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Cats/kitten still trying to nurse at 8 mnths?

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Expert: - 12/28/2008


Question
I've got two kittens that turned 8 months on Xmas day, so they're not really kittens anymore.  They're both boys, yet one of them is ALWAYS trying to nurse on the other one!  And the other kitten doesn't mind at all - he lays back and gives up his tummy to his brother, and they both purr like crazy during this routine.

I know that nursing instincts sometimes linger in cats that were weaned from their mothers too early, but I still have their mother as well, so that can't be the problem.

Not that it's actually a problem per se, but I just looked up some charts of cat years to human years, and basically I've got one 15 year old kid nursing off another one.

What's going on here?  Are they going to do this for the rest of their lives?!?

Answer
Hi Asia,

This is a comfort behavior in cats. So long as they are not causing any harm to each other I wouldn't worry too much about it. They may grow out of it. But they may not. I have one who is two years old and still does it to one of my other cats once a day. If you wish you can try to stop it. Try using a can filled with pennies. Whenever one starts to suckle shake the can to disturb him. Or spray them with a water bottle. Make them associate the behavior with something they don't like. It will take a little time but they will stop. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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