All Fact and Reason Why Cats Groom Themselves

Adult felines invest about half their waking hours grooming themselves and their kitty pals, so it has to be quite darn vital to them. But did you know why felines groom-- other than to polish their gorgeous fur, obviously-- and what various kinds of grooming they do? Here are some basic realities. Initially we'll begin with the how.

Grooming execute # 1: The tongue

Cats' tongues are covered with tiny barbs called papillae. When a cat licks herself, she not only gets dust off her coat however she takes out any loose hairs too.

Grooming execute # 2: The front paws

Cats lick the insides of their front paws then rub them throughout their ears and face, places that are hard if not impossible to reach with the tongue

Grooming execute # 3: The teeth

Felines use their tiny front teeth to get rid of fleas and ticks, work mats from their fur, and eliminate plant material stuck deeper in their fur than their tongues can reach. They chew on their claws with their back teeth to get rid of worn claw husks and replace them with sharp, brand-new daggers.

Now, carrying on to the why, here are some of the reasons felines groom themselves.

Initially, the completely evident: tidiness

Not only do felines want to eliminate dust, plant product, and other grunge, but because they're predators along with prey they wish to get rid of all smells that make predators aware of them. That suggests cleaning any residue of food (whether it's kibble or a fresh-caught mouse) from their fur.

Skin and coat health

Grooming serves to move the natural oils secreted by the cat's skin into and equally around the fur, keeping it glossy and in good condition. Those oils likewise guard against dampness and excessive cold.

Relationship

Kitties start grooming one another-- a behavior called allogrooming-- by the time they're 5 weeks old. Often this habits continues into their adult years, with bonded cats hanging around grooming the locations that are difficult to reach by themselves. My cats, Thomas and Bella, are champion allogroomers.

Relaxation

You've probably seen a cat start grooming herself after an awkward moment like falling off a counter. This is called a displacement habits, and it relieves the stress brought on by that momentary lapse of grace and grace. If a cat is significantly stressed, she could resort to overgrooming or "barbering" her fur in an attempt to feel better.

Cooling off

Although they have some gland in their paws, felines do not sweat like we do when it gets too hot. By dampening their fur with saliva, cats assist themselves to cool down when the weather is extra-warm.

Another thing to remember: A cat who stops grooming is a cat in trouble. She's either ill or severely depressed. If your cat isn't really grooming herself, it's time for a trip to the vet.