Why Do Cats Lick Themselves After You Pet Them? Reasons Explained

Do cats lick themselves after you pet them? Yes, there are several reasons why a cat might lick itself after being petted, ranging from normal cat grooming habits to more complex feline behaviors. It could be related to cat scent marking after petting, perceived uncleanliness, or even displacement behavior in cats. This article delves into the various possible explanations for this common feline behavior.

Image Source: cdn.shopify.com

Feline Hygiene: More Than Just Cleanliness

Cats are famous for their meticulous cat grooming habits. They spend a significant portion of their day keeping their fur clean and well-maintained. But what drives this constant need for self-grooming?

Cat Grooming Habits Explained

• Removing Dirt and Debris: A cat’s tongue is covered in tiny, backward-facing barbs called papillae. These act like a natural comb, effectively removing dirt, loose hair, and parasites from their fur.
• Distributing Natural Oils: Licking helps to spread sebum, an oil produced by the skin, evenly across the fur. This keeps the coat healthy, shiny, and waterproof.
• Thermoregulation: Saliva evaporation helps cats cool down in hot weather. The licking spreads saliva across the fur, which then evaporates and lowers body temperature.
• Wound Care: Cats instinctively lick their wounds. Saliva contains enzymes with antibacterial properties that can help clean and promote healing.

So, Is It Just Normal Grooming?

Sometimes, the licking after petting is simply part of the cat’s routine. They might have been about to groom anyway, and your petting simply reminded them or displaced them from their task.

Cat Scent Marking After Petting: Claiming Territory

Cats have scent glands all over their bodies, including on their cheeks, paws, and flanks. They use these glands to mark their territory and belongings. But what does this have to do with licking?

All About Feline Scent

• Pheromone Deposition: When you pet a cat, you are essentially transferring your scent onto their fur.
• Reasserting Ownership: The cat may then lick itself to redistribute its own scent and essentially “reclaim” itself, covering up your scent with its own.
• Comfort and Security: This scent-marking behavior can also provide the cat with a sense of comfort and security, as it reinforces its connection to its environment.

How To Tell If It’s a Scent-Related Behavior

Observe the cat’s body language. If the licking is accompanied by rubbing against furniture or other objects, it is more likely to be related to scent marking.

Perceived Uncleanliness: Did You “Contaminate” Me?

While it might sound insulting, some cats might lick themselves after petting because they perceive your touch as unclean. This doesn’t mean they don’t like you! It’s just their perception.

The Sensitivity Factor

• Individual Preferences: Some cats are more sensitive to changes in their scent than others.
• Foreign Scents: Perfumes, lotions, or even just the natural oils on your skin can be perceived as foreign and undesirable by the cat.
• Not a Rejection: It’s important to remember that this behavior isn’t necessarily a rejection of your affection. It’s simply the cat’s way of restoring its familiar scent.

Minimizing the “Uncleanliness” Factor

• Wash Your Hands: If you suspect this might be the reason, try washing your hands before petting your cat.
• Avoid Strong Scents: Refrain from using heavily scented lotions or perfumes when interacting with your cat.
• Respect Their Boundaries: Pay attention to your cat’s body language. If they seem uncomfortable or immediately start grooming after being petted, give them space.

Displacement Behavior in Cats: When Things Get Stressful

Sometimes, licking can be a sign of stress or anxiety. This is known as displacement behavior.

Decoding Displacement

• Definition: Displacement behavior occurs when an animal performs an action out of context, usually as a way of coping with a stressful or confusing situation.
• Example: A cat that is unsure whether to fight or flee from a perceived threat might start grooming itself instead.
• Petting as a Stressor: For some cats, being petted can be mildly stressful, especially if they are not in the mood for it or if they are touched in a way they don’t like.
• Reasons cats lick fur when stressed is often because it’s a self-soothing technique.

Recognizing Stress-Related Licking

• Rapid Licking: The licking is often more intense and rapid than normal grooming.
• Other Signs of Stress: Look for other signs of stress, such as flattened ears, dilated pupils, a twitching tail, or hissing.
• Context Matters: Consider the context in which the licking occurs. If it happens after a sudden noise or a change in the environment, it is more likely to be stress-related.

Addressing Displacement Behavior

• Identify the Stressor: Try to identify what might be causing the cat stress and remove it if possible.
• Create a Safe Environment: Provide the cat with a safe and comfortable space where it can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.
• Avoid Over-Petting: Respect the cat’s boundaries and avoid petting it when it seems stressed or uninterested.
• Consult a Veterinarian: If the displacement behavior is severe or persistent, consult a veterinarian or a certified cat behaviorist.

Cat Communication Through Licking: A Social Act?

Licking can also be a form of social communication in cats. This is especially true between cats that are bonded to each other.

Feline Social Grooming Alternatives

• Allogrooming: Cats that live together often groom each other, a behavior known as allogrooming. This helps to strengthen their social bonds and establish a group scent.
• Affectionate Gesture: In some cases, a cat might lick you as a sign of affection, similar to how they would groom another cat.
• Seeking Attention: The cat may also be licking you to get your attention.

Differentiating Social Licking from Other Types

• Gentle and Relaxed: Social licking is usually gentle and relaxed, not frantic or intense.
• Other Affectionate Behaviors: It is often accompanied by other affectionate behaviors, such as purring, rubbing, or kneading.
• Reciprocal Grooming: The cat might also expect you to groom them in return, perhaps by gently scratching their chin or cheeks.

Dissecting Common Scenarios

To further illustrate the reasons behind post-petting licking, let’s consider a few common scenarios:

Scenario	Possible Reasons	Additional Clues
You just applied scented lotion.	Perceived uncleanliness, scent marking.	Cat immediately starts licking the area you touched; may avoid contact in the future.
You came home after being around other animals.	Scent marking, perceived uncleanliness.	Cat rubs against you extensively after licking; may sniff you intently beforehand.
You startled the cat before petting it.	Displacement behavior, stress.	Cat’s ears are flattened; tail is twitching; licking is rapid and intense.
You’re petting the cat in its favorite spot.	Normal grooming, affection.	Cat is purring and relaxed; licking is gentle and unhurried.
You’ve just adopted a new cat.	Scent marking, anxiety.	Cat is exploring its new environment cautiously; licking is accompanied by rubbing against objects.
The cat is old and may be losing flexibility.	Attempting to redistribute oils to areas hard to reach	Difficulty in reaching certain areas during grooming

What Can You Do?

Now that we’ve explored the possible reasons why cats lick themselves after being petted, what can you do to address this behavior?

• Observe and Interpret: Pay close attention to your cat’s body language and the context in which the licking occurs. This will help you determine the underlying reason.
• Respect Boundaries: Always respect your cat’s boundaries. If they seem uncomfortable or stressed, stop petting them.
• Create a Comfortable Environment: Provide your cat with a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment. This can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Consider Feline Social Grooming Alternatives:If it seems like they’re using it as a social behavior and you enjoy it too, you could try alternatives like gentle combing or massage.
• Rule Out Medical Issues: If the licking is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
• Consult a Professional: If you are concerned about your cat’s behavior, consult a certified cat behaviorist for personalized advice.

By learning to read your cat’s signals and respecting their needs, you can strengthen your bond and ensure their well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is displacement behavior in cats?

A: Displacement behavior in cats is when a cat performs a normal behavior, like grooming, out of context as a way to cope with stress or conflict.

Q: Can I stop my cat from licking itself after I pet it?

A: You might not want to stop it entirely, as it’s a natural behavior. Instead, focus on discerning the reason behind the licking and adjust your interactions accordingly. For example, use unscented products, avoid petting when the cat seems stressed, or simply give them space if they need it.

Q: Who is most likely to have a cat that licks after petting?

A: Any cat owner might experience this! However, cats that are particularly sensitive to scents, easily stressed, or very territorial might be more prone to licking after being petted. Also, new cats adjusting to a home may exhibit this behavior.

Q: What if my cat only licks itself in one specific spot after I pet it?

A: This could indicate a skin issue, pain, or heightened sensitivity in that area. It’s worth checking with your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.

Q: Is it bad if my cat doesn’t lick itself after I pet it?

A: Not necessarily. Every cat is different. Some cats may simply not feel the need to groom or re-scent themselves after being petted. As long as your cat seems healthy and happy, there’s likely nothing to worry about.