Why Cats Groom Themselves

Cats' tongues are rough and covered in papillae, which are tiny barbs that help them to remove dirt and debris from their fur.

Keeping Their Fur Clean

When cats groom themselves, they spread these oils throughout their fur, which helps to keep it looking and feeling its best.

Distributing Natural Skin Oils

Grooming helps to stimulate circulation in cats' skin, which can improve their overall health and well-being. 

Stimulating Circulation

Cats don't have sweat glands, so they rely on other methods to cool themselves down, such as grooming. When cats lick their fur, the saliva evaporates and helps to cool them down.

Cooling Themselves Down

Grooming can help to remove parasites, such as fleas and ticks, from cats' fur. It can also help to remove allergens, such as pollen and dust mites.

Removing Parasites 

Cats swallow a lot of hair when they groom themselves. Grooming can help to prevent hairballs from forming by removing loose hair from the cat's coat.

Preventing Hairballs

Grooming is a social activity for cats. When cats groom each other, they are showing affection and bonding with each other.

Bonding with Other Cats

What Your Cat Is Saying With Its Eyes