Parents are always telling you to watch out for dirt and grime. You’re probably used to them saying “Brush your teeth!” “Wash your hands!” “Clean your room!”

Well, kids, you’re not the only ones trying to keep tidy. It turns out that many animals—even insects—spend time grooming themselves.

Have you ever seen a cat or dog lick its paws? Or watched monkeys at the zoo picking bugs out of their fur?

Animals have their own kind of hygiene. Staying clean helps protect them against harmful diseases and yucky parasites.