Why do cats lick themselves?

Curiosity: Why do cats lick themselves? The act of licking is a sign of love and respect, licking is an important part of feline socialization. The mother licks her puppies and this habit is passed on to the siblings and they continue to lick those they love. The tongue of cats has an extra function (hygiene) because the cats clean themselves with the tongue, being also used for food and aiding in digestion.