What is allogrooming in cats? Explanation of its meaning and reasons.

When you have multiple cats, you might occasionally see them grooming each other.

It's a very cute and heartwarming sight unique to multi-cat households. Though sometimes, some cats look rather annoyed while being groomed…

Cats grooming each other is called “allogrooming,” but why they engage in such behavior is surprisingly not well known. In this article, I will explain the meaning and reasons behind allogrooming.

What is Cat Allogrooming?

Allogrooming refers to cats grooming each other.

It is a form of affection, often seen among cats that get along well. Conversely, cats that don't get along well would likely not allogroom each other.

Allogrooming is a "sign of trust."

The Role of Cat Grooming

It is said that cats spend most of their day sleeping, and the remaining time grooming. They really do groom themselves diligently.

When a cat grooms itself, it's called "self-grooming," and it's important to understand its various roles.

1. To keep clean

By licking with their tongues, which have rough, thread-like protrusions called filiform papillae, they can remove small debris and dirt like a brush. It also helps keep their bodies clean and eliminate their own scent.

2. To regulate body temperature

By spreading saliva over their bodies through grooming, they cool down their body temperature through evaporative cooling. When it's cold, they fluff up their fur to enhance its insulating effect.

3. To calm themselves

This is called "displacement activity," where they calm themselves by licking. It is a common behavior seen when they feel stress, anxiety, or tension, such as when they "made a mistake," "got scolded," or "were surprised."

What is the meaning behind cat allogrooming?

Cat grooming plays a very important role. Allowing another cat to perform this essential grooming on them requires a relationship of mutual trust.

Cat allogrooming means "I like you" and "I trust you." Furthermore, by accepting allogrooming, it is believed that they are conveying feelings of "Let's be friends" and "You're one of us."

For example, if a new cat is allogroomed by a resident cat, it signifies that they have been accepted.

The first allogrooming comes from mom

A cat's first allogrooming experience is when they are newborn. When their mother licks and cares for them, kittens feel a sense of security.

From this experience, they try to build relationships through allogrooming with those they like and trust.

Being licked in places they can't reach themselves

If you observe allogrooming closely, you'll notice that cats lick areas that are hard to reach during self-grooming, such as the top of the head, face, under the chin, and ears.

Moreover, the cat being groomed also adjusts its body position and head angle to make it easier for the other cat to lick them. Through such communication, they seem to be building a relationship of trust.

Do males not allogroom each other?

Even among cohabiting cats, if their personalities clash, they won't allogroom. Also, male cats generally don't allogroom each other much.

However, if male cats are neutered and don't have strong territorial instincts, or if they are parent-child, siblings, or have been together since kittenhood, allogrooming can be observed among them.

Can allogrooming reveal a hierarchy?

Cats are solitary creatures, not pack animals, so there isn't a clear hierarchy. However, there does seem to be an unspoken power dynamic.

It is often the case that the dominant cat performs allogrooming, and the subordinate cat receives it.

Why do cats suddenly bite during allogrooming?

Sometimes, when cats are allogrooming peacefully, they suddenly bite and a fight begins. In fact, this act of "biting" has a clear meaning.

One reason is that they bite or swat with their paw to say, "That's enough!" or "You're being annoying!" Another reason is to assert their dominance.

Through such interactions, cats can also learn about force control and communication methods, so if it doesn't seem like a serious fight, it's fine to observe them.

Do cats allogroom their owners too?

Sometimes, cats will allogroom their owners.

When a cat licks its owner's hands or head, it's a display of the cat's affection. It's a sign that they trust their owner as a companion.

If your cat licks you, you should also pet your cat. Brushing them is also a good idea. Your cat will surely feel happy.

Sometimes they lick to get attention or because they're hungry, so observe your cat closely and respond to their feelings.

Could your cat be stressed by allogrooming?

As mentioned earlier, allogrooming is often performed by a dominant cat towards a subordinate cat.

When cats have a relationship that isn't entirely friendly but also not hostile, one cat often unilaterally grooms the other.

If a dominant cat is unilaterally grooming, the subordinate cat might be enduring it patiently. Also, the subordinate cat might be stressed by having their meal, litter box use, nap, or self-grooming interrupted.

Keep an eye on your cat to see if there are any changes in their physical condition.

Summary

Cats licking each other, known as "allogrooming," is a very heartwarming and adorable sight.

Besides keeping themselves clean, cat grooming also has the effect of calming and relaxing them. It is believed that by "receiving" or "giving" this important grooming to another cat, they are expressing affection.

While it's a happy time for cats, depending on their position and personality, some cats may experience stress.

Allogrooming can potentially lead to health problems if a cat is forced to endure it, resulting in skipped meals or litter box use, or exhaustion from insufficient sleep.

However, it can be difficult to notice when a cat is unwell. Pay close attention to your cat's appetite, frequency of using the litter box, and overall behavior, and make notes in a "Cat Health Journal" to avoid missing any signs of stress.

Also, in return for allogrooming, it's important to pet your cat and do a full body check. For tips on self-checking, refer to the bonus pages of the "Cat Health Journal."

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