Have you ever seen your dog lick your cat before? It looks so cute and adorable, as it shows intimacy between both pets that many don’t expect since we all know they can be quite intense enemies! However, what does it mean when a dog licks a cat, exactly?
Is this a sign of warning, or is it pure love that a dog wants to show to their feline friends at home or outside while walking? There are actually different factors that show how a dog feels about a cat based on their licks. So read on as I show you the reasons behind your dog licking cats and if it’s safe for them to do so!
What Does It Mean When a Dog Licks a Cat?
When your dog is coexisting with your cat, it may have been a bit awkward at first. Or maybe the better term for it is hostile. After all, when two different species come together, they have a lot to learn about each other, especially when both of these animals are known to be aggressive towards each other.
But as time goes by, you’ve seen your friendly dog begin to lick your cat’s face or even the other way around as your cat licks your dog’s body. But what does this all mean? Let’s first learn why dogs lick cats or anyone else for the matter!
- Dogs lick as a response to positive reinforcement, loving the praises or the good reactions humans (or other animals may) give them. It can also be a way to show their friendliness and want to socialize and gain attention.
- They can also lick as part of pack behavior, licking animals or fellow dogs to show submission towards they’re superiority. This may actually mean that they see their feline partner as the superior one (or to maybe get something they want).
- Sometimes, dogs would lick humans or other animals as a way to groom them, which is also what cats do to dogs.
As for cats who love to lick dogs, it may be a sign of them returning the love and showing that the dog belongs to her!
Fortunately, the reasons why dogs love to lick people and cats are positive. Meaning, there’s no harm when a dog licks your cat, and it may actually mean that your dog wants to strengthen their relationship, or at least get to know one another.
Does Your Cat Like the Licking?
While your dog may love licking your cat and show positive signs of liking them, does your cat like your dog? Licking is cute, though you also have to be wary about how your cat feels about being licked, as they do love their personal space and may be irritated at the new dog trying to invade it.
With that being said, you have to be wary and observe their behavior together, especially when the dog is licking his feline partner. Your cat may show sign of aggression or do a warning hiss as your dog comes close to lick, and that’s time to put your foot down. Supervise their time together and be wary as to how your dog plays, avoiding rough games which may aggravate the cat.
However, if your cat shows signs of friendliness as well, such as closing their eyes and purring as the dog licks, then it may be a sign of a budding friendship. Continue to observe them make sure that your dog doesn’t get too excited with licking to the point of aggression.
If they have already been together for so long and show friendliness and love towards each other, then there’s no worry about your dog licking the cat. It may just be a part of how they spend time together. Just continue training for discipline and keep them in harmony as they strengthen their bond throughout their lifetime.
Cats and dogs CAN coexist together, and licking each other are totally normal. Granted, some days they can get hostile with one another, but as time passes, they will soon learn to love, or at least survive, with one another without any accidents or fights.
If you want to learn more about cats and dogs living together, here’s an adorable video to check out:
Wrapping It Up
Your dog licking a cat, may it be at home or other felines he meets outside, can mean a lot of things. As long as you’re wary and pay attention to their behavior and where they lick, you won’t have any problem with fights or aggression. Just make sure that the cat they lick is safe and friendly, too!
I hope that this article answered your question, “what does it mean when a dog licks a cat?” Now that you’re familiar with the answer, begin to help both your cat and dog coexist together peacefully now!