You may catch your cat licking her paws or chewing on herself from time to time. Why do cats clean themselves? 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 her sharp teeth, comb-like paws, and forepaws add up to a finely tuned grooming machine. A cat can even use her front paws to stimulate tiny oil glands on her 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 her coat clean and smooth by distributing natural skin oils
  • To stimulate circulation
  • To cool herself 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 behavior: If your cat feels embarrassed, anxious, or as though she’s in a conflict, she may lick to calm herself.

Compulsive grooming

Does your cat seem to be licking, biting, or nibbling herself 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 remodeling, a new pet or family member, separation anxiety, and lack of stimulation can trigger these behaviors. And because self-grooming soothes and calms your cat, she will want to do it every time she’s faced with a conflict. If the behavior 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 she becomes ill, she may stop cleaning herself. 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 her body or tail
  • Staining on the paws from urine or residue
  • Foul smell
  • Food particles on her face or chest after meals

To encourage your cat to begin grooming, start by brushing her daily. Brushing stimulates the skin and blood circulation, and rids her of fleas and ticks. When she starts grooming, try not to interrupt her. It’s important for your cat, so let her make the most of it.

Hills Author Hills Author
Staff Author

One of our staff authors prepared this article for you

Related articles

How to Put On a Cat Harness

Discover which harness style is best for your feline friend and learn how to put on a cat harness. Take your kitty for a stroll knowing they're secure.

Walking a Cat: Should You Take Your Kitty For a Stroll?

Wondering if your can take your cat for a walk? Learn how to decide if she's suitable for the outdoors and an effective method for taking her on a stroll.

All About Cat Fleas

Discover how your indoor cat can get fleas, how to spot signs that she has them, and tips for getting rid of them & preventing them in the future.

Is Milk Actually Good for a Cat?

It is a common misconception that cats should be given milk regularly as a treat.

Cat Leukemia: Symptoms, Testing and Prevention

Learn important information about cat leukemia, including how it spreads, common symptoms, testing & diagnosis info, treatments and prevention options.

Knowing Your Cat's Special Anatomy

To provide the best care for your cat, it is important to know as much about them as possible. Read about a cat's specialized anatomy to learn more.

Signs of Stress in Cats and How You Can Help | Hill's Pet

Learn how to recognize the signs of stress in cats and how to help a stressed cat find relief. Learn the implications of stress on her overall health, and what you can do to help ease her.

Cat Hernia 101: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment

Learn about types of hernias in cats, causes of this condition, possible symptoms and treatment options (including combining it with spaying your cat).

Signs That Your Cat is Grieving & How You Can Help

Learn what cats go through during times of loss of another animal or human in the household, and understand whether they grieve or not.

Choosing A Healthy Cat Food: Things You Need to Know

Find out the essential ingredients in a healthy cat food, how to interpret a food label, and the importance of your cat's age when choosing a food.

How to Tell if Your Cat has a Fever

Ever wondered if your cat is under the weather? Learn how to check to see if she has a fever and what steps you can take to help her feel better.

Do Cats Understand Words?

Discover interesting information about whether you cat actually understands your words and if it's important to actually talk to your feline friend.

Helpful Tips for Bathing & Grooming a Cat

Part of keeping cats healthy is ensuring they are clean and well-groomed. Get tips on how and when to bathe and groom your cat.

Your Cat's First Month At Home: Tips & Suggestions

Learn more about the basics of cat care in the first month, including choosing the right cat bedding, cat toys, cat carriers, pet id tags and litter boxes.

What Is Cat Nuzzling?

Learn the reasons why your cat nuzzles you or other pet siblings, including factors like affection, marking territory and more.

Feline Aging & How it Affects Your Cat's Brain

Learn about the impact of brain aging and cognitive brain disorders that can affect cats. Good brain health is critical as your cat ages.

Preparing Your Nervous Cat for Large Gatherings at Home

Having a large group over? Learn some helpful ways to prepare your nervous cat and keep her from feeling overwhelmed by the amount of people and noise.

Home Dental Care Methods for Your Cat

Use these 4 steps on how to properly brush and provide the right dental care for your cat's teeth.

Why Regular Veterinary Visits Are Important to Your Kitten

Ensure you are providing the best care possible for your kitten by making regular visits to the veterinary. Learn why here.

Cat's Upset & Sensitive Stomach: Treatments & Food Choices

Just like people, cats can experience occasional stomach upset. If your cat exhibits any of the following, especially after eating, she may have a sensitive stomach.