Why do Cats lick themselves?

Cats lick themselves for a variety of reasons, including:

• Grooming: Cats are naturally clean animals, and they spend a lot of time grooming themselves. Licking helps to remove dirt, debris, and parasites from their fur.
• Cooling off: Cats do not sweat, so they use licking to help them cool down. The evaporation of saliva from their fur helps to lower their body temperature.
• Marking their territory: Cats have scent glands in their cheeks and on their paws. When they lick themselves, they spread their scent around, which helps to mark their territory.
• Showing affection: Cats may lick their owners or other cats as a way of showing affection.
• Relieving stress: Licking can be a calming and relaxing activity for cats. It can help them to relieve stress and anxiety.

In general, it is perfectly normal for cats to lick themselves. However, if your cat is licking excessively, it could be a sign of a medical problem, such as allergies or anxiety. If you are concerned about your cat's licking habits, you should talk to your veterinarian.