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Cats/Cat sucks own nipple

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Expert: - 2/19/2008


Question
My girlfriend's cat, Kisa, is a little over one year old. She has an obvious weaning problem. Often, she sucks and licks her own nipple. Because of this, her right eye is constantly rubbing on herself and is extremely irritated, swollen, sometimes shut, and produces an excessive amount of goop (a.k.a. eye boogers). She has seen a vet and they said that this behavior is normal and that she will eventually grow out of it. This was approximately eight months ago and since, the situation has improved at times, but still varies in extremity. We have considered getting her a collar to keep her eye from rubbing her body, but aren't sure if that's the proper course of action. What should we do? Her eye is not improving and it requires constant care to remove the liquid and goop.

Answer
Hi Jay,

This is not a normal behavior. You first need to get a different vet. Get medicine for the eye. Then we work on her problem. This may be due to anxiety. You can try a product called Feliway Comfort Zone. This should relax her a little. You can also try putting a little deodorant on the area around the nipple. This is bitter and she should leave it alone. Also whenever you see her sucking use a loud noise to startle her. An air horn works great. Try these things and see if she continues doing her suckling. If she continues you may need to put her on some medication. 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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