Trivia: Half of the waking hours of an adult cat is dedicated to grooming. This only proves that grooming for cats is very important.
Here are a few reasons why cats dedicate a good chunk of their time to grooming themselves:
They want to keep themselves clean. This is not only because they want to get rid of the grime and dirt, but it is also part of their defense from predators and non-detection for prey. Licking will eliminate any scents absorbed by their coats.
Grooming helps to maintain their skin and coat in healthy condition. It also helps disperses the natural oil from their skin and coat, making their coat healthy and hydrated, and shiny.
Grooming relaxes them. It's like a massage to them. It lessens stress levels and calms them.
Grooming is their way of bonding with other cats. As you can observe, they groom each other, even their fur parent. This will strengthen the bonds they have for each other. And also to help each other in those areas that are hard to reach.
Grooming cools them off. Cats' way of cooling off is dampening their fur by licking. Just like human sweat and dogs pant to cool off.
Not all cats like being groomed by their cat parents. But if your pet cat likes it, brush her hair with a rubber brush or natural bristle to remove residues from her fur, and this will also relax her.
Any sign of skin and/or hair coat problem should warrant a visit to your pet clinic Webster, NY. For more information, call your vet.
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