My Cat Licks Herself After I Pet Him. My jet never grooms herself after being pet. Some cats will grooms themselves immediately after you pet them to eliminate your scent and even out their own scent.
This grooming behaviour keeps them clean and tidy. If your cat has fleas, mites, or allergies that cause itchy skin, your petting might be scratching an itch or causing an uncomfortable feeling for her. Some cats will use grooming or licking as a displacement behavior.