Why does my cat lick itself when I scratch it? - briefly
Cats often lick themselves as a way to groom and clean their fur. When you scratch your cat, it may interpret this as a form of affection or social bonding, leading it to engage in self-grooming behaviors as a response.
Why does my cat lick itself when I scratch it? - in detail
When a cat is being scratched, particularly in areas it cannot reach on its own, such as the back of the neck or the base of the tail, it may feel compelled to groom that area afterward. This behavior can be attributed to several factors:
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Grooming Instinct: Cats are naturally inclined to keep themselves clean and well-groomed. Scratching can stimulate the same nerve endings that would be activated during self-grooming, triggering the cat's instinctive desire to lick and clean the area.
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Sensory Stimulation: The act of scratching provides sensory stimulation for cats. After being scratched, they might want to continue the sensation by grooming the same area. This can be particularly true if the cat enjoys the scratching session and finds it relaxing or pleasurable.
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Marking Behavior: Cats have scent glands on their paws and other parts of their body. When they lick themselves, they are essentially marking their territory with their own scent. By licking an area where you have scratched them, they might be subtly marking it as part of their familiar environment.
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Comfort and Relaxation: Grooming is a comforting activity for cats. It can help them relax and feel secure. If the scratching session has been soothing or calming, the cat may continue to groom itself as a way to extend that feeling of comfort and relaxation.
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Social Bonding: In multi-cat households, cats often groom each other as a sign of social bonding and affection. When you scratch your cat, it might view this interaction as a form of social grooming, and in response, lick itself to reinforce that sense of connection and trust.
Overall, while the exact reason can vary depending on the individual cat and the context of the situation, these behaviors are generally indicative of contentment and well-being. It's important to note that if your cat exhibits excessive or compulsive grooming behavior, it may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as allergies or stress, which would warrant attention from a veterinarian.