Why does a cat lick itself after being stroked? - briefly
Cats are fastidious groomers, and licking themselves is a natural behavior. After being stroked, a cat may lick itself to remove any human scent or to soothe its fur, which can become slightly displaced during petting.
Cats engage in this behavior for several reasons. Firstly, it helps them to maintain their hygiene. Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits, which help them to keep their fur clean and free from dirt, debris, and parasites. By licking themselves, cats remove any foreign substances, including human scent, that may have been transferred during petting.
Secondly, licking can be a soothing activity for cats. When stroked, a cat's fur can become slightly ruffled or displaced. Licking helps to smooth the fur back into place, providing a sense of comfort and relaxation. This behavior is similar to how humans might smooth out their clothing after it has been disturbed.
Additionally, licking can be a way for cats to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands in their paws and mouth, and by licking themselves, they spread their own scent over their body. This helps them to feel more secure and familiar with their environment.
Lastly, licking can be a stress-relieving activity for cats. If a cat feels anxious or stressed after being stroked, it may lick itself as a way to calm down. This behavior can provide a sense of control and familiarity in an otherwise uncertain situation.
Why does a cat lick itself after being stroked? - in detail
Cats are known for their fastidious grooming habits, and it is not uncommon to observe a cat licking itself after being stroked. This behavior can be attributed to several factors, all of which are rooted in the cat's natural instincts and physiological responses.
One of the primary reasons a cat may lick itself after being stroked is to remove any residual scent left by the person who stroked it. Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, and they use scent marking as a form of communication. When a human touches a cat, their scent can transfer onto the cat's fur. By licking itself, the cat can remove this foreign scent and restore its own familiar scent, which provides a sense of security and comfort. This behavior is particularly important for cats that are sensitive to changes in their environment or that have experienced stress.
Another reason for this behavior is related to the cat's natural grooming habits. Cats spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves to keep their fur clean and free of debris. When a cat is stroked, it may stimulate the cat's grooming instincts, prompting it to lick itself to ensure that its fur is clean and well-maintained. This behavior is also a way for the cat to soothe itself, as the act of grooming can be calming and stress-reducing.
Additionally, stroking a cat can sometimes cause minor irritation or static electricity on the cat's fur. Licking helps to alleviate any discomfort caused by these factors. The cat's tongue is covered in tiny, backward-facing spines called papillae, which help to remove loose fur, dirt, and any other particles that may have been disturbed during the stroking process. This self-grooming behavior is essential for maintaining the cat's coat health and overall hygiene.
In some cases, a cat may lick itself after being stroked as a way to self-soothe or cope with mild anxiety. The act of grooming can release endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals in the brain. This can help the cat to relax and feel more at ease, especially if the stroking was particularly vigorous or if the cat is not accustomed to being handled in this way.
It is also worth noting that cats may lick themselves as a way to mark their territory. While this is more commonly observed in cats that are marking with their paws or by rubbing their cheeks against surfaces, the act of licking can also deposit the cat's scent onto its fur, reinforcing its territorial boundaries.
In summary, a cat licking itself after being stroked is a multifaceted behavior that serves several purposes. It helps the cat to remove foreign scents, maintain its grooming habits, alleviate discomfort, self-soothe, and mark its territory. Understanding these underlying reasons can provide valuable insights into the natural instincts and behaviors of cats, enhancing our ability to care for and interact with them effectively.