Source: People
A new study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science suggests that cats do not always groom each other as a sign of affection. Researchers found that mutual grooming, or allogrooming, can sometimes be used to annoy or displace another cat rather than strengthen social bonds. The study was inspired by lead author Morgane Van Belle of Ghent University, who observed one of her cats licking another before biting it and taking over a favored sunny resting spot.
To investigate, researchers analyzed videos from 53 multi-cat households across Europe. While many cats groomed each other in friendly, reciprocal ways, others displayed behaviors indicating tension, including stress signals, yowling, swiping, and lip licking after being groomed. Researchers believe allogrooming may serve as a subtle, nonviolent method of conflict resolution, allowing cats to express dominance or encourage another cat to move without escalating to a fight. Additional research will further explore feline social relationships.
Read the full story HERE: https://people.com/new-study-reveals-science-behind-reason-why-cats-lick-each-other-12018981