3 mo old still trying to nurse

pink_panther · #1 Nov 1, 2006, 06:34 PM

Hello,
I am hoping that somebody can help me. I recently rescued a 2 month old kitten from the pound. I don’t know if he was orphaned, or how long he spent with his mom (but he did have brothers at the pound). He tries to nurse on me (my arm, neck, back), and he tries to nurse from a really soft blanket I have. We have had him for close to a month now, and he literally wakes me up in the middle of the night sucking on this blanket (or my arm). My vet told me to mix milk in with his food, which I have been doing since we got him, but he stills try to nurse. Does anyone have some suggestions of how I can get him to stop trying to nurse, without being mean?

tre_cani · Nov 1, 2006, 09:21 PM

I am by no means, an expert on this, but I can tell you that my male cat is 8 years old and has been licking and sucking on blankets, clothing and anything that doesn't move for his entire life. He 'kneads' the blanket for a few minutes and then starts 'nursing' on it. It only lasts for a few minutes and then he falls asleep.

He was orphaned at about 5 weeks. We assume that's the cause, though we've never bothered to investigate. He's just a very affectionate guy!

By the way, I wouldn't recommend giving cats regular milk, as it may cause diarrhea. Cats don't have the enzyme that breaks down the lactose in milk. Though some cats can tolerate it with no problem. Try the lactose-free milk available at most groceries.

doggie_poopie · Nov 2, 2006, 02:50 PM

Many times young kittens that were taken away from mom didn't get all that they needed emotionally. Most folks don't know this but kittens should stay with mom until around 12wks old.
I would recommend letting the kitten suckle on a baby bottle. The type that you would get with the kitten replacement formula for a couple of weeks.
Otherwise you may just have a kitty like Tre_cani's, which isn't bad at all!

NatashasMum · Jan 13, 2007, 07:35 PM

My female cat is 5 years old and she still kneeds and suckles on my blanket at night while I pet her. It could be a combination of things. One is being removed from mom too early. Another is just a way of shoing affection and how much they love you.



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