Hmm...does "it depends on the cat" provide enough of an answer for you? Or will that uncertainty drive you nuts?

Of the 2 current male cats in our household both are lickers and groomers, but I think that it has been heavy influenced with the only female pet in our home who makes it her personal cat mission to groom everyone.

Older cat? You must be groomed.

New cat that I am not accustomed to? You will submit to my grooming and learn to groom me as I so desire. (Now they tandem face groom. Should be a Pet Olympic Sport.)

90 pound dog? Not only will you let me groom you, but you will learn to love me and become my boyfriend. (True story!)

The male and female cats before we had the super licker in the family barely licked, unless there were potato chips nearby.

We are all under the spell of the Alpha Cat