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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Cats washing themselves

48 replies

Dilbertian · 30/11/2025 17:27

Why is it so nice to watch?

OP posts:

Gribouille · 01/12/2025 13:16

And when they turn a ear inside-out... you've struck gold... 😍

Plump82 · 01/12/2025 13:27

Myblueclematis · 01/12/2025 13:12

I don't have a cat now and this is one of the things I miss seeing especially when they put one paw right over one ear or when they wash one of their paw pads and they stretch their toes out.

One of my cats, male, was a very reluctant washer and one of my female cats washed him all the time, bless her, he loved it the lazy blighter.

My boy and girl cat are just like this and she suffers from horrendous hairballs because of it. She's tiny and I swear some are the length of her!

Gasbox · 01/12/2025 13:40

murasaki · 30/11/2025 18:14

Dp gets very offended when he strokes Big Lionel and Lionel then decides he immediately needs to wash the bit that was stroked. I find it funny.

You can't call him 'big Lionel' and then not provide a photo so we can see his bigness what were you thinking?!!

murasaki · 01/12/2025 13:42

You're right, my humble apologies.

catontheironingboard · 01/12/2025 13:47

Bless him! Of course the piano is the most comfortable place to sleep…

murasaki · 01/12/2025 13:48

I know, anyone would think there weren't beds and sofas available.

DarkRootsBlue · 01/12/2025 17:38

BellaTheDarkOverlord · 01/12/2025 13:15

When they stop mid licking their arse, leg still in air and stare at you 😂

Yes! I was thinking of when they suddenly stare intently at you and then start a frantic wash. But the licking of arse and pause for a stare is also a thing!

Twatalert · 01/12/2025 17:40

I sometimes wonder how they know they have reached every part of their body and what the rota is.

I like when they spread their beans and clean in between.

JohnTheRevelator · 01/12/2025 17:52

I love it when they stop mid-wash and have their tongue sticking out. 😂

catontheironingboard · 01/12/2025 17:59

murasaki · 01/12/2025 13:48

I know, anyone would think there weren't beds and sofas available.

My tortie has currently wedged herself along the top of a radiator, and is sleeping whilst clinging on to it for dear life 😆 Plenty of sofa and bed space available, but the radiator is clearly the preferred choice!

Leafy3 · 01/12/2025 18:01

I love when they find a bitey-bit and have to wrinkle their noses 😍

LeftBoobGoneRogue · 01/12/2025 18:16

iSage · 30/11/2025 17:42

I love it when they lick their paws to wash their faces and heads - as if they've thought it out, I can't lick this bit but this is the next best thing.

I love watching them do that too.

BellaTheDarkOverlord · 01/12/2025 19:51

Contortionist with toe beans sighting.

FunkyMonks · 01/12/2025 20:19

It’s calming I often watch my lovely cat agree it must be the noises they make while cleaning themselves and nibbling at their toe beans.

Whiskeyandkittens · 02/12/2025 00:45

I love it too! Also when one of them is sitting on my knee or next to me having a wash, and I get the honour of them washing me too. Feels like the best exfoliation ever even if it's just a random bit of my arm!
It's lovely when they start washing each other too.

BellaTheDarkOverlord · 02/12/2025 07:27

@Whiskeyandkittens Yes! When they are having a wash and their tongue strays into you and you get a wash 😄

DeanStockwell · 02/12/2025 23:02

LillyLeaf · 01/12/2025 12:58

It's incredible how luxurious their fur is from simply washing themselves. I rarely need to brush my cat. She is so glossy. I, on the other hand need an array of hair products to pass as acceptable.

If we could train cats ( ha ha ha yeah right ) and open a hair care salon where cats groom our hair I'd be there like a shot !

OSTMusTisNT · 02/12/2025 23:05

My older cat acting as Mum to my kitten is the cutest thing I've ever seen.

He still needs to learn not to lick the kittens belly though as that turns her in to a ferocious beast with the bunny kicking legs 😆.

Timeforabitofpeace · 02/12/2025 23:07

murasaki · 30/11/2025 17:31

I'd rather they didn't wash their arses in front of me while I'm eating, but otherwise yes, it's quite soothing to watch.

These days, I’d be delighted if my old mog actually bothered to do so!

ShrimpBoil · 02/12/2025 23:11

The mysterious thing is that my cat's breath and farts can stop you at 20 paces but his fur smells gorgeous! How does that happen? (His teeth are fine by the way, checkup at vet two weeks ago)

murasaki · 02/12/2025 23:18

Timeforabitofpeace · 02/12/2025 23:07

These days, I’d be delighted if my old mog actually bothered to do so!

Show quote history

Yes, i suppose it is a good thing really.

ThisIsMyKitty · 02/12/2025 23:35

ShrimpBoil · 02/12/2025 23:11

The mysterious thing is that my cat's breath and farts can stop you at 20 paces but his fur smells gorgeous! How does that happen? (His teeth are fine by the way, checkup at vet two weeks ago)

It is such a mystery. My one’s breath smells like rotten fish mixed with the scent of Eau de Garbage yet her fur smells like shortbread and buttered popcorn.

ohreallyIsee · 03/12/2025 00:12

Bed fur is my favourite, when he's been asleep, has just got up and hasn't bothered to groom himself and his fur's sticking up all over😍

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