You may catch your cat licking her paws or chewing on herself from time to time. Why do cats clean themselves? Self-grooming is a trademark characteristic of most cats that begins right after birth. Mothers lick their kittens to clean them, provoke urination and suckling, provide comfort, and strengthen their bond. At 4 weeks of age, kittens begin grooming themselves, and shortly thereafter start grooming their mother and littermates. This self-grooming and mutual grooming (referred to as allogrooming) continues into adulthood.
All the right parts
Cats are flexible, strategic, and well-equipped for grooming. Everything from the rough surface of a cat's tongue to her sharp teeth, comb-like paws, and forepaws add up to a finely tuned grooming machine. A cat can even use her front paws to stimulate tiny oil glands on her head. The oil is a cat's "perfume" and is spread all over the body.
Why do cats groom?
Cats groom themselves not only to keep clean, but for several other health reasons:
- To regulate body temperature
- To keep her coat clean and smooth by distributing natural skin oils
- To stimulate circulation
- To cool herself down through evaporation of saliva
- To eliminate parasites, infection, and allergies
- To prevent hairballs (Click here for more about dealing with cat hairball problems)
- Displacement behavior: If your cat feels embarrassed, anxious, or as though she’s in a conflict, she may lick to calm herself.
Tasty Tips
Compulsive grooming
Does your cat seem to be licking, biting, or nibbling herself incessantly? Keep in mind that most cats spend between 30 and 50 percent of their day grooming themselves. But if you start to notice obsessive grooming, hair loss, or skin lesions, it may be time for a visit to the vet.
Compulsive grooming may be the result of a medical condition. It could indicate a neurological disorder, flea infestation, parasites, or a psychological disorder. Stress often causes cats to develop compulsive disorders like excessive grooming early in life. Events like moving, home remodeling, a new pet or family member, separation anxiety, and lack of stimulation can trigger these behaviors. And because self-grooming soothes and calms your cat, she will want to do it every time she’s faced with a conflict. If the behavior is not addressed, it can result in self-inflicted injury. For instance, psychogenic alopecia, or fur plucking, is a common condition that includes hair thinning, balding, and skin infections.
Under-grooming
Regular self-grooming will help your cat look good and feel good, but if she becomes ill, she may stop cleaning herself. This could be a sign of arthritis, pain, or dental problems. Cats who are taken away from their mothers too early may also not know how to properly clean themselves.
Watch for these warning signs of under-grooming:
- A harsh or greasy coat
- Small mats of fur on her body or tail
- Staining on the paws from urine or residue
- Foul smell
- Food particles on her face or chest after meals
To encourage your cat to begin grooming, start by brushing her daily. Brushing stimulates the skin and blood circulation, and rids her of fleas and ticks. When she starts grooming, try not to interrupt her. It’s important for your cat, so let her make the most of it.
Related products
Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Low calories for less active cats
Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Related articles
Helping Your Cat Lose Weight: Cat Foods for Weight Loss and Exercise Tips
How do you get a cat to lose weight? Learn all about cat foods for weight loss, including how to choose weight control cat food and exercise tips.
Weight Control Food for Cats: Key Features and Feeding Tips
What is the best food for an overweight cat? Learn all about weight control food for cats, including what's in it and how it works.
Helping Your Overweight Cat Lose Weight
What is the best food for an overweight cat? Learn all about weight control food for cats, including what's in it and how it works.
Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin
Discover how to identify cat sensitive skin and what you can do to help your cat thrive from head to paw.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.