My little orange tabby can't seem to stop sucking on my fingers, any idea of how to break the habit?

Question

When he was little he would suck on anything soft, faces, fingers my bottom lip. We have tried spraying him, giving him a tap on the nose, say ouch (when he bites accidentally). None of it works, he doesn't do it if people are over so he knows that he should do it. Help?

Just as an FYI I am sure that this cat was taken too soon from mom as I was told him and his brothers were found in a cardboard box in town, that is why I have induldged him a little. He was a rescue cat from the SPCA

Answer 1

More than likely he is doing this because he was taken from his mother too soon. This is like a little kid sucking his thumb or a pacifier. You can try something like www.catsifier.com - don't punish him for it - it's a natural urge. Just redirect it to something that is a safe alternative.

Answer 2

My cat did that as well, we got her at 5 weeks. We did NOT know she was that young, my brother got her from a friend. She would just suck and suck and never stop. She would always suck on our fingers, and when we would lay her on our chest she would look for a nipple it was really weird at first and then sometimes she would try to suck on our shirts. We told the vet about it and he told us to do the same things you did and he told us that he had a 13 year old cat that still does the same thing and he finds it's unattractive having a big fat cat sucking on your finger. We found it cute though. Our cats now a year old and she doesn't do it anymore, we let her do it for a little bit. Our cat would suck for a little bit and then start biting because she knew she wasn't getting milk and then we would pull our finger away. She grew out of it really quickly, probably by atleast the 3rd month. I miss her doing that now :( She was soo cute with the sucking noises.

Answer 3

As you suggested, he probably was taken from his mom a little too soon. So you're going to have to 'wean' him- that is, just plain not allow him to nurse any more. He'll stop eventually. That's what I had to do with a kitty who had been traumatized by getting stuck at the top of a tree.

Answer 4

Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a balanced dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling problem behaviors — existing ones or those that may develop in the future. Learn here https://tr.im/4p1q5

So where do you start with dog obedience training? You could take a class, but it’s not necessary; you can do it yourself. In fact, with the right attitude, it can be fun for both you and your dog!
Step 1 : Sit
This is one of the easiest dog obedience commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with.
• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
• Move your hand up, allowing his head to follow the treat and causing his bottom to lower.
• Once he’s in sitting position, say “Sit,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog has it mastered. Then ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like him calm and seated.
Step 2 : Come
This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing him back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open.
• Put a leash and collar on your dog.
• Go down to his level and say, “Come,” while gently pulling on the leash.
• When he gets to you, reward him with affection and a treat.
Once he’s mastered it with the leash, remove it — and practice the command in a safe, enclosed area.
Step 3 : Down
This can be one of the more difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why? Because the position is a submissive posture. You can help by keeping training positive and relaxed, particularly with fearful or anxious dogs.
• Find a particularly good smelling treat, and hold it in your closed fist.
• Hold your hand up to your dog’s snout. When he sniffs it, move your hand to the floor, so he follows.
• Then slide your hand along the ground in front of him to encourage his body to follow his head.
• Once he’s in the down position, say “Down,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat it every day. If your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, say “No” and take your hand away. Don’t push him into a down position, and encourage every step your dog takes toward the right position. After all, he’s working hard to figure it out!

Answer 5

Why would you consider it a problem to give your guy this little comfort in his life?

Spray bottles are so overused in trying to correct cat behavior. Go to www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled
"Squirt Bottles, Punishment and Cat Behavior". The articles are in alphabetical order.

Answer 6

I have a 3 yr old persian who still (!) sucks the inside elbows of my sweatshirts and sweaters when I hold her. She also drools when she's petted or when she's nervous. I have no idea how to stop the sucking behavior but I'd be interested to find out!! :)

Answer 7

My cat does the same thing to blankets. If I grab a blanket to lay on the couch, as soon as he sees it, he'll jump up on me and start licking and kneeding the blanket. He'll even do this if I'm wearing a soft shirt or sweater. I don't think there's anything you can do to break your tabby of this.

Answer 8

My cat used to do that too. he doesn't anymore. Nothing worked until my vet told me about these tricks.
Go buy a bottle of lemon juice put it on your fingers. If lemon juice doesn't work try hot sauce. If hot sauce doesn't work try castor oil. Anything with a bad taste. After a few times, the cat won't bother.
BTW, these won't hurt the cat.

Answer 9

Rub something like vinegar or terrible tasting on your fingers then let cat suck your fingers. This will break him of the habit.

Answer 10

don't let him! pull away each and every time he starts to do it. put him off of your lap and ignore him for a little bit. If you do that EVERY time he starts, he should figure it out pretty quick, and will stop doing it. Most important thing is to be consistent