A cat behaviour expert has explained why felines seem to adore being groomed with a damp toothbrush, leaving many owners emotional. The unusual trick has gone viral on social media, with pet owners claiming it instantly relaxes their cats.
The specialist revealed that the bristles of a toothbrush closely mimic the texture of a mother cat's tongue, which kittens associate with comfort and safety from their earliest days. One TikTok user shared a video showing their cat appearing completely at ease during the grooming, even claiming the cat's eyes seemed to well up.
Well-known cat behaviour expert Jackson Galaxy commented: 'A toothbrush is great. We even use it on little, unsocialised feral kittens. It gets them to relax around us. Why does it work? Because it reminds them of being groomed by their mother – a toothbrush is about as bristly as a cat's tongue.'
However, Dr Jacklyn Ellis, director of behaviour at Toronto Humane Society, urged caution. She noted that in the viral videos, cats were being petted in areas with scent glands, which are typically their favourite spots. 'The enjoyment may be more related to the location of the petting rather than the instrument used,' she said, adding that owners should watch for signs of discomfort such as excessive grooming, hissing, or tense movements.
Cats Protection also emphasised the importance of understanding feline body language, advising against staring directly at cats and recommending slow blinking to build trust. While the toothbrush trick may not be a miracle solution, it has sparked a wider conversation about how cats experience affection and the lasting impact of early bonds with their mothers.
