Your cat is being nice? Think again
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Scientists are beginning to think that even seemingly innocent cat behaviour – grooming another cat – might not always be nice.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Taylor Mitchell Brown
- Cats' mutual grooming, or allogrooming, has been traditionally seen as friendly social bonding.
- New research shows some cat licking is actually a subtle form of bullying causing stress and conflict.
- Understanding this behaviour can help owners and vets identify tension and improve multi-cat household dynamics.
AI generated
NEW YORK – Let us just say cats have a reputation – of being standoffish, manipulative, maybe even jerks. Here is more corroborating evidence: Scientists are beginning to think that even seemingly innocent cat behaviour – grooming another cat – might not always be nice.
The licking can be a method of subtle torment, according to new research published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science.