Why Do Cats Clean Themselves After They Eat?

Cats are fastidious animals who love to keep their bodies clean. Cleaning is instinctive behavior, and cats have been washing themselves with their tongues for as long as they've been around. When it comes to meal time, cats are particularly hygienic, and will wash their paws and face after every meal.

  1. Prevent Parasites

    • Cats can decrease their chances of being infested with parasites like lice and fleas by cleaning their fur after a meal.

    Survival

    • Cats wash themselves after they eat remove the scent of food from their fur. In the wild, the scent of food attracts smaller pests such as mosquitoes and flies, as well as larger predators.

    Affection and Grooming

    • Multiple cats in the home will often groom each other after feeding sessions. According to the American Society for Prevention and Cruelty to Animals, cats will also lick and groom their owners as a display of affection.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To prevent excessive grooming that may lead to too many hairballs, brush your cat's hair on a regular basis. Brushing gets rid of loose hair and keeps hair from matting.

    Considerations

    • Cats are extremely sensitive to water, but in spite of a cat's attempt to wash up after a meal, bathing a cat is often necessary, especially if the cat has parasites, a skin condition or is just genuinely stinky.