Grooming behavior

Grooming behavior involves individuals cleaning, maintaining, or inspecting their body or others’ as a way to promote hygiene, comfort, or social bonding. It includes actions like brushing hair, washing skin, or preening feathers. In social animals, grooming also strengthens relationships and establishes trust. While generally a normal, healthy activity, in certain contexts, grooming can be a form of manipulation or control, especially if used to gain trust for harmful purposes. Overall, grooming is an important behavior for personal hygiene and social interaction across many species.