{"id":2875,"date":"2023-01-30T14:42:35","date_gmt":"2023-01-30T14:42:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/?p=2875"},"modified":"2023-01-30T14:42:36","modified_gmt":"2023-01-30T14:42:36","slug":"why-do-cats-lick-their-butt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cats Lick Their Butt?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#Understanding_the_Anatomy_and_Physiology_of_Why_Cats_Lick_Their_Butts\" title=\"Understanding the Anatomy and Physiology of Why Cats Lick Their Butts\">Understanding the Anatomy and Physiology of Why Cats Lick Their Butts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#Why_Cats_Lick_Each_Others_Butts\" title=\"Why Cats Lick Each Other\u2019s Butts\">Why Cats Lick Each Other\u2019s Butts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#How_Cats_Use_Butt_Licking_as_a_Form_of_Communication\" title=\"How Cats Use Butt Licking as a Form of Communication\">How Cats Use Butt Licking as a Form of Communication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#The_Health_Benefits_of_Cats_Licking_Their_Own_Butts\" title=\"The Health Benefits of Cats Licking Their Own Butts\">The Health Benefits of Cats Licking Their Own Butts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#Signs_That_Your_Cat_May_Have_Anal_Gland_Problems\" title=\"Signs That Your Cat May Have Anal Gland Problems\">Signs That Your Cat May Have Anal Gland Problems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#How_to_Clean_Your_Cats_Bottom_Without_Them_Licking_It\" title=\"How to Clean Your Cat\u2019s Bottom Without Them Licking It\">How to Clean Your Cat\u2019s Bottom Without Them Licking It<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#What_to_Do_If_Your_Cat_Is_Licking_Their_Rear_End_Excessively\" title=\"What to Do If Your Cat Is Licking Their Rear End Excessively\">What to Do If Your Cat Is Licking Their Rear End Excessively<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#What_Should_You_Do_If_You_See_a_Cat_Licking_Another_Cats_Butt\" title=\"What Should You Do If You See a Cat Licking Another Cat\u2019s Butt\">What Should You Do If You See a Cat Licking Another Cat\u2019s Butt<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#What_Does_It_Mean_When_a_Cat_Licks_You\" title=\"What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You?\">What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-butt\/#The_Importance_of_Being_Mindful_When_Dealing_with_a_Cat_That_Likes_to_Lick_Its_Butt\" title=\"The Importance of Being Mindful When Dealing with a Cat That Likes to Lick Its Butt\">The Importance of Being Mindful When Dealing with a Cat That Likes to Lick Its Butt<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Cats lick their own and other cats\u2019 butts for a variety of reasons. It is a form of communication, as cats use scent glands located near their bottoms to mark territory and to identify each other. It is also a way for mother cats to clean their kittens, as they lick their bums to stimulate the orifices to make them go to the bathroom. In addition, cats may lick their own butts as a way to stay healthy and hygienic. If a cat is excessively licking its rear, it could be experiencing irritation due to diarrhea or constipation. All in all, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-their-nose\/\">cats licking<\/a> their butts is just another way for them to stay happy and healthy.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XZMkitMHMHo?start=26\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"understandingtheanatomyandphysiologyofwhycatslicktheirbutts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Anatomy_and_Physiology_of_Why_Cats_Lick_Their_Butts\"><\/span>Understanding the Anatomy and Physiology of Why Cats Lick Their Butts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Knowing why <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-each-others-private-areas\/\">cats lick<\/a> their butts is important in understanding their behavior. Cats have scent glands around their rear end that excrete an odorous fluid. Licking the area can help them spread the scent and mark their territory. Cats also have a special type of tongue that feels like sandpaper to help them groom themselves. This helps them keep clean and free of parasites and dirt. Additionally, cats may also be licking their butts because they feel itchy or uncomfortable. Anal glands can become impacted or infected, causing irritation and itching, which cats may try to relieve by licking or scooting their bum on the ground.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"whycatslickeachothersbutts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Cats_Lick_Each_Others_Butts\"><\/span>Why Cats Lick Each Other\u2019s Butts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats also like to lick each other and other animals to transfer their scent. This is a form of communication that cats use to identify one another as members of the same species or group. It\u2019s also a way for cats to show acceptance and dominance. Furthermore, it\u2019s an acquired trait that cats do for pleasure, so it\u2019s nothing to worry about if you see your cats doing this. Just make sure they\u2019re not licking each other excessively and that they\u2019re both comfortable with the situation.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"howcatsusebuttlickingasaformofcommunication\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Cats_Use_Butt_Licking_as_a_Form_of_Communication\"><\/span>How Cats Use Butt Licking as a Form of Communication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats use their butts to communicate in a variety of ways. From greeting another cat to showing affection to humans, cats use their scent glands to send out messages. When two cats meet, they often greet each other by smelling each other\u2019s anal glands. This is a way for the cats to get an understanding of the other cat\u2019s health, age, and sex. Cats also use licking and grooming as a sign of affection, which may be why they sometimes lick us as well. When cats lick their own butts, they are cleaning and grooming themselves, which helps keep them healthy. They may also be trying to tell us something about their health, age, or gender when they lick our faces or hands. As pet owners, it is important to be mindful of how our cats are communicating with us through their behaviors.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"thehealthbenefitsofcatslickingtheirownbutts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Health_Benefits_of_Cats_Licking_Their_Own_Butts\"><\/span>The Health Benefits of Cats Licking Their Own Butts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s not just hygiene and communication that cats get out of licking their butts &#8211; they also benefit from the health benefits of their saliva. Cat saliva has enzymes that act as natural antibiotics, so when they have cuts or infections, it\u2019s like putting kitty Neosporin on. Licking also has hygienic benefits for <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/do-cats-keep-roaches-away\/\">cats as it helps to keep<\/a> their fur clean and free from parasites. It also promotes grooming behavior, so your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-to-tell-your-cat-you-love-them\/\">cat really is telling<\/a> you he likes you when he licks you, \u201cunless you have something tasty on your hands,\u201d she said. Cats don\u2019t fall sick from licking their own butts or the bottoms of other cats. This is because the immune system and digestive tract of cats are well equipped to handle bacteria from their own bodies. So go ahead and let your cat lick his butt &#8211; it\u2019s good for him!<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"signsthatyourcatmayhaveanalglandproblems\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_That_Your_Cat_May_Have_Anal_Gland_Problems\"><\/span>Signs That Your Cat May Have Anal Gland Problems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s always important to keep a close eye on your cat and to be aware of any changes in their behavior. One sign that your cat may have an anal gland problem is if they start to scoot their butt across the floor. This is often a sign of discomfort, and it could mean that their anal glands are impacted or infected. Other signs include excessive licking at the rectal opening, crying when defecating, and a very foul odor. If you see any of these symptoms in your cat, it\u2019s important to take them to the vet for a checkup.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"howtocleanyourcatsbottomwithoutthemlickingit\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Clean_Your_Cats_Bottom_Without_Them_Licking_It\"><\/span>How to Clean Your Cat\u2019s Bottom Without Them Licking It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you want to keep your cat\u2019s bottom clean without them licking it, there are several options available. Regularly cleaning your cat\u2019s litter box can help keep the area clean, as well as providing an area for them to go to the bathroom. Additionally, you can use a pet-safe wipes to gently wipe down the area. Make sure to be gentle and avoid using any products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances as these can irritate your cat\u2019s skin. It is also important to give your cat plenty of opportunities for exercise and playtime, as this can help reduce their desire to lick their behind. Finally, if your cat is overgrooming or licking excessively, it\u2019s best to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues that could be causing the behavior.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"whattodoifyourcatislickingtheirrearendexcessively\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Do_If_Your_Cat_Is_Licking_Their_Rear_End_Excessively\"><\/span>What to Do If Your Cat Is Licking Their Rear End Excessively<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your cat is excessively licking their rear end, it is important to take them to the vet immediately. Excessive licking in this area can indicate a number of medical issues such as anal sac infection, inflammation of the anus and rectum, or even a blocked urethra. All of these issues can be life threatening if not addressed quickly. Additionally, your vet may be able to provide you with advice on how to clean your cat\u2019s bottom without them licking it and provide insight into why your pet may be excessively licking their rear end. It is important to take any excessive licking in this area seriously, as it could be indicative of a much more serious medical issue.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"whatshouldyoudoifyouseeacatlickinganothercatsbutt\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_You_Do_If_You_See_a_Cat_Licking_Another_Cats_Butt\"><\/span>What Should You Do If You See a Cat Licking Another Cat\u2019s Butt<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you ever witness two cats licking each other\u2019s butts, it is likely a sign of affection and comfort. If the cats are both familiar with each other, then this could be a sign of grooming and simply a way for them to show their care for each other. Even if the cats are not familiar, it is still likely a sign of acceptance and trust. It is important to remember that this behavior is completely natural and should not be discouraged in any way. If you do witness this behavior, however, it is important to monitor them to ensure they remain safe and comfortable throughout the interaction.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"whatdoesitmeanwhenacatlicksyou\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_It_Mean_When_a_Cat_Licks_You\"><\/span>What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It may surprise you to learn that cats can also lick your hair or skin as a sign of affection. This is sometimes referred to as a \u201ccat kiss\u201d and it usually happens when the cat is feeling relaxed and content. It is believed that <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-themselves-when-you-pet-them\/\">cats lick<\/a> us to groom us in the same way they groom each other. If your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-dogs\/\">cat licks<\/a> you, it could be a sign that she loves you and wants to show her appreciation. It is important to remember, however, that licking can also be a sign of stress or anxiety, so if your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-each-other-then-fight\/\">cat licks<\/a> you excessively, it could be a sign that she needs some extra attention and affection from you.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"theimportanceofbeingmindfulwhendealingwithacatthatlikestolickitsbutt\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Importance_of_Being_Mindful_When_Dealing_with_a_Cat_That_Likes_to_Lick_Its_Butt\"><\/span>The Importance of Being Mindful When Dealing with a Cat That Likes to Lick Its Butt<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is important to be mindful when dealing with a cat that likes to lick its butt. If the behavior is normal and healthy, it shouldn\u2019t be discouraged. However, it\u2019s important to monitor the licking behavior and note any changes in your cat\u2019s demeanor or health. If you notice that your cat is licking its butt excessively, you should take them to the vet for an examination as there may be an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. Additionally, it is important to <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-clean-themselves-after-they-eat\/\">clean your cat\u2019s<\/a> bottom regularly, especially if they are prone to excessive licking. This can help reduce the risk of infections, parasites, and other ailments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cats lick their own and other cats\u2019 butts for a variety of reasons. It is a form of communication, as cats use scent glands located near their bottoms to mark territory and to identify each other. It is also a way for mother cats to clean their kittens, as they lick their bums to stimulate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5819,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"modified_by":"admin","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_walking_away_without_looking_back.jpg",1536,1024,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_walking_away_without_looking_back-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_walking_away_without_looking_back-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_walking_away_without_looking_back-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_walking_away_without_looking_back-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_walking_away_without_looking_back.jpg",1536,1024,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_walking_away_without_looking_back.jpg",1536,1024,false],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_walking_away_without_looking_back-120x120.jpg",120,120,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Cats lick their own and other cats\u2019 butts for a variety of reasons. It is a form of communication, as cats use scent glands located near their bottoms to mark territory and to identify each other. It is also a way for mother cats to clean their kittens, as they lick their bums to stimulate&hellip;","_wp_old_slug":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2875"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2875"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2875\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5819"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2875"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}