The older cat's nipples are becomming red and I am sure somewhat painful. Anyone had any expereince resolving this behavior? I did a quick internet search and was unable to find any helpful hints- Thanks!
2007-06-09 11:42:33 · 5 answers · asked by Melanie 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I got the kitten at 8 plus weeks, so he was not too young and had been on solids for a bit. I think he is doing it for comfort because I had a kitten feeder kit- I foster bottle feeders often- and he would not take the milk. The vinegar was helpful- I think that was what I was trying to remember- what to put on the cat to stop it. The male does not mind so much- but he lets anyone do anything to him, i just felt kind of bad for him! Thanks!
2007-06-11 13:18:21 · update #1
Maybe your kitty was removed from its mother too soon. I had a similar experience with a puppy. To discourage suckling, try putting some vinegar on your older cats nipples. Or make a paste with some Vaseline and a bit of pepper in it.
2007-06-09 11:51:13 · answer #1 · answered by peterbilt197 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes this is normal and, yes, the kitten is probably not ready to be away from it's mother. I've seen kittens do this before, usually on fixed females that aren't their mothers.
If your male cat isn't bothered, I don't think I'd stop it. Your little one needs the comfort and you're lucky if your cat is allowing it. Not all cats are so welcoming to a new kitten. If he's in discomfort, he'll hiss at the kitten or push it away.
You could try letting the kitten have your fingertips to suck on. It should respond well to being held and played with - it really needs attention right now. I've found that very young kittens like being held on your chest, hearing and feeling your heartbeat reminds them of cuddling up with their mother.
In a pinch, you can get a feeding bottle at the pet store and supplement his solid food with a milk replacer for kittens (KMS makes a good one, but don't get the "weaning food", it's too solid). The milk replacer can't hurt, in fact it can be a good idea to use it to help the weaning transition for a very young kitten. And the bottle should provide some comfort, especially if your male cat gets fed up with playing mama.
2007-06-09 12:06:03 · answer #2 · answered by pookabun1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello Melanie,
If the kitten s trying to nurse because it has been removed from its mother too early you could try a bit of bottle feeding (it will learn that milk comes from the bottle rather than from the other cat's nipples). Pet shops sometimes do baby animal feeding kits. Milk must not be cows milk, it must be proper kitten milk (check with the vet).
Regards
chirpy
2007-06-09 12:00:24 · answer #3 · answered by chirpy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as though your new kitten was removed from the queen much too early. You may want to try getting some bitter apple to put on the nipples of the older cat to discourage the suckling.
2007-06-09 11:57:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THIS CAN BE HARD AND IS USUALLY DUE TO THE KITTEN BEING TO YOUNG TO LEAVE THE MOTHER.
A KITTEN SHOULD STAY WITH THE MOM UNTIL 8 WEEKS.
THE BEST THIN IS TO KEEP THEM SEPARATED UNTIL THE KITTEN IS MORE ON THE SOLID FOOD.
2007-06-09 11:47:11 · answer #5 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋