What’s the Deal with Social Grooming?

Welcome to Sunday’s Cats.com Newsletter.

In this week’s newsletter, you’ll learn the difference between autogrooming and allogrooming, as well as common reasons why cats groom each other. We’ll also cover ways you can help keep your cat’s coat clean.

And read until the end to learn about this week’s cat in need, Morris, a sweet, cuddly boy who can’t wait to find his forever home.

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Grooming Is Often a Social Behavior For Cats.

Cats are fastidious animals that spend a great deal of time grooming themselves-known as autogrooming. When cats groom each other, it’s called allogrooming. This social grooming behavior is common in multi-cat households and feral cat colonies. But why do they do it?

• Kittens are born entirely dependent on their mothers to feed them, groom them, and help them eliminate waste.
• In multi-cat households, a high-ranking cat may groom a lower-ranking cat as a show of dominance. 
• Cats that are closely bonded may groom each other as a comforting measure or show of affection.

• The Best Rated Cat Food
• The Best Rated Cat Litter
• The Best Cat Litter Boxes
• The Best Cat Insurance

Grooming plays a key role in maintaining coat health—it distributes the nourishing oils produced by the skin over your cat’s body.

If your cat has trouble grooming themselves due to arthritis, obesity, or other health issues, you can help. Regular grooming sessions have the added benefit of giving you and your cat a chance to bond more closely.

Check the list below for some grooming product recommendations for cats. 

Gently Remove Loose Hair While Petting Your Cat.

Grooming can be an uncomfortable or even scary experience for cats if they’re not used to the brush. With Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves, grooming your cat is as simple and soothing as petting them.

These grooming gloves are covered with small, silicone rubber nubs that gently detangle and remove loose fur from your cat’s coat. An adjustable strap ensures a snug fit, and they’re machine-washable for easy cleanup.

Clean and Moisturize With This Waterless Shampoo.

Cats often don’t like getting wet, so a full bath may be out of the question. This waterless shampoo from Burt’s Bees offers a convenient alternative that helps clean, nourish, and hydrate your cat’s skin and coat.

In between baths, keep your cat’s coat fresh with Burt’s Bees dander-reducing wipes. A quick swipe removes loose hair and flakes to help reduce dander.

• Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves Pet Grooming & Deshedding Aid
• Burt’s Bees Dander Reducing Wipes and Waterless Shampoo Bundle

Cats.com receives a commission on purchases made through this product recommendation. This helps us to continue our mission of giving you the best cat information on the web. Thank you for your support!

THIS WEEK’S CAT IN NEED: Morris

Looking for a feline comedian in a luxurious fur coat? Meet Morris! By day, he’s a champion wrestler with his foster siblings; by night, he’s a connoisseur of heating pads and the mastermind behind epic cuddle puddles.
 
Nicknamed Momo, this sweet, almost 3-year-old boy thrives on company (­both human and feline), loves to snuggle, and will never say no to a good chin scratch. He currently lives with his foster family in the Chicago area.
 
To learn more about Morris, check out his profile on Petfinder or send an email to [email protected].

A sneak peek at Tuesday’s mailer.

Tabbies and torties and calicos. Oh my! In Tuesday’s mailer, we’ll tell you all about these unique cat coat patterns.