I've seen a mother cat that had just given birth. In the first few hours, she was constantly licking her kittens all over, including their genital areas. This licking serves multiple purposes. It not only cleans the kittens but also helps in the bonding process between the mother and her babies. It's an essential part of the early care that mother cats provide to their kittens.
Yes. For example, in the case of many mammals, the mother's licking can keep the young clean. Cleanliness is important for the health of the young ones as it reduces the risk of infections.
In the book 'The Cat Who...' series, the main cat character shows love in various ways, including licking. It has a special relationship with its owner, and the licking is a form of communication and affection within the story.
Well, once I was helping at an animal shelter. There was a shy little kitten. When I first had to check if she had any sores in that area, it was a gentle process. I had to be really careful as she was scared. I used a soft swab to do a quick check. It was a new experience for me in terms of handling such a young and timid cat in this way.
In a more symbolic sense, in human relationships, it can represent unconditional love. Just like animals show pure affection through licking, humans can have that same deep - seated love for their mothers. It can also be a sign of respect and recognition of all that the mother has done. For example, a son or daughter might take care of their mother in her old age in a way that is like the animal's licking, constantly showing care and concern.
Mother dogs also lick their puppies. The licking is not only for hygiene purposes but also to show affection. By licking, the mother dog can spread her scent on the puppies, which may be a way to mark them as part of her litter and keep them safe within the family group.