Cats Lick Each Other 35% Of The Time Amidst Aggression
Research by Morgane Van Belle at Ghent University in Belgium reveals that allogrooming serves multiple purposes, including social bonding and defusing tense situations, with most licking directed at the ears
Cats engage in a behavior known as allogrooming, where they lick each other, for various reasons including social bonding, defusing tense situations, and as a signal to start play. According to a 1998 study of 25 cats, aggressive behavior showed up in about 35% of allogrooming sessions, suggesting that this behavior may not always be a sign of friendship.
Morgane Van Belle, a cat behavior scientist at Ghent University in Belgium, analyzed videos of allogrooming from 53 two-cat homes to investigate this behavior further. The study found that allogrooming may help strengthen social bonds between cats, particularly when they are huddling together and copying one another's body postures.
Most licking during allogrooming is directed toward the ears, which may help cats relax due to the high concentration of sensory nerve endings in that area. This behavior can also serve as a signal to start play, as it is sometimes followed by friendly wrestling. However, allogrooming can also be followed by behaviors linked to conflict, such as turning the ears backward, pawing, and biting.
## Why it matters Allogrooming is not unique to cats and has been observed in other animals, where it produces a relaxing effect. For example, it can lower the heart rate in horses and trigger the release of feel-good hormones in monkeys. Understanding the reasons behind allogrooming in cats can provide insights into their social behavior and help cat owners better understand their pets' interactions.
The study's findings highlight the complexity of cat behavior and the need for further research into their social interactions. By analyzing the context and purpose of allogrooming, cat owners and scientists can gain a deeper understanding of cat behavior and improve their relationships with their feline companions.
## What happens next As research into allogrooming continues, scientists may uncover more reasons behind this behavior and its significance in cat social dynamics. The study's findings can also inform strategies for reducing conflict and promoting social bonding between cats in multicat households. By recognizing the different purposes of allogrooming, cat owners can better respond to their pets' behavior and create a more harmonious environment for their feline companions.
