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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/kitten nurses non-pregnate older kittens

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/27/2008


Question
my cats are approx 14 weeks q-tip (f) 14 weeks vtec (m) and supposedly 8/9 weeks karma (f). the vet told us he thinks karma's about 5/6 weeks though, so we're going with that, even though she was about 1/2 the size of her brothers and sister. she's eating regularly both hard and dry food (as she has been for the past 2 weeks), but she tries to nurse on the older two. they let her, and it doesnt seem to cause them any discomfort, but is this normal/healthy? my friend got her sister and he said she doesnt even bother with the other cats. sometimes she'll even do it to our fingers. its so weird. we've had the other two since they were about 7/8 weeks and they nevveerrr did that. its almost like they're trying to be her mommy or something (even though vtec is a boy). please help. i dont know if this should be a cause for concern, or if its normal. if it is, how would i "wean" her off her fake mommy and daddy. other than that she's a normal kitten. runs around with the other two, sleeps in the bed with us, eats, poops, everything normal, just this 'fake nursing' habit of hers. please help when you get time. thanks *stacey

Answer
Stacey,

It sounds as if Karma (cute name too!) was weaned too early. That is common behavior in that situation. It is giving her comfort and it also may be giving the others comfort by her doing it.

It won't hurt anything and will make her a happier kitty. If her 'fake nursing' starts to bug the other cats they will put a stop to it.

Don't worry about it.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

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Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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