how do I stop my kitten from suckling himself in the stomach?

Question

He is 3 months old and he soaks his entire stomach. He does this when I am around and when I am not. So, I have tried distracting him when he goes to start, but he will end up doing it when I am not around.

Most people have responded to say that I shouldn't worry about it... however the vet says that it can lead to sores and other skin problems in the area, as well as obsessive behavior if I don't try to stop it now. Thus, I am looking for ideas or things I can try to get him to stop. I don't care if he suckled a blanket or something else, but I was told that suckling himself could lead to problems.

Answer 1

Hi there...I have a cat who also did this and found that spritzing a pet-friendly product called Granicks Bitter Apple® http://www.bitterapple.com on him has helped discourage the suckling. There's also a product called Catsifier http://catsifier.com/ that appears to be a nice alternative for cats who suckle on themselves or on other objects as well.

Answer 2

If this is the worst thing that he does, feel lucky! You've seen the problems that other people write us about, so if all he's doing is getting his tummy wet, that's no "biggie". He'll probably grow out of it. Maybe, he's lying on something that gets onto his stomach, and he's licking it off. Anyway, unless he licks so much that he "balds" himself, don't worry about it. Just enjoy your sweet little kitten.

Answer 3

I'm not sure you can. I had a cat who lived to be 21 (older than I was) and she sucked her tail. It's a behaviour frow being separated from a parent too young, and if they do it it'll probably be a lifetime thing.

Answer 4

prob grow out off it does not matter,maybe comfort as taken from mum

Answer 5

what are you talking about

Answer 6

put hot sauce on his nipples.