Want to figure out how to stop cat from nursing on dog at home?
It can be a fascinating sight and one that’s quite unexpected. The idea of having your cat nurse from your dog is something the average person won’t expect at all!
However, this does happen and it’s usually nothing to be alarmed about. In fact, it shows both of the animals are bonding well to the point this is happening.
Of course, you will still want to learn how to stop cat from nursing on dogs.
The reasons include:
- Not Wanting the Cat to Drink the Dog’s Milk
- Not Wanting Double Feedings
- General Safety
Whatever your reasons may be, it’s essential to put together a proper plan on how to stop cat from nursing on dog.
This guide is going to showcase how to stop cat from nursing on dog, what to use, and why it’s essential to put together a plan before getting started. The right approach will make all the difference in the world!
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Tips On How To Stop Cat From Nursing On Dog
Tip #1 – Use a Bitter Apple Spray
This is the most effective solution for stopping a cat that’s nursing on your dog.
Rubbing a bit of the bitter apply spray along the dog’s belly will be more than enough to get the job done. The cat isn’t going to like this scent and is going to steer clear of the dog’s belly.
Of course, make sure you don’t overdo the spray as only a little bit is more than enough!
The benefits include:
- Repels the Cat
- Safe to Use
- Ideal for Both Cat and Dog
Most cats aren’t going to like this type of smell and will not want to nurse on the dog.
Continue to find other solutions to see what works best. If not bitter apple spray, try other cat repellants that are sold on the open market.

Tip #2 – Separate the Pets Before Feedings
When figuring out how to stop cat from nursing on dogs, you will have to think about how the cat is being fed.
This means you are going to want to keep the pets away from each other until the cat has been fed. It’s simply about keeping the cat full, so it doesn’t have to seek out the dog to eat.
When the cat is fed, you can bring them together and not worry about a thing.
It’s a simple adjustment and one that is going to work for the average cat in this situation.
Tip #3 – Increase the Feedings
How much are you feeding the cat as of right now?
Sometimes, the reason your cat is going to nurse on the dog has little to do with bonding and more to do with necessity!
Your cat may not be getting enough to drink during the day and that is why it’s finding another source that is nearby.
As a result, you should simplify things and simply increase the feedings.
This is going to keep the cat full and happy, so it doesn’t start seeking out the dog to nurse on. Adjustments such as these are a great way to regulate the cat’s behavior without implementing serious changes.

Tip #4 – Supervise Playtime
Playtime is often when your cat is going to begin nursing on the dog.
This is why you have to stay alert and pinpoint when this behavior is taking place. Are there certain times during the day when the cat prefers to nurse on the dog?
If so, you are going to want to supervise playtime and any other moment when the two pets are together. Of course, you won’t have to be as meticulous after the cat has been fed.
This type of behavior isn’t going to last for a long time, so you can eventually put an end to it. For now, you are going to want to stay on top of things and make sure it doesn’t spiral out of control!
Final Thoughts
This is how to stop cat from nursing on dog at home.
Yes, it is not the sight you are going to want to see, but with a few adjustments you can put an end to this behavior. Remember, it’s not impossible to change the cat’s behavior as long as you are assertive.
The tips pointed out here are going to get the job done as long as you are quick.
Letting this type of behavior continue isn’t going to work out well. The cat will continue to nurse on the dog, which means you have to nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible.
Make sure to focus on what works including things such as bitter apply spray and added feedings. It is these changes that are going to keep the cat away from your dog.
Learn more about taking care of a young cat by reading – helping cat get along with kitten, reasons for why an older kitten is nursing, how to assess a kitten’s poop, and how to analyze a kitten’s behavior.