Why Do Cats Groom Each Other Then Fight

Why Do Cats Groom Each Other Then Fight

When cats become close pals, they groom each other. This shows they feel comfy together. You might notice one kitty licking the other’s ears and face. But sometimes, things change suddenly. Your friendly cats start fighting, which is surprising.

Normally, cats who aren’t friends don’t groom each other before fighting. When they play fight, they kick, paw, roll around, and chase each other. It might look rough, but it’s just playful fun between cats.

After grooming, cats sometimes switch to playing and then fighting. It happens because they’re releasing energy and having fun. The fighting might get a bit rough, even with biting, but it’s usually not a big worry.

Let’s talk about why grooming is vital for cats to be buddies. We’ll also figure out why cats might suddenly get forceful and the differences between real fighting and playful behavior.

Purpose of Grooming in Cats

First, let’s talk about why cats groom. It’s a big part of their day. They spend a lot of time cleaning their fur and reaching every spot they can.

Grooming isn’t just licking. Cats also bite tangled hair and search for skin issues and fleas. If you’ve seen a cat grooming, you’ll know it takes a while to get through everything.

Cats do more than just use their tongues to groom. There’s a lot more to it, just like many animal behaviors.

Here are some reasons why cats groom:

• They enjoy it.
• After exercising or playing, they clean up.
• They use their antiseptic tongues to remove filth from wounds.
• Grooming up after meals is another reason.
• It helps with temperature control.
• Grooming relaxes them and relieves stress or anxiety.
• Removing their scent helps them hide from predators.
• It keeps their skin and fur smooth.
• Sometimes, it’s a way to soothe themselves if they’re feeling anxious.
• When they don’t have anything to do, grooming keeps them busy.

Cats sometimes do grooming to avoid doing what their owners ask. They’re pretty clever like that; it’s like they’re keeping themselves busy to stall.

When cats groom too much, it might mean they’re really upset. They might even start pulling out their fur if they’re struggling to deal with a big change, like bringing a new kitty home when there’s an older cat around.

Reasons why Cats Groom and Then Clash?

When cats groom each other but then start fighting, it’s as if they’ve overdone something good. They start by licking, but then they start hitting each other because they’ve run out of patience.

Even though grooming is a way for cats to bond, sometimes, one cat just reaches its limit. It’s like a hug that’s gone on for too long.

When cats play after grooming, it’s not common, but if something goes wrong, it can escalate. Hissing, slapping, squealing – things can get intense. That’s when an owner needs to come in and calm things down between the upset cats.

When cats get fed up, it’s usually because they’re naturally curious and independent. If another cat bugs them for too long, they can get really annoyed.

If your cat seems like it’s saying, “I’ll clean your neck before I chew it,” you’re not far off.

Sometimes, grooming pursued by fighting might happen if one cat detects something wrong with the other. It’s rare, but one cat might find an infection or wound while grooming. When they notice that, they might stop grooming and act more serious and distant.

Why Would Two Cats Suddenly Start Fighting

Cats may get into fights for a variety of reasons. Even in social settings where cats congregate, such as in wild cat groupings, they prefer to be alone. Cats they’re connected to or have known for a long tend to be the ones they stay with.

Cats who were formerly friends usually start fighting after getting each other shocked. When cats are startled, they display aggressive behavior and body language.

They may also get into a fight if one of the cats is being very rough with the other or if they’re both really enthusiastic about something. An argument may break out temporarily if there is fresh food or toys.

What’s The Distinction between Fighting and Playing in Cats?

Cats engage in play fighting by swiping, kicking, grabbing with their hind feet (similar to rabbits), and racing about your house or play area.

In most cases, no noises indicative of pain or wrath are audible. As soon as the two cats settle down for a nap together, playfighting may end.

Combat in real life is much more intense. It’s quick, aggressive, and very difficult to stop. The felines continue to be violent, chasing and tackling. Wild squeals and cries will fill the air.

You will get better at preventing conflicts among your cats as you spend more time with them. Real fighting is quite different from lighthearted battles, which may become nasty at times.

Grooming isn’t often something cats will do if they’re not getting along. The last thing each feline wants during a fight is to have their fur stroked.

Fights that start with grooming are really simply aggressive play on the part of your cats. Do not just ignore your cats if they are fighting, regardless of whether it is play or not.

What Are the Typical Causes Why Felines Groom One Another?

Social grooming happens for various reasons:

• Bonding Between Two Cats: 

Grooming each other is an indication of a close relationship between cats. Grooming is a sign of a strong bond based on trust and affection.

• Viewing Each Other as Family: 

Grooming cats have a strong sense of familial bond. Building trust is crucial in grooming. Cats lick each other’s ears; why? They clearly have faith in their team. Also, licking one’s face is a common method for cats to express their love.

• From the Exact Litter: 

Grooming together as a family brings them closer together. When a younger cat licks an older cat, it’s a sign that the older cat is welcome to stay with the family. This behavior occurs between cats of the same litter.

• Affection and Territorial Marking: 

Kittens and adults, particularly moms, display love, assert authority, and demarcate territory via social grooming. Just as when you tell a child, “This kitten is part of our family.” A mum may forsake her own kitten if its licking aroma hasn’t altered enough because it is so strong.

• Acceptance of a New Cat: 

A sign of acceptance and protection is when your cats kiss and sniff a new cat. They help the new cat become familiar with the family aroma by licking it.

Do cats groom other animals for social reasons?

Why does your cat feel the need to groom your canine? The reason is that a cat considers a dog to be a member of the family. Cats are said to be very tolerant because of how trustworthy they are.

Ferrets and cats or an elderly cat and a bearded dragon may be companions in certain shows. When cats feel comfortable among other animals, they may even lick and groom them. Part of the complex dynamic between cats is when they fight after grooming each other.

Does a catfight really hurt the other cat?

Cats often don’t inflict harm when they engage in playful fighting. However, accidents can happen, and your dogs might hurt themselves when playing rough.

Playful scuffles usually don’t lead to any problems. Fur often protects cats from harm, even if they bite and use claws without retracting them (more likely in younger or overly aroused cats).

The eyes and hearing are particularly vulnerable to accidental injuries that might occur during play.

As a rule, these wounds don’t cause any major problems. However, it is wise to contact your doctor if you see your feline friend squinting or showing symptoms of harm after play. Make sure that minor cuts and scrapes don’t get infected while they heal.

Do Cats Groom One Another as a Sign of Affection?

Absolutely! Cats demonstrate their affection and trust for one another via grooming. Despite the fact that it leaves them somewhat exposed, it is something they take pleasure in doing.

A strong bond between your cats is evident when they are comfortable grooming one another. Additionally, that link increases the likelihood that they will mend fences and return to being friends in the event that they ever have a disagreement.

How To Stop Cats From Fighting

Cat separation is the first stage. If you feel unsafe approaching them, protect yourself by covering your arms with a towel, a heavy coat, or oven mitts. This will allow you to securely separate them. To avoid overheating, it’s best to keep them in different rooms.

Look for wounds on your feline friends after a battle. Get in touch with your vet if you see any kind of scratch that is deeper than the skin.

It is OK to reintegrate the cats when they have both had time to relax and receive proper care. Put them in adjacent rooms and let them explore each other’s scents and personalities beneath the door. Like a cat handshake, move the bedding, toys, and towels from one area to another to alter odors. Another strategy to help them acclimate to one another is to keep them apart yet visible.

Use soothing treats, medicine given by your vet, or happy cat pheromones to help them remain calm during their first meetings after a fight.

There may not always be a foolproof method to solve a cat problem. When you need help dealing with aggressive or socially awkward cats, your vet is a good resource.