Why does my older cat lick my kitten’s bum? Cats are known to engage in strange and sometimes unsettling behavior, but one thing they do that seems pretty normal to us humans may have an odd reason behind it. If you notice your older cat licking your kitten’s rear end, you may be wondering what the reason behind this might be and whether it is cause for concern or not. This article will look at why cats lick their young in this manner and what could be happening if this behavior has been observed in adults too!
Is the act harmful to your kitten?
There’s nothing to be too concerned about if your older cat occasionally licks your kitten’s bum. Cats are known for grooming themselves, but they also enjoy cleaning other cats—and even humans when it comes to that. Veterinarians and animal shelters often have to separate kittens from their mothers because of aggressive nursing behavior. (Fortunately for you, aggressive nursing in adult cats is relatively harmless.) So when an adult cat starts licking a kitten’s rear end or genitals, it may be an automatic way of saying I love you. But that doesn’t mean it’s normal or harmless; over time, those kitty kisses can spread diseases like fleas or tapeworms.
Signs The Behavior is Due To An Injury Or Illness
If you notice that your older cat has developed a habit of licking your kitten’s bum, there is a strong chance it may be because of an injury or illness. For example, if one of your young cats has gotten hurt and is in pain, your older cat may think he’s doing him a favor by grooming him. Additionally, feline illnesses such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes can cause a kitty to excessively lick another cat’s anal area due to dry skin or infection. If you notice an older cat licking another kitten’s bum, try to rule out all other possibilities before assuming it’s due to an injury or illness.
Is The Behavior Learned or Due To Stress Or Anxiety?
If your kitten’s littermates don’t do it, and you haven’t experienced a drastic change in your cat’s behavior, it is most likely due to stress. When cats lick the bums of other animals (or people), they can smell pheromones that change based on how relaxed or stressed they are. When they’re in a state of heightened alertness and distress, they’ll lick their butt because it feels better than licking any other body part. It’s like us chewing our hair when stressed out—not strictly hygienic, but a way for them to get comfort from something familiar and non-threatening.
Stop The Behaviour Before It Starts
Some pet owners may be surprised to learn that licking can be a form of aggression in cats. To most of us, licking seems like an affectionate sign that a cat is giving. However, for cats, licking is more about marking their territory than affection towards another animal. One way to stop your cat from licking your kitten’s bum (or worse) is by applying a bitter-tasting solution directly to your kitten’s skin before introducing them. That way, when a kitty tries to lick and taste, it will associate pain with those areas on its new sibling and hopefully refrain from doing so again in the future!
Prevent Unwanted Behaviours From Becoming Habits
If you’re wondering why your older cat is licking your kitten’s bum, it could be because she is trying to help her clean her rear end. Cats have an innate desire to groom themselves and others in their group. This means that by grooming one another, cats spread hygiene-related bacteria around, which helps maintain a healthy coat (and may reduce skin problems like acne and dandruff). It’s also possible that your older cat thinks she’s helping with kitten potty training by giving him a blanket bath – although kitty litter should make the process easier than bathing in cat saliva! If any of these reasons resonate with you, provide both kitties plenty of playtimes together so they can bond without interruption.
Why Do My Older Cat Lick My Kittens Bum? 14 Reasons
Newborn kittens are cute and tiny, but it may seem strange when an older cat or dog licks your kitten’s bum. However, there are plenty of reasons why this might be happening, so read on to discover what it means when your older cat starts licking the bum of your newborn kitten.
1) When your cat licks your kitten, she is telling you something important
she knows your kitten is special. She wants to make sure that you and she know just how special he is. If a cat who has never met your kitten does not lick him after birth, there is probably something wrong with him. Maybe his mouth smells or tastes weird for some reason. Perhaps he doesn’t feel well in some other way. There might be an illness or a wound hidden from our eyes by his fur that makes him smell strange to her, even though it may look acceptable to us.
2) Licking behavior in cats may mean different things
Your cat may be grooming your kitten, of course. Some cats will lick another cat’s mouth to encourage it to feed. In certain circumstances, such as when a mother has more than one litter at a time, you might even see trash licking another. But what about cats and kittens that aren’t related? Is there any reason your older cat would lick your kitten’s bum? It could be that he’s trying to clean her—but it could also mean something else entirely. Here are some possible explanations for your older cat licking his younger buddy
3) Motherly Instincts
When kittens are born, cats have some of their maternal instincts already present. For example, a cat will help warm up its baby by laying close to it and grooming it; you may have even seen your cat do this. Likewise, a kitten knows when it has been fed and can hunt for food independently (though its hunting skills won’t be fully formed for months). When it comes time for litter box training, instinct isn’t enough—cats need an owner or caretaker to show them how to use their litter box correctly. If you recently welcomed a new kitten into your home, keep reading to learn why your older cat might be licking your kitten’s bum and how to fix it.
4) Bonding and Trust
During your first week of having kittens, you may notice your older cat shows a lot of interest in them. This is especially true if he’s allowed to be with them while nursing. Cats are naturally curious and like to explore their environments by scenting, tasting, and touching things. Your adult cat’s behavior during these first few weeks should not be cause for alarm; it is simply a natural form of socialization between mother and kitten. If you feel concerned about your older cat showing too much attention toward your little ones, allow them plenty of time together under supervision to adjust to one another.
5) Social Acceptance
In general, older animals are more likely to take part in grooming behavior than younger ones. Cats that were raised together will groom each other as a form of social bonding, share their scent, and make sure all cats smell like family. This behavior is often seen with mated pairs or groups of mother cats and their kittens. However, it may be your older cat trying to show acceptance by grooming your kitten (or vice versa) because it doesn’t have anyone else. Some adult cats may still behave as if they’re kittens when they haven’t had another feline friend for a while or just moved into a new home where there aren’t any other pets.
6) Status Symbolism
Cats don’t have sweat glands. They can’t cool off by sweating. They regulate their body temperature through licking. When your cat licks another cat, it could be because she is trying to help her friend cool down. A scared or anxious cat may lick a kitten to comfort herself (or try to communicate with her). Sometimes, cats are plain like licking! If you notice an older cat in your home starting to lick your kitten more than usual, there might be a reason for it—but don’t take it personally! Your older feline pal could be experiencing stress of her own, and she’s taking some comfort in showing affection towards your new family member (even if she doesn’t fully understand what’s going on herself!)
7) Anxiety
Your kitten may be simply overstimulated, and that licking helps her to calm down. Cats groom each other to show affection, so if you have a busy kitten who doesn’t seem interested in relaxing with her species, she may be using grooming as a substitute. However, if your older cat still licks after your kitten is comfortable and settled in her new home, you’ll need to take it further. See below for more information on various sources of stress for cats.
8) To Show Affection
Don’t let kitty fool you—there is much more behind her grooming efforts than a simple expression of love for her offspring. Your older cat may be anxious about changes in your household and instinctively know that licking allows for close interaction with her kittens, providing comfort. Be sure to pet your senior cat (don’t force her to lick you, though) and give her plenty of attention, so she feels included in all family activities. It will make her feel better and help your kitten become used to touch from its mother at an early age. Petting therapy is often recommended as part of therapy for older people—so why not start with baby kittens?
9) They love each other!
This is a common reason for bum-licking, and if it happens, you are fortunate. Cats use their mouths to show affection in all sorts of ways; it’s called allorubbing. They usually do it between mothers and kittens, but I have seen other cats lay their heads on each other. It means they care about one another, so don’t be surprised to see your cat or kitten licking another cat’s bums when they are close. You can even encourage them by giving lots of praise and petting them when they do something nice, like lick someone else. If they start licking your kitten, tell them how great that is!
10) They’re establishing their relationship
The fact that you have a kitten in your home is brand new information to your older cat, so it makes sense they want to learn more about it. During these early days, they’ll likely sniff and lick everything to figure out what your new bundle of joy is all about. It may seem harmless, but licking another animal’s fur can be an uncomfortable experience for them and is also a way for cats to assert their authority over one another (and show their affection). That’s why you might notice kitty hanging around and watching as you interact with her newest family member.
11) To keep him clean
Even if you use cat wash for bathing your kitten, you’ll still need to groom him with a brush at least once or twice weekly. If that’s not happening, your older cat may be trying to lend a helping paw and keep his little friend clean. (It also gives him an excuse to nuzzle up close!) This behavior is more common in multi-cat households since cats enjoy grooming each other as part of their social bonding rituals. He might miss you: Are you spending less time with your older cat than when you first brought home the tiny kitty?
12) He can smell that she is going to be his mommy
He may be licking her bum because he can smell she will be his mother. Cats can tell which kitten will be their sibling as they are all in a group together. The mother cat and kittens will stay in a group for 3-4 weeks until it is time for them to go to their new homes. During that time, one of your cats could notice that one of her litter mates has started smelling different from usual, or, if she has not been spayed yet, she might realize when it becomes apparent that she is getting her first period and soon will start acting like a mommy! This may confuse your older cat, and licking her bum will be his solution if he wants to do something about it!
13) Attention-seeking behavior
There are many reasons your older cat might begin licking your kitten. She most likely wants attention and knows it will get a reaction from you when she starts licking them. Although it can be annoying, try to ignore her if possible. She’ll stop in a few days once she realizes no one is paying attention to her antics. If your kitten does not appear bothered by being licked by an older cat and isn’t averse to interaction with them, then there is no reason for you to do anything about it. The most important thing here is that your pet is happy and healthy otherwise and doesn’t become stressed by their behavior.
14) She probably thinks your kitten tastes great
It’s common for an older cat to show interest in your kitten, even if she doesn’t intend to eat him. When cats lick another cat’s bum, it could be a sign of affection. According to animal behaviorist and author Pam Johnson-Bennett, Older cats are not interested in eating their feline friends or familiar people. They seem to enjoy licking or chewing on them, which is often a form of bonding or social interaction. If you have a two-story house and both pets are confined to one floor most of the time, when your kitten wants up—and your older cat hears him meowing from below—it could trigger your senior kitty to start licking his behind.
Why does my older cat lick my kittens’ bums? It’s a sign of affection!
Why does my older cat lick my kittens’ bums? This may seem odd to you, but there are two things about this behavior that are very positive. Older cats showing affection toward younger ones can be heartwarming, showing how much they care about the new addition to your home. It’s also a sign that your older pet still has plenty of love to give – and nothing makes us happier!
cat licking kitten aggressively
Contrary to what you may think, it is often a sign of love when your older cat licks your kitten’s bum. Yes, I know it can seem odd and uncomfortable, but it’s worth keeping an eye on because excessive licking or grooming could be a medical issue for your adult pet. Why do cats lick other cats’ rear-ends? Cats have scent glands on their noses (which are called vomeronasal glands) that they use to leave each other messages. When your adult cat licks your kitten’s backside, he deposits his scent onto him. This leaves an odor that tells any potential competitors he has laid claim to him… so no marking or spraying by males in sight!
Why does my cat lick my kitten and then bite her neck?
Don’t worry; it is natural for an adult cat to do what is called Kittening (where they play rough and nip at your kitten), and it may look scary, but your kitten will grow to love it. If your kitten struggles or cries out when they get Kittened, then it’s likely they don’t like what they feel. However, if your kitten seems to be smiling during Kittening, then they may enjoy it. For example, my cats tend to be over-protective of their toys and treats, so whenever I give them something new, I get Kittened because they don’t want me to have more than them.
Why do female cats lick their private areas?
Females will sniff, wash and even touch their genital areas. These actions occur primarily when they’re in heat or blood is coming from their vaginal area. The female’s scent from her urine tells other cats (especially males) that she is in heat and ready to mate. Female felines also tend to go into heat every 15-19 days for about 5 days until they are bred with a male cat. When females come into heat, they will attempt to attract males by urinating on horizontal surfaces and sometimes vertical ones. Females who are not in heat will also do these activities occasionally; however, it is most common among felines who go through puberty and pregnant females.
Why does my male cat lick my female cat’s private?
Male cats have scent glands on their belly, which deposit their pheromones onto furniture and other household objects. This is just one of several methods they use to mark territory. When male cats rub against things or urinate in places other than litter boxes, they want to keep as much of your home as possible as theirs.
male cat licking another male cat
The behavior isn’t as taboo as some might think. Experts say licking another male cat’s anus is a common, albeit somewhat embarrassing and challenging to discuss, practice among male cats who live nearby. Males will frequently lick other males’ anuses either to get that cat’s scent on their face or to express that they are friendly and submissive, explains Ian Billinghurst, author of The Natural Cat: A Complete Guide to Optimum Health. Male cats often have scent glands near their anus, which contributes to why your senior kitty might be so interested in sniffing your baby’s tush—he can’t help himself.
Why does my cat lick the toilet?
Why does your kitty love to stick his tongue in that porcelain bowl when you’re doing your business? Well, if you haven’t been pooping on his head or face (don’t worry, we won’t tell), there are many good reasons why he’s so drawn to that toilet. The first is because it smells like you. If he likes to sit on your lap while you are on your throne and rub against you while he rests his face on yours, it stands to reason that maybe he misses those special bonding moments when you tend to business.
older cat licking the new kitten
One reason your older cat may be licking your kitten is that they are trying to initiate grooming behavior. Grooming is one-way cats show love and affection for their littermates and bonded human families. Make it clear that you welcome grooming by creating it yourself with gentle scratching, petting, or rubbing around your cats’ shoulders and neck; they’ll take it from there. Read more here for more details on why kitties love to groom each other and humans.
Cat licking other cats’ butt, Reddit.
This is not an uncommon thing in my home. I have two adult cats and six kittens, and they all interact with each other in one way or another. And while some people might think it’s weird, it’s a sign that your kitties are getting along well. This can mean several things: One, that your cats do like each other; Two, that you’re raising them right; or Three, that they both need extra attention and love from you…and each other!
How long will this go on?
Your cats’ butt-licking isn’t caused for concern. Why Cats Lick Each Other: Cat-to-Cat Communication; while it might seem odd to us, there are reasons that your kitty may be licking other cats, and here we’ll explore some common ones so you can better understand why they do it. We’ll cover why cats smell each other and how they communicate with scents. Let’s start by understanding a bit about scent in general.