Why Cats Obsessively Lick Their Fur: The Reason Explain

Why do cats love to groom themselves so much, to the point where their owners are worried about them ingesting too much fur, despite repeated attempts to deter them? Dr. Oxygen Pet is here to unveil the reasons behind why cats enjoy grooming themselves so much?

Before we delve into why cats are so fond of grooming, let's first take a look at their grooming tool: the cat's tongue. Those of you who have owned cats are aware that being licked by them can be incredibly itchy. This is because a cat's tongue is equipped with numerous "barbs," which are keratinous, milklike projections that are as hard as human nails.

But the most crucial aspect is that these barbs on a cat's tongue are not solid; they are hollow, allowing them to collect saliva.

Now, let's get back to the issue of grooming. Cats are incredibly clean creatures, and with such tongues, it's only natural for them to groom themselves frequently. These barbs on their tongues are excellent at untangling hair and removing dirt, dander, and other impurities from their fur.

Additionally, grooming helps cats stay cool. We know that the barbs on a cat's tongue contain saliva, which can be evenly distributed across each hair when they groom. This process can provide a sense of refreshment for cats during the hot summer months.

Moreover, a cat's fur is rich in cholesterol and ergosterol, which, when exposed to sunlight, convert into vitamin D. While human skin can directly absorb and utilize vitamin D from sunlight, a cat's skin cannot. Therefore, cats need to frequently groom themselves to ingest vitamin D.

Lastly, cats not only groom themselves but also enjoy grooming other cats. By grooming other cats, they strengthen their bond, as sharing scents allows for better communication and familiarity. This also helps to reduce stress and friction between them!

Grooming is a social and emotional expression behavior that cats engage in from a young age. If your cat likes to groom you, it's a sign that they are very fond of you, treating you as a companion or family member.

Of course, while grooming has its benefits, it can also have its downsides. If a cat overgrooms, it may be a sign of stress, such as moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet, or the presence of a stranger in the household.

Here's an interesting tidbit: if your cat loves to groom itself and wash its face, it might be a sign that it's going to rain that day. This is because, when the air is sufficiently humid, water droplets can cling to a cat's whiskers. Whiskers are essential for a cat's balance and distance measurement during movement, and the presence of water droplets on the whiskers is intolerable to cats, prompting them to frequently wash their faces and groom themselves.

By now, pet owners can rest easy. As long as grooming is not excessive, there's no need to worry about your cat's grooming habits. Simply providing your cat with some cat grass or a hairball remedy should suffice.