Why does my kitten still pretend to be nursing?

Question

My domestic shorthair kitten (male) is about 10 weeks old. He still tries to "nurse" early in the mornings or right when I or my girlfriend come home. He'll basically nibble/suck at his own paws or tail, our shirts, or the carpet, making a kneading motion with his front paws. Is this normal? Should I be trying to stop this behavior?

Answer 1

It is pretty normal, though not all cats continue to do it. In my old neighborhood there was an (adult) outdoor cat that would come visit me on my front porch, climb in my lap, snuggle, knead, and "nurse" on my pants leg. Yet my own cat doesn't do this behavior, and generally isn't really into "touching" at all. So it may have something to do with being taken away from its mother too young, but I'm guessing it is more random and just depends on the temperament of each individual cat.

I wouldn't try to stop it unless he is damaging stuff with the sucking and chewing.

>^.^<

Answer 2

my cat still does this too. Especially when im holding her, and she will leave a big dribble patch where she has been sucking. Cats/kittens generally do this because they were weaned too early and weren't properly raised from birth, nurtured. Some cats do this and some dont. most likely he is and will always be an affectionate cat.
There's not a whole lot you can do to stop him, as it is a habit he has developed as a comfort thing. Just like babies have pacifiers as a comfort thing.
Its not harmful to him and it quite normal in some kittens. I have 4 cats and since she has been interacting with them, she doesn't do it as much, and I make sure she has stimulation by letting her outside to play frequently, he may grow out of it but will still do it occasionally.
hope this helps

Answer 3

Kittens will suckle up to the age of 4-5 months or more if mom is still around. I trapped two feral kittens and their mom early this year to be neutered and spayed and the kittens were four months old and still nursing in addition to eating solid food. Your kitten is just not yet past the habit.

Answer 4

I think you need to deal with it. It's not hurting either cat, I'm sorry it's loud. It is helping them bond and comforting the new kitten. The kitten will stop eventually on it's own. In the mean time, move them to a different area if it's too loud. To stop it is a little selfish and pointless. I hope you enjoy having two cats, it's alot of fun!

Answer 5

I have a 2-3 year old female cat who kneads with her front paws before settling into a comfortable position (may it be on the beanbag, on someone's lap or in our bed) and we have learnt to recognize that behavior as a sign of comfort/ satisfaction. I definitely do not think it is something to be concerned about.
I am not sure about the paw/tail sucking part, but my cat does nibble at her paws. I think this is to do with her claws growing long and needing trimming. She does it less now that we have a scratching post. I liken it to the nail-biting habit that some people have, which can be reduced / helped by clipping the nails / claws.

Answer 6

mabye the kitten was taken from its mother too early. they say its ok to take the kittens from thier mothers at 6 weeks of age, but that is debateable. i brought my kitten home when he was 6 weeks old, and he still liked to "nurse". he would curl up on the back of my neck, and act like he was nursing. i knew then that he was still not ready to be away from his mom. now he is 6 months old, and still likes to "nurse" and cuddle. I wouldnt try to break your kitten of this habit. it probally makes him feel safe and secure without his mom.

Answer 7

don't try to stop it, it is totally normal. The cat knows it's not getting any milk from these items but it does it for security reasons, just like a human baby likes the pacifier.
Your cat will grow out of if when its ready.

Answer 8

the reason your kitten is doing that is because he was taken from his mother to soon, my male kitten is 11months old and he does the same thing i asked my vet why he was doing that and thats what he told me.i hope you find this helpful

p.s. he should quit doing that as he get's older my kitten doesn't do it as much anymore not like he did.the only time he does it now is when i go to bed.

Answer 9

No dont try to stop it when he gets older this may turn into kneading with both front paws as a form of self soothing. Its perfectly normal and fairly common.

Answer 10

It is very normal he just has to grow up more and learn that now he does not live with his mother. It should stop at about 1 year and if not then try and train it not to do it.