Why Do Cats Lick Each Other’s Bums? 6 Possible Reasons

Are your cats licking each other’s rear ends? It seems like dog-only behavior, but it’s quite common in cats, too. Cats always have a reason for doing something, even if the behavior appears odd, and sniffing and licking butts is a prime example. In this post, we discuss six possible reasons your cat might be getting a little too close for (your) comfort.

Cats and Anal Sacs

Cats have two anal sacs in their rear ends, with one located on each side of the bum. These contain anal glands, and they store a putrid fluid that serves as lubrication and a way for cats to mark their territory. When cats defecate, this fluid excretes as if you were to press your finger against an orange. The fluid smells horrible, but each cat’s anal glands have a unique scent that serves as a name badge.

What does this have to do with cats licking butts? Let’s find out.

The 6 Reasons Your Cats Are Licking Each Other’s Bums

1. To Say Hello

As weird as it is, cats will say hello to other cats through butt sniffing and licking. The anal fluid helps cats to identify their friends. It’s more accepted with cats who have already met, but you’ll also see this behavior between cats to introduce themselves to one another. Basically, sniffing another cat’s butt is the best way to get as much information about another individual as possible.

2. To Identify Enemies

Like saying hello, cats can quickly determine if a cat is a foe by smelling their rear end. Anal fluid also contains hormones or pheromones that could make a cat put their dukes up or decide to walk away.

3. It’s Time to Mate

Male cats can easily tell if a female cat is in heat through her hormones. If the scent is right, a male cat will take the opportunity to mate. Likewise, a male cat could walk away from a female if her hormones say it’s not the right time.

4. To Show Affection

Grooming is a sure sign of affection in cats. When two cats are close, one cat will take it upon themself to groom the other cat, and sometimes, that means cleaning the butt. It’s a special moment when you look past the foul nature. Cats need companionship, but they don’t share affection with just anyone.

5. To Establish Hierarchy

A house only needs three cats to be considered a cat colony, and you’ll notice signs of which cat is in charge. Confident cats have no problem going to the source of the action and may try to establish dominance through butt-licking. More often, cats show other signs first, like who gets the first treat or the higher perch.

Likewise, shy cats may allow dominant cats to sniff and lick their rear ends to show their place in the colony.

6. Motherly Instincts

Mama cats often clean their kittens’ butts to help stimulate bowel movements and identify her kittens. It could just be motherly instincts kicking in when a cat licks another cat’s bum.

But Doesn’t It Taste Bad?

The idea of a cat licking another cat’s bum sends a squeamish tingle down our spines because of how gross it is—but it’s only gross to humans. In reality, cats don’t have a strong sense of taste, so it doesn’t bother them much. Cats only have 473 taste buds, compared to humans who have around 9,000. With behaviors like butt-licking, it’s probably a good thing cats can’t taste well!

Conclusion

Although it’s an odd behavior, cats have their reasons for licking other cats’ bums. Now you know why your cats might be doing this to one another. Sure, it’s not pristine behavior, but since when did cats care about our opinions anyway?

Featured Image Credit: Nils, Jacobi, Shutterstock