Little-known reason cats lick their bodies after you pet them and it's not rejection
It can feel like rejection when your cat licks themselves straight after you've stroked them, but experts say it's nothing to worry about.
Cats are a peculiar blend of distant and affectionate. So when they do something that might appear as though they're rejecting you, it can prove genuinely upsetting and prompt you to doubt your entire bond.
Yet experts have insisted you shouldn't feel "disheartened" if you stroke your cat and they instantly begin licking themselves.
It might seem as though they're reclaiming the area of their body you've just touched, but there's, in fact, a deep-seated explanation for why cats groom straight after contact.
On the Pretty Litter website, Christina Scamporrino, who operates within the pet care sector, revealed that cats possess "meticulous grooming habits".
It's remarkably simple to assume you've committed some error when they begin washing themselves afterwards, particularly following a stroking session where they appeared content. Yet Christina explained it's nothing to do with you – rather, it's more about instincts.
Removing human scent
As much as your cat adores you, they don't desire your scent lingering on their coat because "cats have scent glands located around their body, and they rely heavily on their sense of smell to communicate and navigate their world".
If all they can detect is your scent, this hampers how effectively they utilise smell because you've transferred your scent onto their fur. They will "restore their own scent, which is familiar and comforting to them".
Self-soothing and comfort
Cats employ licking as a method of self-soothing, which may explain why they groom themselves excessively following a stroke from their owner.
"After a petting session, licking helps them calm down and return to their baseline state, similar to how we might take deep breaths or perform a relaxing activity to unwind," Christina explained.
While cats may lick you as a display of affection, they engage in the same behaviour towards themselves to achieve "relaxation and comfort".
Reinforcing social bonds
"Grooming is a social activity in the feline world," meaning it can strengthen social bonds when cats groom one another.
Therefore, when you stroke your cat, they perceive it as a social interaction and "by licking themselves afterwards, they are not only grooming but also mimicking the social grooming behaviours they would exhibit with other cats".
When grooming may become an issue...
Grooming may develop into a concern if performed excessively. This could indicate stress, anxiety, or underlying medical conditions.
It's important to note "if your cat is licking themselves to the point of causing bald spots, skin irritation, or hair loss," there may be a problem, and it's advisable to consult your vet regarding the behaviour your cat is displaying.
