Owners with more than one cat have surely noticed how one pet grooms another, sometimes for several minutes. Why do they do this?
This behavior, known as allogrooming, is quite natural and deeply rooted in the feline world. It serves multiple functions—from removing dirt and loose fur to strengthening social bonds and even demonstrating dominance.
Grooming starts with mom
The introduction to grooming begins at birth. A mother cat grooms her kittens to clean them and stimulate their bodily functions. This early care forms associations of grooming with safety, nurturing, and attention in the young ones.
As cats grow older, they often repeat this behavior towards their furry friends, especially those they trust.
Mutual grooming helps to bond
When two cats groom each other, they are doing much more than just cleaning fur. This care strengthens social ties and serves as a clear sign of trust.
Flexible dominance
Most often, grooming is initiated by the more confident cat, while the other accepts its leadership.
It’s also a matter of health
Cats groom themselves to stay clean and regulate their body temperature. Mutual grooming expands this function: it helps remove loose fur, dirt, and even insects from hard-to-reach places. A cat's tongue, with its tiny hook-like papillae, is perfectly adapted for this task.
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