Why Do Cats Groom Their Owners?

Anyone who has experience with cats knows that they love basking in the sun. After exposure to ultraviolet rays, cats can produce beneficial substances like vitamin D in their skin. Besides enjoying the grooming and massage from their owners, cats also lick their paws and fur to absorb these nutrients while keeping themselves clean—truly a win-win. However, besides the owner using a pet brush to groom the cat, there are occasions when the cat will groom the owner after being brushed. Have you ever wondered why this happens?
If there are two or more cats in the household, it’s common for them to groom each other, especially among those who have a good relationship. Cats of higher status may also groom others in their group. However, their proud and independent nature means they won’t easily acknowledge dominance, and male cats often fight to establish their rank. That said, when a cat grooms its owner, it’s mostly a sign of deep affection. The grooming and daily care from the owner help build a closer bond with the pet, and when a cat licks its owner, it’s leaving behind its scent, marking its territory, and expressing trust and love. Speaking of leaving their scent, cats often lick themselves after being groomed by their owner or after being petted. This is also done to maintain a balance of their scent. An owner's scent can be quite complex and may overwhelm a cat’s sense of smell. Over time, this can disrupt the cat's own scent profile. By licking themselves after grooming or playing, cats neutralize foreign smells and restore a sense of security. However, both grooming and licking should be done in moderation. Excessive grooming can be a sign of underlying issues. If a cat excessively licks its paws, it could be due to cuts between the paw pads or dryness from dehydration. If a cat frequently licks itself after being brushed and has trouble stopping, it could be a sign of anxiety or compulsive behavior. In such cases, owners can use toys like cat wands or pet brushes to distract the cat, or closely observe the cat’s skin and fur for any signs of health problems and take the cat to the vet if necessary. Cats are often sensitive and reserved, which can make it difficult for owners to fully understand their emotional state. However, behaviors like licking can provide valuable insights into a cat's feelings. So, did your cat ever groom you during the quarantine period?

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