Cute Pets
Why do cats like to wash themselves? Cats are not only cute pets, but also real masters of hygiene! Caring for cats is not only about food and play, but also about their health and well-being. The owner of the cat should carefully monitor how often he licks himself. This can be a bad sign.
Cats 🐾 were known in the Ancient World. Thus, during the excavations of Jericho, archaeologists found the remains of cats that lived in the 6th-5th millennium BC. It is believed that they were not yet fully domesticated at that time. In Egypt, they lived from the 4th century BC and were highly valued. Cat mummies are found in the pyramids, and not just anyone was put in the pyramids. In Europe, cats have been known since the 1st century AD. They got there from Greece and Italy and were highly valued. For example, in Britain in the 11th-12th centuries, transactions were recorded when a cat was included in the list of property when selling a farm. There were also persecutions of cats in Europe as representatives of evil spirits.
People have always noticed that cats 🐱 love to wash themselves. They do this for a natural reason: cats are clean animals, and licking their skin, which includes body massage, is an integral part of cat behavior. Sometimes cats even gather on neutral territory and lick each other, heads and necks, places inaccessible to the cat’s personal hygiene. But there are several other reasons why cats wash themselves. For example, they are sensitive to changes in the weather and worry the day before, so there is a corresponding sign. The Japanese have a sign: if a cat washes itself, it will rain.
Social Relations with Cats
Nowadays, animals in cities have reached the same number as people. Therefore, whether we like it or not, we actually establish social relationships with cats, dogs and with each other. People generally have good relationships with pets. Most often, they are loved and cared for. There is even an industry for the production of food, dishes, clothing and accessories for animals. Cats and dogs living in cities with people need special food and hygiene procedures. However, living with people can also be one of the reasons why cats wash themselves.
Margaret Reister from the US Veterinary Service, cats wash themselves from stress. Stress can be for various reasons, for example, guests. Hence the corresponding sign: the cat is washing itself – expect guests. Stress can be caused by dissatisfaction or punishment from the owner, fear, unsuccessful actions. Therefore, the owner of the cat should watch how often the cat washes itself. Not only admire it, but also be sure to understand the reason.
Watch your fluffy ones – it’s not just cute, it’s part of their life!