Grooming behavior

Question
Hi Becky,

I have two cats an 8 yr old female and a 3 yr old male. They
generally don't get along and avoid each other. The male wants
to play with the female but she is never interested and usually
hisses at him and raises a paw as a warning.

My question is about my females behavior in the morning. Often
times, just before feeding my female will walk right up to my
male and begin licking his face. The gesture seems kind, like
she's going to groom him. The first time I saw this I nearly fell
over in awe because she is never nice to him. Then after about 3
or 4 licks, she lifts her paw and wacks him one. (She doesn't use
claws, just paw) He never shows any hostility back. It's happened
a good dozen times now and still he stands still (though looking
tense) and lets her lick him and then smack him. Sometimes
she'll lick him, then smack him and then hiss at him too.

Why, if she doesn't like him does she begin grooming? I'm not
really worried about this behavior since no one is getting hurt.
Mostly just curious.

Thanks,
Christie

Answer
Christie.....

I have never heard of this before.... it's funny!!  I can just hear a man saying... "just like a female"!  LOL
I really have no idea, but I think it's cute.   As you said, if no one is getting hurt, then I guess it's ok.

Merry Christmas,
Becky