You may get warm fuzzies when you see one cat grooming another, but don’t be fooled. It could be an act of aggression. Researchers at Ghent University recently published findings in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science showing the behavior could sometimes be classified as bullying or tormenting.
Source: The New York Times, July 10, 2026. Link. The researchers suggest that unwanted licks might be an easy way to jab at another cat without getting into a fight. While a full scuffle could result in injury, a precisely placed irritating lick might be a safer way to tell your furry “friend” to get lost.
Image: Link.
Leave a Reply