pen_grunt | Kitty naughty bits

Okay, so lately (actually, since we got the new kitten) our older cat has been licking himself. Not that he doesn't usually lick himself, or lick his naughty bits, but lately he's been spending HUGE chunks of time licking his own privates. I'm not a prude (fo' sure) but male housecat genitalia is vaguely disturbing.

What does this MEAN?

Why does my cat masturbate perpetually? I mean, it won't be that fun to have to explain WHY kitty is licking himself "down there" to my little niece.

He's neutered, and it's not like he did this before the kitten came into the house. He hasn't been having any other problems...

Or is he just like an adult male of any other species--temporarily obsessed with his own penis?

Ahh, the important questions in life.