You may catch your cat licking their paws or chewing on themselves from time to time. 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 sharp teeth, comb-like paws, and forepaws add up to a finely tuned grooming machine. A cat can even use their front paws to stimulate tiny oil glands on the 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 their coat clean and smooth by distributing natural skin oils
- To stimulate circulation
- To cool 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 behaviour: feels embarrassed, anxious, or as though in a conflict
Tasty Tips
Compulsive grooming
Does your cat seem to be licking, biting, or nibbling 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 renovations, a new pet or family member, separation anxiety, and lack of stimulation can trigger these behaviours. Because self-grooming soothes and calms cats they will want to do it every time they’re faced with a conflict. If the behaviour 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 they become ill self-grooming may stop. 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 body or tail
- Staining on the paws from urine or residue
- Foul smell
- Food particles on face or chest after meals
To encourage your cat to begin grooming, start by brushing daily. Brushing stimulates the skin and blood circulation, and gets rid of fleas and ticks. When your cat starts grooming try not to interrupt. It’s important for your cat, so let them make the most of it.
Related products
Feline Kitten
Hill's Science Plan Kitten Wet Cat Food Premium Chunks in Sauce with Ocean Fish is a complete pet food for kittens and for pregnant or nursing cats
STERILISED CAT ADULT CAT FOOD
Precisely balanced nutrition with a unique weight management formula and clinically proven antioxidants to help keep neutered cats in great shape.
Sterilised Cat Adult Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with a unique weight management formula and clinically proven antioxidants to help keep neutered cats in great shape.
Mature Adult 7+ Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Cat Food with Salmon is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports graceful aging in cats, providing a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity levels.
Related articles
Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin
Cats with sensitive skin have special needs and even healthy cats can sometimes develop poor skin health. Learn more about sensitive skin symptoms in your cat, what you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable and get recommendations on sensitive skin cat food.
Cat Eye Care: Recognizing and Preventing 6 Cat Eye Problems
Learn about common eye problems in cats, such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, as well as their causes, symptoms and treatment options
Is your cat putting on weight?
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of cat obesity and weight management in cats and the conditions that affect on your cat.
Cat Poo: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how your cat's poo can be a good indicator of her overall health, including how to spot unhealthy or abnormal cat poop and what it might mean.
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.