: With sleek coats and high energy, Bengals combine active play with frequent grooming. Their grooming behaviors often reflect their strong instinctual link to wild ancestors.
• Domestic Shorthairs: This common breed group usually manages grooming efficiently, but overweight domestic shorthairs may struggle to reach certain spots, leading to over-licking in accessible areas and neglect of harder-to-reach regions.

Recognizing breed-specific grooming patterns helps owners distinguish between normal habits and excessive grooming that signals health or behavioral concerns.

When Does Licking Become a Problem?

While licking is a healthy and natural part of feline behavior, excessive grooming can indicate underlying problems. Overgrooming may disrupt a cat’s eating, drinking, or playing habits and may lead to fur loss, skin redness, or open sores. Cats licking excessively in one specific area may be experiencing localized pain, allergies, or infections. A veterinarian should be consulted if your cat spends more than five hours a day grooming, if licking causes visible skin damage, or if it interferes with daily activities. Diagnostic tests such as skin swabs, blood work, and X-rays can help identify whether the issue is medical or behavioral. Early veterinary intervention ensures better management of both physical and psychological causes.

Analysis and Impact on the Pet Care Industry

Understanding why cats lick themselves and others has direct implications for both pet parents and the pet care industry. Excessive grooming behaviors have fueled growth in veterinary dermatology services, anti-anxiety products, and nutritional supplements designed to improve skin and coat health. Grooming-related conditions are among the top reasons for veterinary visits in cats, highlighting the importance of preventive care and behavioral awareness. Pet product manufacturers are responding with specialized grooming tools, hypoallergenic shampoos, calming sprays, and pheromone diffusers to address stress-induced grooming. Insurance providers are also seeing increased claims related to dermatological issues, reflecting how common and costly these conditions can be.

Latest U.S. Cat Ownership & Grooming Market Statistics

In the United States, more than 49 million households own at least one cat, with an estimated 73–74 million cats nationwide. Grooming is a multi-million-dollar segment within the pet care industry, with spending on grooming supplies, supplements, and anxiety-relief products steadily increasing. The rise of premium cat care has boosted demand for natural grooming solutions, such as omega fatty acid supplements and all-natural shampoos, while behavioral management products have seen strong adoption among urban cat owners. The cat grooming and wellness market is expected to continue expanding as pet parents increasingly view their cats as family members and invest in both preventative and therapeutic care to ensure their well-being.

FAQs About Cat Licking Behavior

Why do cats lick themselves after eating?
Cats lick themselves after meals to clean food residue, distribute oils, and maintain hygiene around their face and ears.

Is it normal for cats to lick for hours?
Yes, grooming for two to five hours daily is normal. However, if it exceeds this range or disrupts other activities, it may be excessive.

Why do cats lick each other’s heads?
This behavior is part of social grooming, helping cats exchange scents, strengthen bonds, and maintain cleanliness in areas they cannot reach themselves.

Why does my cat lick me and then bite me?
This often happens when grooming turns playful or overstimulating. The bite is usually gentle and not meant as aggression.

Can overgrooming cause health problems?
Yes, excessive licking can cause skin irritation, fur loss, and even open sores, requiring veterinary care.

Do cats lick when they are stressed?
Yes, cats may groom excessively when stressed to release endorphins that calm their anxiety.

How can I stop my cat from overgrooming?
Addressing underlying stress, providing enrichment, and consulting a veterinarian for medical or behavioral causes are key steps in managing overgrooming.