Something I've always wondered...

and can't seem to find anyone with an answer. I would say I'm at the right place!! What is it about that spot above their butt - at the base of the tail - that makes some cats go crazy licking the air and even start to chew on their paw? One of my cats is affected by this and the other isn't. It's mind boggling to me - does anyone know why this happens?

I read once that there are nerves there that when stimulated are extremely pleasureable for cats. I think males react to it more than females (in my experience).

I think there's also some kind of gland there... perhaps it's kind of like rubbing their faces on stuff they "own"?

i also read something that that spot is extremely sensetive and some liket it being touched and some dont.......and if they dont, they might even "nip" at you..............

Interesting. I always thought it to be unpleasant for her.

You could rub the base of PJ's tail all day and she'll purr and purr and ask for more.

Teddy doesn't like it at all - you can get in a rub or two, and then he'll swat!

Well I didn't know cats sometimes reacted to it like that, but I do know that dogs have a weird reaction to it, also. They lick the air & stare into space and they open their mouth a tiny bit so you can see their teeth, but just relaxed. It's kind of cute, actually.