Tigers are very different to family pets that are groomed, brushed and bathed by their owners on a regular basis. In fact, they don’t need human intervention to keep themselves clean and free of parasites - a good job really considering their size and strength. Tigers have developed several natural behaviours that help them stay clean and healthy, so let’s take a look at a few.

Self-grooming 

If you’ve ever owned a cat, you’ll know that they lick themselves a lot to clean their fur of dirt, debris and unwelcome critters that might be living on them. Tigers do the same thing. Their tongues are covered with special papillae, which are like backward-facing spines that create a rough texture. These papillae enable tigers to remove dirt and loose fur easily with licking.

Female tigers also groom their cubs by licking them, especially after birth when they might still be covered in amniotic fluid. Licking is also a way for the female tiger to form a strong bond with her little ones and is part of the maternal care routine. 

Swimming 

Did you know that tigers are good at swimming? This is very different from domestic cats who typically don’t enjoy water at all. Tigers plunge into rivers, lakes and ponds not only to cool off but also to have a bath. As we all know, water helps to wash away dry dirt and parasites from the skin and fur. It also helps to reduce a build-up of oils, keeping a tiger’s coat healthy.

Sunbathing 

When a tiger’s fur gets wet it needs to dry off thoroughly to avoid becoming damp, smelly and matted. This is why tigers tend to lay in the sun after taking a dip. The sun’s heat dries their fur leaving it feeling soft and fresh. Basking in the sun after cooling off in water also helps the tiger to relax before their next big hunt. 

Teeth Cleaning 

The best theatre shows for families, such as The Tiger Who Came To Tea, reveal that tigers like to eat a lot. All that munching requires plenty of teeth brushing. And while tigers don’t go around buying toothpaste and scrubbing their gnashers, they do chew on sticks and bones. This helps to remove plaque, promoting good oral health. 

Shedding Fur 

Tigers shed their fur seasonally, with the most significant shedding happening in spring and summer. This allows them to adjust to temperature changes and stay comfortable. It also allows for old, matted or dirty hairs to fall out and new ones to take their place. The shedding process happens gradually but helps a tiger’s coat to look fresh.

If you love tigers, don’t miss The Tiger Who Came To Tea live on stage. This fun-filled production packed with interactive moments and clumsy chaos is currently touring the UK, so check out ‘plays near me’ and book your tickets today. Based on the children’s book by Judith Kerr, this show is designed to delight children over three, so research ‘theatres near me’ and join in the fun.