Cats rely on grooming as a natural cooling mechanism, especially during hot weather, since they have limited ability to sweat - mainly through their paw pads.
The evaporation of saliva from grooming helps regulate body temperature. Their unique skeletal structure, which lacks collarbones, allows them to reach and groom areas like between the shoulder blades.
Grooming also plays a role in emotional regulation and social bonding.
When aroused or stressed, cats may groom as a displacement behavior, and allogrooming - where cats groom each other - helps reinforce social bonds and establish a shared group scent, especially around the head and neck, where cats are most receptive to touch.
The texture of a cat's coat is influenced by various factors, including muscle controlled guard hairs and down hairs that provide insulation. Hair direction affects how it feels when touched, and grooming after petting is often a way for cats to reset the orientation of their fur.
Over grooming can be a sign of underlying medical issues such as allergies, pain, or parasites - even in indoor cats, which can still be exposed to fleas.
Additionally, the structure of a cat’s tongue, with backward facing hooks, contributes to hairball formation, as loose fur is swallowed rather than expelled. Understanding these grooming behaviors is essential for identifying potential health concerns and supporting overall feline well being.
Chewy editorial team notes that while most pet parents know their cat is a dedicated groomer, many are surprised to learn that cats spend 30 - 50% of their waking hours on grooming behaviors like licking, scratching, nibbling, and even sneezing.
These habits go far beyond staying clean - they help regulate body temperature, reduce stress, and signal overall health. By paying attention to your cat’s grooming patterns, you are not only supporting their comfort but also deepening the bond you share through attentive care and love.
