Cats lick each other’s bums for various reasons, such as: to show their affection, mark their territory, communicate with others, and show dominance over the other cat.
It is considered a form of greeting between cats or a mating signal. It is also common for two cats to lick each other’s bum during grooming.
As weird behavior as it might seem to us humans, it is considered a necessity in the kitty world.😺
Do cats always lick each other’s bums or only in certain situations?
Cat owners often observe their pets engaging in distinct communication methods.
Among these is the seemingly unappealing act of licking one another’s behinds, which is actually a typical grooming ritual for cats.
Scent glands near their rears allow cats to mark their scent and identify each other through this practice.
Beyond that, licking each other’s behinds can signify trust, affection, and mutual confidence.
So when you witness your cat participating in this activity, remember that it’s a natural and instinctual form of bonding and communication between felines.
How does the licking of each other’s bums affect the relationship between cats?
The licking of each other’s bums can affect the relationship between cats in different ways, depending on the context and the intention of the licking. Some possible effects are:
- It can strengthen the bond between cats who have a close social relationships, such as littermates or mother-offspring pairs.
- It can mark the cats as belonging to each other and their territory by exchanging scents.
- It can communicate mutual trust, respect, or admiration between cats who are friendly with each other.
- It can show dominance or submission between cats who have a hierarchy or a conflict.
- It can help clean or heal an injured or wounded cat by removing dirt, dead hair, or parasites.
- It can cause stress or discomfort to a cat who does not want to be licked or who is licked excessively by another cat.
What does it mean if a cat refuses to lick another cat’s bum?
If a cat refuses to lick another cat’s bum, it could mean different things depending on the situation and the relationship between the cats. Some possible meanings are:
- The cat does not trust or like the other cat and does not want to bond with them.
- The cat is not comfortable with being licked or licking the other cat’s bum and prefers to groom themselves.
- The cat is stressed or anxious and does not want to engage in social grooming.
- The cat is not interested in mating with the other cat and does not want to send a wrong signal.
Do male and female cats lick each other’s bums equally?
Typically, both male and female cats engage in bottom-licking as a means of communication and social connection.
This conduct often signals a greeting or mating intent among cats. Mutual grooming prevails in amicable or related felines, serving hygiene and bonding purposes.
Nonetheless, some cats dislike this activity, and occasionally unneutered males or females might sniff and lick their mate’s bottom to indicate mating readiness.
The description of this conduct may differ, yet it remains an innate aspect of cat behavior.
What are some other ways that cats show affection towards each other besides licking each other’s bums?
Some other ways that cats show affection towards each other besides licking each other’s bums are:
- Slow blinking: Cats may look at each other and slowly blink their eyes as a way of expressing trust and relaxation.
- Tail movements: Cats may hold their tails high, curl them at the tip, or wrap them around each other as a sign of friendship and happiness.
- Cheek rubs: Cats may rub their cheeks against each other to share their scent and mark each other as part of their group.
- Head bunting: Cats may bump their heads against each other to show affection and confidence.
- Vocalizations: Cats may meow, purr, or trill to greet each other, express their emotions, or invite each other to play.
- Grooming: Cats may lick each other’s fur, especially on the head and neck, to show care and comfort.
- Hanging out: Cats may choose to sleep, rest, or play near each other as a way of enjoying each other’s company.
