Why Do Cats Clean Themselves Around You? This Is Why!

Cats spend a large part of their waking hours grooming. That is one reason people think of cats as clean animals, along with their natural habit of using a litter box.

There is one thing cat owners realize when their cat is cleaning itself. Their cats clean themselves around them! If your pet cat is grooming itself around you, you may be wondering why this happens and if you should allow it to continue. Well, let me tell you first why cats clean themselves around you!

Why do cats clean themselves around you? Your cat may groom itself around you because it already feels secure and comfortable to be around you. If you see this happens it is a clear sign that your cat is already comfortable inside your house. Sometimes, you may also see it occasionally groom itself on you.

When your cat is very comfortable with you, it may even groom itself on your lap. Below, we cover whether you should allow this and whether you can pet your cat while it grooms.

Should You Stop Your Cat From Grooming Itself Around You?

No. Grooming near you is a sign your cat feels safe, so there is no reason to stop it.

If your cat is in your way, it is fine to gently move it. Otherwise, let it groom in peace.

How To Stop Your Cat From Grooming Itself Around You?

If you have a good reason to keep your cat from grooming in a certain spot, such as your bed, here are a few gentle options.

Distract Your Cat

Once your cat starts to jump on the couch, bed, chair, or wherever it usually starts grooming itself around you, this is an opportunity to distract your pet cat. Once your cat starts to groom itself while sitting with you on the couch or bed, you can simply throw a ball or toy that your pet cat loves. Also, you can throw away some of your cat’s favorite treats.

Once your cat is distracted, you can move to another spot. Give your cat a comfortable bed or blanket of its own nearby, so it has an inviting place to settle. Changing a habit takes time.

Make Sudden Noise

You can also call your cat’s name or make a soft sound to get it to move. Avoid loud or startling noises, which can make your cat fearful of you.

Carry Your Cat

If your cat will not move, you can pick it up and gently set it down somewhere else. Support its chest and hind legs, and never toss or drop your cat.

Why Do Cats Groom Themselves?

There are several reasons why cats groom themselves, such as keeping clean, cooling off as saliva evaporates, keeping their fur smooth, and calming themselves. There is more to grooming than just cleaning!

Grooming is a daily activity for nearly all cats. Most cats rarely need a bath, but the ASPCA recommends brushing or combing your cat regularly to keep its coat clean, reduce shedding and cut down on hairballs. Long-haired cats need brushing most often.

Watch for changes. A cat that stops grooming may be sick or in pain, and one that over-grooms until it has bald patches may have skin problems, allergies or stress. Both are reasons to see your vet.

Is It Ok To Touch My Cat While It Grooms Itself?

Usually, yes, but it is often better to wait until your cat has finished grooming.

Watch your cat’s reaction. If it moves away, flattens its ears, swishes its tail, or hisses, stop petting it and give it space.

Should I Discipline My Cat If It Groom Itself On Top Of You?

What if your cat not only groom itself around you but also on top of you? Should you discipline your cat if it starts to groom itself on top of you?

The answer is no! You should not discipline your cat for grooming itself on top of you. Disciplining your cat is not an effective method. The reason why is because you rarely get the results you want to happen, especially if it is a negative reinforcement.

For example, if you shout at your cat, it will not connect the shouting with its grooming. It will only learn that you are sometimes loud and scary. Frequent shouting makes cats fearful of their owners.

If you badly want your cat to stop doing things that you hate, you can execute some positive reinforcement instead of negative reinforcement, like giving your cat some treats if your pet cat does something good in your eyes. This tactic is more powerful than shouting at your cat excessively.

Is It Safe If My Cat Groom Itself On Top Of Me?

Generally, yes. The bigger risk is your cat licking something off your skin.

Some skin products are dangerous to cats. The FDA has warned that cats became ill or died after their owners used prescription pain creams containing flurbiprofen on their own skin, and that even a small amount can be dangerous.

Do not let your cat lick skin where you have applied medicated creams, lotions or essential oils. If your cat may have licked a medication, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away.

Could Your Cat Lick You While It Grooms Itself?

There is a high chance that your pet cat licks you while it grooms itself, especially if your pet cat is just around you and loves you very much. If this action happens, it is often an honor. It means that your pet cat sees you as a trusted person that deserves to be groomed. It is also the way of your cat marking you.

Final Thoughts

Cats groom themselves around you because they feel safe and comfortable with you. There is no need to stop it, unless your cat is in your way or you want to keep fur off certain furniture.

Source: hillspet.com

Sources

• General Cat Care, ASPCA
• FDA Consumer Advice on Pet Exposure to Prescription Topical Pain Medications Containing Flurbiprofen, U.S. Food and Drug Administration