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In reply to the discussion: Is there any way to train cats to stop licking themselves? [View all]The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,280 posts)all of which have an evolutionary basis. They do it because it keeps their fur clean, smooth and free of burrs and parasites; it helps keep the cat cool in hot weather (they can't sweat except on their paw pads); it helps their fur stay waterproof; and in cold weather it fluffs up the fur to help the cat retain heat.
You don't want your cats to stop licking themselves; if they did, they'd soon become smelly and their fur would be sticky and dirty. They'd be miserably hot in the summer and cold in the winter and would probably get sick. You can't keep them clean in the same way - their saliva has a surfactant cleaning quality you can't duplicate. You can't keep them cool or warm, or free of parasites. Nature has given them that ability and they have to use it.
If your cats are licking themselves so much that they are developing bald spots, that's probably an indication of an allergy, which can usually be treated with cortisone injections. But normal licking is something cats have to do to stay clean and healthy. You will have to live with it if you want healthy cats as pets.