Why does a cat wash itself after being washed? - briefly
Cats groom themselves as a natural response to remove any residual scent or soap from their fur, which they find unpleasant and unfamiliar. This behavior helps them restore their natural scent and maintain cleanliness according to their own standards.
Why does a cat wash itself after being washed? - in detail
Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits, which they devote a significant portion of their day to. This behavior serves multiple purposes, including maintaining cleanliness, regulating body temperature, and marking territory with scent glands. When a cat is bathed by its owner, the experience can be quite unsettling for several reasons, leading the feline to engage in excessive grooming afterward.
Firstly, cats have a keen sense of smell that helps them recognize their own scent as well as those of other animals and humans. After being washed with human shampoo or soap, a cat's fur loses its familiar scent, which can be disorienting. To restore the comforting smell of its own scent, the cat will lick and groom itself vigorously. This behavior is an attempt to re-establish its personal olfactory signature, which plays a crucial role in a cat's social interactions and territory marking.
Secondly, cats are fastidious about their cleanliness and prefer to maintain their coat themselves. When a human bathes the cat, it can feel like a loss of control over its hygiene routine. The cat may perceive the bath as an unwanted intervention and respond by intensifying its own grooming efforts to reassert its autonomy. This behavior is often seen as a coping mechanism for the stress induced by the bathing experience.
Thirdly, cats use their tongues not only for grooming but also for cooling their bodies. The rough texture of a cat's tongue helps distribute saliva, which evaporates and creates a cooling effect. After a bath, the cat may feel the need to cool down its body temperature, which can be slightly elevated due to the warm water used during the bath. By licking itself, the cat is able to regulate its body temperature more effectively.
Lastly, the act of grooming is inherently soothing and calming for cats. After experiencing the stress of a bath, a cat may engage in excessive grooming as a way to self-soothe and reduce anxiety. This behavior serves as a form of comfort and helps the cat return to a state of relaxation and well-being.
In conclusion, a cat's tendency to wash itself after being bathed by its owner is driven by several factors, including the need to re-establish its familiar scent, reassert control over its hygiene routine, regulate body temperature, and reduce stress. Understanding these underlying reasons can help cat owners better appreciate their feline companions' grooming behaviors and provide a more comfortable and less stressful bathing experience.