That thing where they abruptly stop playing for an emergency groom

[cmshap]

You probably know what I mean...

Willy is playing and having a good time. He has just pounced on a toy, and he's tossing it around excitedly. Then, something triggergs "EMERGENCY GROOM NEEDED!"

He abruptly stops in his tracks, and quickly licks himself in some arbitrary spot 2-3 times. Then crouches down for another pounce to resume playing.

I've seen other cats do this, and I always wonder what is triggering this.

 

[Outmannedmama]

I do not have an answer but I know exactly what you're talking about!!

 

[Margot Lane]

O I can tell you! My cats all used to be outdoor cats. It is playacting. They are nonchalantly pretending they don’t know where on earth the prey is, hum dee dee, hum de ho.

 

[catloverfromwayback]

I always think it’s because of a sudden itch.

 

[cmshap]

I always think it’s because of a sudden itch.

That's probably the likeliest explanation.

Or, perhaps -- I'm totally theorizing here -- it could be a reaction to slight discomfort during exercise. They are exercising while playing, after all. Just like when we exercise, and we get muscle soreness as we work our muscles, I'm sure the same thing happens to cats. Maybe they are reacting to that? This could be a totally harebrained theory...

 

[game misconduct]

dont you know its cause some hair is out of place kitty has an appearance to uphold

 

[aliceneko]

Toffee does this all the time and it makes us laugh! We always say you could never do a cat version of Crufts or similar dog shows, because the cats would stop to groom themselves mid assault course

 

[maggie101]

The air conditioner came on and blew dust on his fur.
"Ewww! I need to lick this nasty stuff off me!"