Why do rats lick each other? - briefly
Rats engage in mutual licking chiefly as social grooming to eliminate parasites, spread scent cues, and maintain hierarchy within the group. The behavior also promotes saliva flow, which assists wound healing and supports immune defenses.
Why do rats lick each other? - in detail
Rats practice mutual licking as a form of social grooming that serves several essential functions. The behavior reinforces group cohesion, reduces aggression, and maintains individual hygiene.
The primary purposes of this activity include:
- Hygienic cleaning: Licking removes debris, parasites, and dead skin from hard‑to‑reach body parts, preventing infections.
- Chemical communication: Saliva transfers pheromones and other scent markers, allowing rats to identify kin, assess reproductive status, and signal social rank.
- Stress mitigation: Physical contact triggers the release of oxytocin‑like compounds, lowering cortisol levels and soothing both participants.
- Establishment of hierarchy: Dominant individuals often groom subordinates, reinforcing social order; reciprocal grooming can also signal mutual trust.
- Thermoregulation: Moisture from saliva evaporates, providing a modest cooling effect during warm conditions.
Neurobiological studies show that the act activates brain regions associated with reward, making the behavior intrinsically reinforcing. Observations in laboratory colonies reveal that rats deprived of grooming partners exhibit increased stereotypic movements, heightened anxiety, and poorer wound healing, underscoring the health benefits of reciprocal licking.
In summary, mutual licking among rats is a multifaceted behavior that promotes cleanliness, communication, emotional stability, and social structure, all of which contribute to the survival and well‑being of the group.