The reason for this is that they are in a ‘stressful situation’and the licking causes them to release chemicals that cause them to feel better.
Afterward, what you will usually see is either one of them running away or fighting and sometimes, both things. If you’ve ever seen your cat do this and wondered what’s going on, we can explain!
Cats are quite self-conscious. They don’t show weakness because it can make them vulnerable to predators. So when they are in a stressful situation, such as the other cat being too close for comfort, they will release chemicals to help them cope with it and feel better.
Afterward, what you will usually see is either one of them running away or fighting and sometimes, both things. If you’ve ever seen your cat do this and wondered what’s going on, we can explain!
The chemicals that the cats release during the licking help them relax and feel better. After those chemicals have been released, something else might happen: sometimes animals will run away from the situation that was stressing them out or start fighting with each other. That’s what usually happens when cats bathe each other: since there is no violence expressed afterward, it means that the situation has been resolved and the cats feel safe again.
When this happens while they’re being given a bath by their owner, it might mean that this isn’t an enjoyable experience for them. If you want to help your cat feel better after bathing them, try doing some activities with them that will take their mind off of what just happened or how they’re feeling!