WHY DO CATS LICK THEIR FUR?
Cats lick their fur mainly for grooming and self-care. This behaviour is natural and serves several important purposes:
1. Cleaning Themselves:
Cats lick their fur to remove dirt, dust, loose hair, and parasites. Their tongue has tiny, hook-like structures (called papillae) that help clean and untangle their fur effectively.
2. Regulating Body Temperature:
Cats don’t sweat like humans do. By licking their fur, they spread saliva that evaporates and helps cool their body, especially in hot weather.
3. Distributing Natural Oils:
Licking spreads the natural oils produced by their skin, keeping their coat smooth, shiny, and waterproof.
4. Comfort and Stress Relief:
Grooming also has a calming effect. Cats often lick themselves when they’re anxious, nervous, or trying to relax — it’s a self-soothing behaviour.
5. Scent Marking:
Cats have scent glands on their skin. By grooming, they spread their own scent, which makes them feel secure and reinforces their identity.
6. Social Bonding:
When cats lick each other (a behaviour called allogrooming), it helps strengthen social bonds within a group.
In short, cats lick their fur not just to stay clean, but also to stay cool, comfortable, and emotionally balanced. 🐱
