[Headhare66]

This is a new one to me since I've never had a kitten before. Our new kitten is 9 weeks old and is suckling our 11 month old retriever. The kitten was young when we got her (6 weeks) and I know she was comforted by the suckling. The dog is not bothered by this, but aside from losing hair on her tummy one of her nipples now has an enlarged, hardened lump underneath it.

I don't know what to make of it other than being used and kneaded. And I'm hoping the suckling will stop within a month. I was lead to believe that cats will suckle until they are 12 weeks or so.

Thanks for any advice.

Heather

[Wondergirl]

Once the kitten's needle-sharp teeth come in, the dog will object (just like a mom cat does). Be sure to have canned kitten food or softened dry food available for the kitten so it realizes there are other sources of food.

[labman]

I don't like the sound of that lump, I would have a vet look at it. Likely the vet will confirm that the kitten should have been weaned when you got it at 6 weeks. I assume it has been eating solid food to survive the last 3 weeks of fruitless suckling. I think the vet will discourage letting the kitten suckle anymore.

I would go with a much earlier timetable than Wondergirl for weaning, teeth coming in, and no longer needing to suckle. I don't know much about cats, but am taking the word of a vet that published on the subject. See https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cats/g...ens-95761.html Unfortunately some others disagreed.

[bushg]

Head hare, I see no reason to let the kitten suckle.I am sure that your dog is in pain or will be in pain, if this continues. See if the vet can recommend a safe product to put on the dogs nipples that will not harm the dog or kitten, to deter it from sucking. I am afraid if the mom did not naturally wean her kitten it may always try to suckle for comfort. It is not uncommon for them to suckle other animals , blankets, stuffed animals or peoples ears. At least this is what I and some other cat people that I deal with have found. I am a proud owner of 3 feral cats that suckle the blankets or even my shirt while I am wearing it and holding them. Lucky for me my 4th cat seems to have no interest.

[Headhare66]

Some great answers here. It seems a consensus that the suckling should have stopped by now. The kittens teeth are in and she eats both dry and wet food as well as some few choice pieces of turkey that got snagged. There are no scratches on the dogs tummy just the enlarged nipples and lump. The dog is super mellow and allows the kitten to suckle so I don't think it's hurting her.

I like the idea of putting something on the nipple that tastes bad. Do you think bitter apple would work? Of course it will probably hurt the dogs nose to have to sniff that on her body all the time while we are retraining the kitten.


Thanks everyone and keep the ideas coming.

[labman]

Bitter Apple might be as good as anything.

[Headhare66]

Bitter apple is the ticket. Rubbed some on Gibson's teats and the kitten stayed away. Not without trying several times LOL Ever seen a kitten scowl?

Thanks everyone

[bushg]

Headhare. You may have to follow up a few times as she may try again.