Why does my 2 month old kitten breastfeed on blankets?

Question

I know its not unusual that cats massage with their two front paws before they lay down, but my kitten starts sucking on the actual blanket. I pull him away and try to keep him in my lap, but he keeps going back to the blanket to suck some more. Its not an annoyance more than it is a worry =(

Was my kitten taken away too early from his mother?
If so, what can i do to help?
I want my kitty to be happy and healthy!

Answer 1

yes the kitten was taking away from his mom too early and he trys and feeds off the blanket because it prbly feels like his moms fur so what u could do is buy a bottle and a niple for the bottle at any pet store and u could put a room like temp. milk in i used baby formula use the bottle until hes about 5-6 months then feed him some normal cat food but add a little water to it so not to hurt its teeth

Answer 2

Cats and kittens that suck on or lick blankets, stuffed animals or clothing are oftentimes weened from their mothers when they were still too young. Some outgrow this habit, some do not. Either way, it is not unhealthy to them physically or psychogically. My only recomendation would be to make sure your kitten isn't allowed to do this to anything like felt material that might contribute to the formation of hairballs.

Answer 3

Cats just do weird stuff! It could be because it was weaned early, but it's not an absolute. I have a 7 yr old Siamese who, when he curls up next to me in bed, sucks the end of his tail. In the morning getting up the end of his tail is all pointed and dark...Another one, Casper, suckles a stuffed toy. My two females don't have this habit at all (hey, maybe it's a guy thing!).

Sounds like he's pretty well adjusted, let him relax as he likes...

Answer 4

It might be because your kitty was taken too young but more likely it is like a child who sucks their thumb - because it makes them feel good. I wouldn't worry about it. Most grow out of it. I think it's cute. Why not give him his own blanket to stop him wrecking your stuff and it will be easier to clean.

Answer 5

It is okay, trust me, my cat is 12 and still does the sucking thing..she may have been taken away from mom too soon I have no idea, got her from the shealter...I am sure yur kitty is fine, just a tad needy....we just take her out and give her treats...she is happy but still a sucker..LOL

Answer 6

Hi there...I hope I can help answer you question as cats who suck, lick, chew or ingest non-edible items are known to have a condition called PICA. Sometimes early weaning can contribute to wool-sucking behaviours, but also this has been witnessed more among asian breeds of cats as well.

For more on PICA:
http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html

Pica: The Un-finicky Feline
Chewing or eating cords, fabric, houseplants, etc.

What is Pica?
Pica is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, cats may chew or suck on objects, but not actually swallow them. Common targets include yarn or string, fabric, wool, phone or electric cords, and plants. Any object may be a potential target, however.

Why is Pica Dangerous?
Other than its destructive potential, pica can be extremely hazardous to your cat's health if non-food items are consumed. Ingested fabric, string, or other materials can lodge in your cat's stomach or intestine. The blockage prevents the passage of food and may cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions. Cat's that chew on power cords may be electrocuted. Additionally, many common houseplants are toxic to cats; chewing or eating these plants can cause a wide range of symptoms from drooling to death. If your cat has a history of ingesting non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or displays other concerning behavior, take them to your veterinarian immediately.

Why Does My Cat Eat/Chew on Non-food Items?
No one knows exactly why some cats exhibit pica behavior. Because pica has been associated with a variety of diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, a veterinarian should examine any cat with pica. A genetic component is also suspected since wool or fabric sucking/chewing is more commonly found in Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats. Although it is normal for cats to eat small amounts of grass, consumption of large amounts of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness. Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons for pica can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior.

...please consider visiting the website for full details on how to treat PICA

Answer 7

I asked this question about my kitten before, but she was kneeding Me, and trying to suckle on Me. She was taken from her mother at a young age, and that is why most people told me she was doing this.

Answer 8

Well to my way of thinking if you want it healthy and happy why don't y ou let it do what it wants. If he is otherwise healthy and happy maybe it is his way of relaxing.