Why Do Cats Spend So Much Time Grooming?

Well the most obvious answer is to keep clean but it goes deeper than that. When they lick their fur it smooths it and makes it a better insulator. If their coat is ruffled it doesn't protect as well in the winter time but there is much more to it still. Coldness isn't the only problem overheating is too! When they lick themselves the saliva evaporates cooling the cat off. Lions and other great cats do this as well. Cats do not perspire like us because they do not have sweat glands so licking themselves is the only way to cool off on a hot day where ever they may be. A nifty thing also associated with the sun and cats. Have you ever noticed how they like to bathe in the Sun and lick themselves? When they are doing that they are actually tasting the Vitamin D from the Sun and that is how they get the Vitamin D that they need. If your cat is a nervous cat or agitated they groom more frequently this is called Displacement Grooming. Cats are also VERY Smell orientated like we are very site orientated. You ever noticed right after you pet it it starts licking that spot? You know why? It's because your scent has covered it's own and it doesn't like to smell like anyone other than itself. It is trying to Rebalance its scent! 

Auto grooming is a set of actions done by your cat. The following sequence is usually how it goes.

1. Lick the lips
2. Lick side of one paw till wet
3. Rub cheek and face with said paw therefore cleaning that side of face
4. Continue with other side
5. Lick front legs and shoulders
6. Lick Flanks
7. Lick Genitals
8. Lick hind legs
9.Lick Tail From Base to Tip

If you interrupt your kitty in his/her grooming cycle they will pick it back up in the spot they left off. I observed Jolie once doing this!

Is It Cruel To Get Your Cat Declawed?

The question whether or not its ok for a cat to be declawed is a question a lot of people ask. The answer is simply NO! When you declaw a cat your are taking away it's ability to defend itself in the wild and also hunt if they ever run out of your house unexpectedly. To a cat declawing them in human terms would be like cutting off your fingers. There are all kinds of products on the market to help keep cats from clawing you furniture and carpet. First give your cat something besides those things to scratch like a scratching post. There are also nail caps for your cats claws and come in all sizes and colors and last for awhile on the nails. Think of it like getting your nails done all pretty. Also when you declaw you mess with their grooming routine. They need their claws to scratch themselves and dislodge hairs that are troublesome to them. 

So Please Do Not Get You Cat Declawed!

Use other methods to keep your cats from scratching your furniture and carpet. There are A LOT of Products out there that can help you. I might try and talk about different products you can use for these matters with your cats.

Cat Introduction: James

This here is James. Kat's Japanese Bobtail. His color is odd for him to be solid black but he is a sweet heart and LOVES to talk! I'm doing research into the Japanese Bobtail Breed and hope to soon have a Review on the breed coming up. Lucifer has such a kind heart and a lovable attitude. Although he doesn't travel very well. He is not shy of the camera and loves to do posing shots. Like the one shown here. He loves to lay over your books when your not reading them making it look like he is. He is such a funny little boy and I'm so glad to call him my little fur grandchild!

Here is Lucifer doing some Heavy Reading!