When cats wash down their coats, they’ re
not only cleaning their fur, they’re regulating their body temperatures. Feline sweat gl ands, in their faces, anal areas
and paw pads, do not cool off cats much.
But when they deposit saliva on their coats, the evaporation keeps them cool in hot weather. Well-maintained coats also insulate them against winter’s cold. Plus, when a cat licks a wound, the antibacterial properties in his saliva can reduce the risk of infection. Grooming helps cats cope with stress, and stimulates their circulation
and muscle tone.
And cats seem to enjoy grooming, just as humans
enjoy a spa visit.