# Your Cat's Affectionate Gesture Might Actually Be Annoying A new study reveals the reasons behind cats grooming each other. - **Source:** [NYT > Science](https://brifing.si/source/794f9fbd-c10f-44d6-932d-9039af67922c) - **Published:** 2026-07-10 - **Topic:** [Career Growth](https://brifing.si/c/growth) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c81d11bc-ea44-4189-9fec-d66cd3a0fdec ## Cats' Grooming Behavior Cats grooming each other is often interpreted as a sign of affection and social bonding. However, a new study has revealed that this behavior does not always have positive intentions. Cats sometimes groom each other specifically to be annoying. ## Findings of the Study Researchers examined cats' grooming behavior and discovered that it can sometimes be done with an annoying purpose. Cats use grooming to bother other cats, which is an important finding for understanding feline social dynamics. ## Psychological Aspect of the Behavior The psychological reasons behind cats' grooming behavior were investigated. Some cats use grooming to annoy other cats and strengthen their position in the social hierarchy. This provides important insights into the complex social structure of cats. ## Observations in Domestic Cats Observations on domestic cats showed that grooming behavior can sometimes have aggressive intentions. Cats use grooming to bother other cats and maintain social balance, which is a significant finding for understanding domestic cat behavior. ## Cats' Social Dynamics Cats' social dynamics were studied through grooming behavior. It was discovered that this behavior can sometimes be done with an annoying purpose. Cats use grooming to bother other cats and strengthen their position in the social hierarchy. ## Conclusion and Importance This study revealed that cats' grooming behavior does not always have positive intentions. Cats sometimes groom each other specifically to be annoying. This finding is an important step in understanding feline social behavior. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/10/science/cat-grooming-licking-research.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._