why don't cats and dogs get ill from licking their 'bits'?

Question

my cat's licking her bum. urrggghh

Answer 1

last time i licked my bits i was ill for a week....bad neck and back

Answer 2

Well you'll have to get used to her doing that I'm afraid or come up with a kitty tp version!

They clean themselves for much the same reasons we do. Comfort and protection.

They can lick their genitals clean because they are designed to process the waste/germs effectively and without harm to themselves. But that's why you're told not to kiss your pet on the mouth! The transmission of nasty diseases.

Answer 3

I believe it is because cat and dog saliva is much stronger as an antiseptic than a human mouth. It is where the 'lick their wounds' phrase comes from.

Answer 4

I suspect that they get antibodies when very young and build up an immunity to germs. I saw a programme on tv taken in Indonesia where giant lizards " Kimodo Dragons" saliva is riddled with germs and one bite , and you are dead from the germs in the saliva.

Answer 5

While people usually can't reach their own "bits," they often lick each other's, and I've never known of anyone who got ill from it. (Well, STDs can be passed that way, but the "bits" aren't inherently dirty or sick-making.)

Answer 6

Try teaching her to use toilet paper like a normal cat.
The bum scoot on the carpet is a good one to watch.

Answer 7

Because they have an incredibly strong immune system to deal with the parasites and infections that would be found on their wild prey e.g furry dead things

Answer 8

hey hun....dog's have an antibiotic chemical in their saliva that helps heal wounds and things and licking is the only way they have to clean their selves...after all they can't get it clean with a wet one like us lol....love daisy

Answer 9

She could possibly have worms, if she is licking it alot.

Answer 10

Kibbles n' bits! Yum!