Cat Behavior Question - Why Does My Cat Groom my Eldest Daughter's Hair?

by Vicky
(Wales)

My cat behavior question is why my cat grooms my eldest daughter - and only her!

He was a rescue cat - he was only 5 weeks old when we had him according to the vet.

He was abandoned in a garden belonging to my daughter's boss along with another kitten, which was also re homed (but not with us).

There is myself, my husband, and another daughter but he only grooms my eldest daughter. She is the one who brought him home. He places his paw on her head and bites and licks her hair. Why does he do this, and why only to her?


Reply from Liz (Editor): When cats are born, they can't hear or see, so one of the the first things they experience (and remember) is their mother licking and washing them. They remember and recognize this as a sign of love and care.

As a knock-on effect of this, adult cats groom each other as a sign of affection and friendship.

Basically, your cat is grooming your daughter because he's showing affection towards her and acceptance of her as another cat (in his mind). He only feels this bond towards her because she's the one who brought him home - i.e. he's got a closer bond with her than anyone else.

He's telling her she's his best friend. How cool is that!!!