Why Do Cats Groom and Lick Dogs? Understanding Feline Behavior

Our cat and dog companions don't always hit it off immediately. When you bring a new cat or dog into a home with existing pets, tension is normal.

However, if you see your cat giving your dog a lick, you might be curious about the motive behind it—is it affection or something else? Fortunately, in most cases, it's a positive sign. Cats often lick other cats, and they might extend this behavior to humans or other pets in the house.

Did you know that cats typically spend between 30 and 50 percent of their day grooming themselves.

Let's explore five reasons why your cat might be showering your dog with affectionate licks.

The 5 Likely Reasons Why Cats Lick Dogs

Grooming

Cats thoroughly enjoy grooming, and it's a common practice among bonded feline companions. When your cat extends this grooming ritual to your dog, it's a clear sign of acceptance and friendship. This behavior demonstrates your cat's trust in your dog, indicating a harmonious relationship. So, the next time you catch your cat showering your dog with licks, rest assured—it's a perfectly normal and special interaction, with no need for concern.

Motherly Instinct

Another possible reason for your cat's licking behavior is a motherly instinct. Cats often express their maternal love through grooming; your cat may extend this affection to the family dog. This nurturing behavior might be more evident if you have a puppy, as your cat may perceive it as needing care and protection. Observing such moments is truly special and undoubtedly worthy of capturing in photos.

Affection

Cats may also show affection through licking dogs. Grooming, for cats, goes beyond practicality—it's a heartfelt way of showing love. Cats frequently engage in mutual grooming with each other or their human companions to strengthen social bonds. This act of licking is also a manifestation of trust, as the grooming ritual helps your cat relax. If you observe your cat grooming your dog, it's a likely sign that she trusts the dog enough to get close and let her guard down.

Attractive Scents

While not as lovey-dovey as the other reasons, curiosity can also drive cats to lick dogs, and it's not necessarily a negative sign. Sometimes, cats are intrigued by the smell and taste of a dog. Your cat might be drawn to the oils in your dog's fur or be interested in tasting traces of food in its fur. If your cat is merely curious about the taste, it might not signal affection, but it does indicate that your cat feels safe and secure in the presence of your dog!

Scent Marking

Licking is also a means of transferring scent to a new animal. With their keen sense of smell, cats find comfort in familiar scents. This is why cats often rub against objects, and it's also why they may lick the dog. By depositing their saliva on the dog, cats create a recognizable scent that they can later associate with the dog. If your dog is new to the house, this is likely the primary reason your it's licking your dog. The arrival of a new dog introduces fresh scents to the household, and your cat is engaging in this behavior to assimilate and bond with the new member of the pack.

Final Thoughts

As evident, when your cat licks and grooms your dog, it signifies a positive interaction, showcasing their bond. It's a delightful expression of affection from your cat towards your dog. While most dogs happily accept these gestures, observing your dog's comfort level is essential. You have a harmonious feline-canine relationship if your dog is indifferent or enjoys the attention. However, if your dog seems uncomfortable, creating some space between them might be wise. In most cases, though, your dog is likely to appreciate the affectionate gesture from your cat.