We got this little kitty cause someone was evicted from our building and they left the kitty there all alone. We have given him a home in our house but the only thing is that he is always trying to suck on my arm, leg, back, stomach, anywhere there is skin. What can we do to make him stop. Sometimes it's cute but then at night it gets irritating when you are trying to sleep and he wants to be all up in our faces. HELP
2006-11-24 16:27:18 · 10 answers · asked by tweetyinminnesota 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
That usually means he was taken away from his mom, too soon.
The most important thing to remember is that you should never punish a very young kitten for nursing behavior. Since the nursing is bothering you I think you might want to try having a blanket or an extra shirt nearby that he could use for dry nursing. Direct him to the ‘expendable’ shirt or blanket and away from you. In addition, you can interrupt the dry nursing by picking him up and moving him from your shirt, perhaps distracting him with a toy (remember the more you play with him the less stressed he will be and the less likely he will need to find comfort in dry nursing…).
Lastly, you can use a bitter apple spray. This is a good deterrent, though I recommend it as a last resort. If you use it, put a little on your skin or on the shirt where he attempts to nurse. You’ll find that he will not go for that area as much.
2006-11-24 16:32:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was taken from it's mother too soon, not much you can do about it now. Try displacement therapy Other things that may hold it's attention, even a bottle with cat's milk from the vet's. A furry toy that it can suck or make biscuits on. You could have those things at night, then after a while move him or her with its new distractions to a place close by to you, then across the room. Then maybe to it's own bed. Good luck, it can be done.
2006-11-24 17:34:44 · answer #2 · answered by doris_38133 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This kitten was obviously not weaned properly -- which isn't your fault.
Unfortunately, once a cat has developed a habit, it is really difficult to break. It will take a lot of patience, but what will have to be done is to gently move the kitten when he starts. Yelling or throwing him off will only confuse him and may turn him mean (works for a dog, but not for a cat).
Distraction is another good way when possible.
Anyway, usually (but not always) they grow out of it.
2006-11-24 21:50:57 · answer #3 · answered by Voodoid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes kittens will do that if they were taken away from their mothers too soon. It will eventually stop but in the meantime my suggestion is to call your veterinarian and ask what could be used as a substitute for this kitten to suck on when it feels it needs to nurse.They can probably suggest something safe for the kitten to suck on that won't make it sick or choke it. Good Luck!
LL
2006-11-24 17:55:23 · answer #4 · answered by LeapingLizard 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just put the kitty in a bathroom at night or wherever you keep the litter box. Either that or cover your skin with chili powder and i'm sure the cat will stop.
2006-11-24 20:19:41 · answer #5 · answered by A. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friends cat used to do the same thing....he would suck on everything and on her shirts it would leave a wet mark...i think that it is from taking it away from his mother too soon....im not positive but thats what i think. The kitty just wants attention and to be loved.
2006-11-24 16:30:47 · answer #6 · answered by greyc143 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My kitty did this all her life. Some outgrow it, some don't. Get him a bed & a really soft blanky & some stuffed animals to snuggle on. They are just like kids sometimes.
2006-11-24 19:25:42 · answer #7 · answered by ebonyruffles 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but I think that there isn't much that you can do, except put him in a carrier at night so that you can rest.
Believe me! I had a kitten just like that. I named him Butch because he always loved to nibble and bite on my arm, leg, back, stomach, and anywhere there was skin, too. I never really did anything about it, except tried to avoid it ; since he was our yard kitten.
Maybe he just wants to play ; or maybe he just finds you rather tasty!
2006-11-24 16:53:07 · answer #8 · answered by Vonna 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with paintedrain2's answer. The only thing I would add is that the kitten was not weaned properly, but don't worry he will outgrow this behavior.
2006-11-24 16:42:58 · answer #9 · answered by Industry_Kitty 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ti depends how young it is, i would take it to the vet if it is under 6-8 weeks then it needs MILK REPLACEMENT
YOU CAN BUY IT AT PETSMART
you should also get dewormer for him when he is 6 weeks.
and then he will need his shots, very important!
2006-11-24 16:31:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋