Why Do Cats Lick Each Other? New Research Reveals a More Complex Meaning Behind Feline Grooming

For many cat owners, watching two cats lick and groom each other looks like a clear sign of affection. It often appears to be a peaceful moment of friendship, trust, and companionship. However, new research suggests that feline grooming may have a much more complicated purpose than simply showing love.

A recent study into cat behaviour has found that when cats groom one another, the interaction may sometimes involve social control, conflict management, or even subtle signs of dominance. While cats are not necessarily acting out of cruelty or “malice,” their licking behaviour may reveal a hidden side of their relationships.

The research challenges the common belief that all cat grooming between companions is purely a bonding activity. Instead, scientists suggest that allogrooming, which refers to grooming between animals of the same species, can serve several different functions depending on the situation.

Study Examines How Cats Interact Through Grooming

The study was conducted by Morgane Van Belle, an animal behaviour researcher at Ghent University in Belgium. The researcher analysed video recordings of 106 cats to understand how they communicate and behave during grooming sessions.

The cats came from 53 different households and included 64 male cats and 42 female cats. Researchers examined several areas of behaviour, including communication methods, body posture, movement patterns, ear positions, and tail signals.

The findings showed that cat grooming is not always a simple act of friendship. While some cats appeared to enjoy the interaction, others displayed body language that suggested discomfort or a desire to end the contact.

One important discovery was that around 20 percent of grooming between cats happened around the ears. During these moments, some cats moved their ears backwards, which can be linked with irritation, stress, or fear in feline communication.

Researchers also discovered that most grooming happened around the head and neck area. Around 87 percent of grooming sessions focused on these areas, which are difficult for cats to clean themselves. This suggests that grooming often has a practical purpose, helping cats maintain hygiene in areas they cannot easily reach.

Cat Grooming May Not Always Mean Friendship

Many people assume that cats grooming each other automatically means they have a strong emotional connection. While this can sometimes be true, the study suggests the reality is more complicated.

Some cats receiving grooming did not return the behaviour, which may indicate that they were not actively seeking the interaction. In certain cases, cats being groomed showed signs of discomfort, including turning their ears back, shaking their heads, or even lightly biting the other cat.

These reactions suggest that grooming can sometimes become an unwanted form of physical contact. Instead of being a completely friendly gesture, it may also be a way for one cat to assert control over another.

However, researchers do not believe cats are intentionally being aggressive or cruel. Instead, grooming may be one of the subtle ways cats manage social relationships and resolve disagreements.

Van Belle explained that cats often use gentle and complex behaviours when dealing with conflict. Rather than immediately fighting, they may use behaviours like grooming to communicate boundaries and manage competition.

Cats Use Clever Strategies to Avoid Conflict

The research provides a fascinating insight into the intelligence of cats. Unlike animals that may respond to competition with obvious aggression, cats often rely on quieter signals.

For example, two cats competing for a comfortable sleeping spot may not immediately fight. Instead, one cat may approach the other and begin grooming. This behaviour could help reduce tension while still allowing one cat to influence the situation.

The researcher was inspired to investigate this behaviour after observing her own two cats competing for a sunny place to rest. Instead of attacking each other, one cat chose to lick the other, showing a more subtle approach to handling rivalry.

This discovery suggests that cats have developed sophisticated ways of interacting with each other. Their social behaviour is not always easy for humans to understand because cats communicate through small movements, body positions, and actions rather than obvious expressions.

Grooming Can Also Strengthen Cat Relationships

Although the study highlights the more complicated side of feline grooming, it does not mean cats never groom each other out of affection.

Researchers also found evidence of social bonding and cooperation during grooming sessions. Some cats showed behaviours that suggested trust and positive relationships.

However, strong signs of social bonding were observed in only a small number of cat pairs. Out of the 53 groups studied, only 13 pairs showed clear evidence of cooperative interaction and social connection.

This means grooming can have different meanings depending on the cats involved. In some relationships, it may strengthen friendship. In others, it may be a practical cleaning activity or a way of managing social situations.

Understanding Cat Body Language

For cat owners, the study highlights the importance of paying attention to body language rather than assuming every interaction has the same meaning.

Signs that a cat is comfortable during grooming may include relaxed body posture, slow movements, and voluntary participation. A cat that moves away, flattens its ears, shakes its head, or shows signs of tension may not be enjoying the interaction.

Understanding these signals can help owners create better environments for multiple cats living together. Giving cats enough space, separate resting areas, and opportunities to escape unwanted attention can reduce stress and improve their relationships.

What This Research Means for Cat Owners

The idea that cats may use grooming for reasons beyond friendship changes how we view feline behaviour. Cats are often described as independent animals, but studies like this show they have complex social skills.

Their interactions involve communication, negotiation, and emotional awareness. A simple action like licking another cat may represent affection, cleaning, conflict management, or a mixture of several motivations.

Rather than viewing cats as either loving or unfriendly, it is more accurate to recognise that their behaviour is flexible and depends on the situation.

The study also highlights how much remains to be discovered about cats. Compared with dog behaviour research, cat behaviour studies are still relatively limited. Scientists continue to explore how cats communicate and build relationships with both other cats and humans.

Conclusion

The next time you see cats grooming each other, remember that there may be more happening than meets the eye. While licking can be a sign of friendship, it can also play a role in hygiene, communication, and social management.

New research suggests that feline relationships are far more detailed and intelligent than many people realise. Cats may not always show affection in obvious ways, but their subtle behaviours reveal a fascinating world of social interaction.

Source

This article is based on research findings reported from a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science. The original report discussed research by Morgane Van Belle of Ghent University, Belgium, examining grooming behaviour among domestic cats.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide professional veterinary advice or a complete interpretation of individual cat behaviour. Every cat is different, and unusual aggression, stress, or behavioural changes should be discussed with a qualified veterinarian or animal behaviour specialist.