Why Do Cats Lick Themselves? 7 Health Benefits & Warning Signs

Explore the top reasons behind your feline’s grooming habits — from hygiene and temperature control to emotional comfort — and learn when licking becomes excessive

This picture is the property of the author, and it was made with an AI program

This post can be read on Medium

Written by Xena

Introduction

We who keep cats as pets witness their self-grooming every day. Cats devote two to five hours daily to grooming, using their rough tongues to remove excess hair, dirt, and parasites, keeping their coats smooth and healthy.

This entirely natural behavior serves hygienic purposes and helps regulate body temperature, distribute skin oils, and stimulate circulation. Cat owners should learn to distinguish normal grooming from excessive licking, which can signal stress, health issues, or environmental discomfort.

Anatomy of the Tongue and Hygiene
A cat’s tongue is covered in tiny projections called papillae, which act like miniature combs to scrape away debris and work saliva deep into the fur. As the saliva evaporates from the coat, it not only cleans but also cools — an important function, since cats lack widespread sweat glands.

Removal of Dirt and Parasites
By licking, cats effectively rid themselves of fleas, ticks, and other ectoparasites, reducing the risk of infestation and skin irritation. They also remove loose hair before it tangles and forms mats.

Link to this product for cats: https://ebay.us/ZnyF9o

Temperature Regulation and Skin Health — Evaporative Cooling
Licking causes moisture in the saliva to evaporate, carrying heat away from the body. In effect, a cat has its own natural “air conditioner,” helping to maintain optimal body temperature on hot days.

Improved Circulation
The massaging action of the tongue stimulates blood flow to the skin, aiding nutrient delivery and waste removal at the microvascular level, supporting overall health and skin renewal.

Link to the cat scratching post: https://ebay.us/rnzhMJ

Social and Emotional Components

Territory Marking and Scent
Cats have scent glands on their head, cheeks, and paws. By spreading saliva enriched with pheromones over their fur and surroundings, they mark territory and create a familiar scent profile that calms and comforts them.

Stress and Boredom Reduction
Licking promotes the release of endorphins — natural “feel-good” hormones — helping cats cope with stress, boredom, and changes in their environment. However, excessive licking (more than five hours per day) or targeted licking that leads to bald patches may indicate stress, allergies, or pain and requires veterinary attention.

Signs of Excessive Licking and When to Seek Help

• Hair Loss: Sudden patches of missing fur can point to dermatitis, allergies, or parasites.
• Redness and Inflammation: Irritated, red, or scabbed skin can be worsened by over-licking.
• Behavioral Changes: Increased licking at certain times of day or after changes in household routines may signal psychological distress or pain.

If you notice these signs regularly, consult your veterinarian. Early treatment of allergies, infections, or stress can prevent long-term health problems for your pet.

Conclusion
Self-grooming is an instinctive behavior essential to a cat’s health. By understanding why cats lick themselves and observing their habits closely, combined with regular veterinary check-ups, you can ensure your feline friend remains happy, healthy, and impeccably groomed.

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2025/02/cat-safety-alert-hidden-risks-of.html

Bird Flu in Cats: The Ultimate Guide to Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Expert Strategies to Safeguard Your Feline and Reduce Transmission Risks to Humans

medium.com

Cats as Health Detectors: Myth or Reality?

Discover the fascinating ways cats may detect their owners' illnesses. Explore scientific insights and real-life…

www.catdogwrld.com

Feel free to contact me if you need a writer

If you want to support my work, buy me a coffee for $1 by clicking the link below. This is a small amount for you, but this means a lot to me!

https://ko-fi.com/neo77

Greetings, and until my next article!

Xena

Read More

The Dog Welcome Guide: What It Means When Your Dog Barks or Jumps When You Come Home

Explore the natural language of canine greetings. Learn what it means when your dog barks, jumps, or nuzzles as you come home and how to nurture a loving bond with your furry friend

This picture is the property of the author, and it was made with an AI program

This post can be read on Medium

Written by Xena

What Your Dog’s Greeting Reveals

After a long, tiring day, the way your dog greets you can say more than words ever could. Many dog owners believe — and are usually right — that you can read your pet’s feelings simply by observing its behavior.

When you arrive home, your dog may react in various ways — from loud barking to exuberant jumping. These behaviors generally signal joy and excitement, though they may also hint at a bit of anxiety. Each gesture holds a unique message.

Veterinarian Dr. Rebecca MacMillan has studied these natural greeting behaviors. Her research shows that these signals are not only innate but also honed over generations. Dogs use them to express affection and establish a strong bond with their owners.

Barking as a Sign of Joy

Barking is one of the most common ways dogs communicate. When your dog barks upon your return, it is typically a burst of happiness and excitement.

This often comes with tail wagging and bright, sparkling eyes. While energetic barking usually stems from positive feelings, it can also indicate a desire for interaction or even slight anxiety. In puppies, sometimes exuberance can even result in a little urination. To keep things calm, greet your pet with a gentle, quiet tone.

Jumping: A Gesture of Unbridled Happiness

When your dog leaps toward you, it’s simply celebrating your presence. Jumping is a natural expression of the boundless joy and energy a dog experiences when seeing its owner.

While this behavior is endearing, excessive jumping might lead to unwanted situations. A bit of professional training can help teach your dog alternative ways of expressing excitement if needed.

Tail Wagging: Energy and Affection

A happy dog often shows its contentment by wagging its tail vigorously. This dynamic motion is one of the clearest signs that your dog is thrilled to see you. Tail wagging is often paired with other gestures, reinforcing the emotional connection between you and your pet.

Sniffing and Rubbing: Signs of Intimacy

Besides barking and jumping, many dogs express affection with gentle sniffing and by rubbing their head against your legs or hands. This intimate greeting allows your dog to gather clues about your scent, a vital form of communication for canines.

Combined with other joyful behaviors, these actions help create a comforting environment where your dog feels loved and secure.

Physical Closeness and Touch

Dogs also rely on physical contact to show their delight. Whether it’s a nudge with a paw, a playful push against your leg, or lowering their body in deference, these actions highlight the deep emotional bond you share.

Such touches are especially common among dogs that are integral members of the family, offering both comfort and love.

Bringing Toys or Small Gifts

When your four-legged friend greets you with a toy in its mouth, it’s an invitation to play. This gesture shows that your pet missed you and now craves your attention. If you enjoy these playful moments, responding positively will encourage more such cheerful greetings.

Link to this dog treats: https://ebay.us/SMAn9p

Shy or Reserved Greetings

Not all dogs greet with boundless enthusiasm. Some may display a shy or reserved welcome, characterized by lowered posture, avoiding eye contact, and a tucked tail.

This typically indicates submission and respect. Your dog might see you as the pack leader, and a calm, soothing tone from you can help reinforce that bond. As veterinarian Dr. Rebecca MacMillan suggests, getting down to your dog’s level and using a soft voice can ease any uncertainty.

Conclusion: Understanding Your Dog’s Welcome Signals

Every gesture your dog makes when you come home — be it barking, jumping, tail wagging, sniffing, or physical touch — is a natural expression of its need for connection and affection. These behaviors show that your pet is happy to see you, even if sometimes they might also feel a tinge of anxiety after being apart.

If you notice a change in your dog’s welcoming behavior, especially if it seems unusually subdued or overly anxious, it might be wise to consult with your veterinarian. Understanding these behaviors helps you communicate better with your pet, fostering a harmonious environment where your dog feels safe, loved, and secure.

After all, our dogs are more than just pets — they are family. Their heartfelt greetings remind us every day of the unconditional love and joy they bring into our lives.

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2025/03/why-do-some-dogs-fear-cats.html

Why Do Dogs Put Their Paws on Their Owners?

Discover the emotional meaning behind this common behavior and learn how to respond to deepen your bond with your dog

medium.com

Why Does Your Dog Lick You? Key Reasons, Tips, and Solutions

Learn why your dog licks you, from affection to curiosity. Explore natural behaviors and get practical tips for a…

www.catdogwrld.com

Feel free to contact me if you need a writer

If you want to support my work, buy me a coffee for $1 by clicking the link below. This is a small amount for you, but this means a lot to me!

https://ko-fi.com/neo77

Greetings, and until my next article!

Xena

Read More

Bird Flu in Cats: The Ultimate Guide to Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Expert Strategies to Safeguard Your Feline from Bird Flu, and Reduce Transmission Risks to Humans

This picture is the property of the author, and it was made with an AI program

This post can be read on Medium

Written by Xena

Introduction

Bird flu (avian influenza) is a virus that primarily affects poultry. In recent times, however, it has been the subject of much discussion in veterinary and medical circles worldwide. Although the primary concern is poultry, isolated cases have emerged in household pets, including cats.

In this article, we present verified facts about the virus, focusing on its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, preventive measures, and the potential (yet very rare) risk of transmission from cats to humans.

What Is Bird Flu and How Does It Affect Cats?

Bird flu is caused by various strains of avian influenza viruses. While many of these strains are specific to birds, some can adapt to infect other animal species. Although cats most commonly suffer from other respiratory illnesses, there have been documented cases where a cat contracted the virus, typically after contacting infected birds or their remains.

Cat symptoms can range from mild respiratory distress to more serious complications, such as high fever, persistent coughing, labored breathing (dyspnea), lethargy, and loss of appetite. It is worth noting that only certain virus strains show the capability to infect cats, making such cases rare, though they may pose a threat to your pet’s health.

Recognizing the Key Symptoms and Diagnosing the Disease

Early detection of symptoms is critical for a successful treatment. The most common signs to watch for in your cat include:

• High Fever: A noticeable rise in body temperature.
• Respiratory Issues: Frequent coughing, labored breathing, and sometimes nasal or ocular discharge.
• Lethargy and Loss of Appetite: Unexplained tiredness and decreased food intake.
• Behavioral Changes: Unusual inactivity or changes in social interaction.

If you observe any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. A thorough clinical examination will be performed, and in cases where avian influenza is suspected, laboratory tests are recommended to confirm the presence of the virus.

Timely diagnosis can be crucial in ensuring effective treatment and in preventing further spread among other pets.

 

Link to the cat scratching post: https://ebay.us/rnzhMJ

Preventive Measures for Cat Owners

Prevention is the best defense against bird flu. Here are some recommended practices for cat owners to minimize the risk of infection:

• Limit Exposure to Wild Birds: If your cat enjoys roaming or hunting, try to restrict its outdoor activities, especially during bird migration periods, to reduce the chance of encountering infected birds.
• Regular Vet Check-Ups: Routine veterinary visits can help in the early detection of any emerging health issues.
• Isolation: In homes with multiple pets, isolate any animal that shows symptoms of illness to help prevent virus spread.
• Maintain Hygiene: Regularly clean and disinfect areas where your cat spends time. Ensure that household members wash their hands after interacting with the pet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local health advisories and follow recommendations from health authorities and veterinary services, particularly during the peak season of avian influenza in birds.
• 

Link to this dog treats: https://ebay.us/SMAn9p

Treatment and Advice for Cat Owners

Should your veterinarian diagnose bird flu in your cat, antiviral medications may be administered to alleviate symptoms and to reduce the risk of further complications.

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully — do not alter the treatment plan on your own. To promote recovery, ensure your cat receives nutritious food and plenty of fluids. Monitor vital signs closely, especially temperature and breathing patterns, and seek immediate veterinary care if your cat’s condition worsens. In severe cases, hospitalization might be necessary to provide intensive care.

Assessing the Risk of Transmission to Humans

Current evidence indicates that the transmission of bird flu from cats to humans is extremely rare. To help maintain this low risk, it is advisable to observe basic hygiene practices:

• Avoid close contact with any sick animals
• Wash your hands regularly after handling your pet
• Schedule routine veterinary visits to catch any potential issues early

In the unlikely event of a local outbreak, follow the guidelines provided by health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local veterinary authorities.

Conclusion

Although bird flu is primarily a virus that affects poultry, under certain conditions, it can infect cats. Current research shows that the risk of transmitting the virus from cats to humans remains very low.

However, close cooperation with veterinarians and adherence to recommended preventive measures are essential to safeguard the health of your pet and your family. Always prioritize professional advice and stay informed about local health updates to ensure you and your cat remain safe.

https://www.catdogwrld.com/2025/03/cat-paw-injury-treatment-trusted.html

Cats as Health Detectors: Myth or Reality?

Discover the fascinating ways cats may detect their owners’ illnesses. Explore scientific insights and real-life…

medium.com

Cat Paw Injury Treatment: Trusted Veterinary & Owner Tips

Expert Owner and Veterinary Advice to Keep Your Cat Safe and Pain-Free with Optimal Health

www.catdogwrld.com

Feel free to contact me if you need a writer

If you want to support my work, buy me a coffee for $1 by clicking the link below. This is a small amount for you, but this means a lot to me!

https://ko-fi.com/neo77

Greetings, and until my next article!

Xena

Read More