If your cat has been licking your dog a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat lick my dog? Likely reasons why your cat licks your dog are that it is grooming your dog and that your cat is being affectionate.
There are a number of possible reasons why your cat licks your dog and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are a number of things you can consider when figuring out the main cause.
Why does my cat lick my dog?
Below are likely causes and what would make each of them more likely.
Your cat is grooming your dog
The reason why your cat licks your dog is likely to be that your cat is grooming your dog. Cats will naturally lick each other as a way of helping each other groom themselves. It is likely that your cat is licking your dog naturally because it wants your dog to groom it back.
Your cat is showing your dog affection
It is also likely that your cat does it because it is showing your dog affection. This would be more likely if your cat does it when purring and kneading.
Your cat is marking its scent onto your dog
Another possible cause is that your cat is marking its scent onto your dog. By doing so, your cat will be able to make it safer because other cats will be less likely to enter its territory.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always licked your dog
If your cat has not always licked your dog, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If your cat and dog have not been together for long, it could actually be a sign that your cat has become more comfortable around your dog.
The timing of when your cat licks your dog
It would also help to consider if there is a certain time that your cat does it. If your cat does it when it is lying down with your dog, it would be more likely that your cat is grooming your dog.
What to do about my cat licking my dog?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Let it do it
If the behavior has not been bothering you, the easiest option would be to just let your cat continue doing it.
Separate them
If the behavior has been bothering you, it would likely be necessary to try to separate your cat and dog where possible.
Why does my cat lick then bite my dog?
When cats are grooming each other, they will sometimes bite when they get to hard to groom fur. The reason why your cat licks then bites your dog is likely to be that your cat is grooming your dog and biting due to thick fur. It might also be the case that your cat does not like how your dog interacts with it.
Why does my cat lick my dog’s head?
The reason why your cat licks your dog’s head is likely to be that your cat is grooming your dog and showing it affection.
Why does my cat lick my dog’s face?
A part of the reason why your cat licks your dog’s face could be that your cat likes the way it tastes. It is also likely to be because your cat is grooming your dog and showing affection.
Why does my cat lick my dog’s eyes?
The reason why your cat licks your dog’s eyes is likely to be that your cat is showing your dog affection.
Why does my cat lick my dog’s ears?
The reason why your cat licks your dog’s ears is likely to be that your cat likes the taste and that your cat is grooming your dog.
Why does my cat lick my dog’s feet and paws?
Your cat likely licks your dog’s feet and paws because your cat is helping your dog to groom itself.
Why does my cat groom my dog?
The reason why your cat grooms your dog is likely to be that your cat is doing it naturally in the hope that your dog will groom it back. This is because cats will naturally groom each other and your cat likely is expecting similar behavior from your dog.