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About 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.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Cats > Cats > Kitten weaned too early

Cats - Kitten weaned too early

Expert: Karen Craft - 4/5/2007

Question
I just got a kitten - now 2 months - which was rescued by my friend. His momma was run over by a car when the kitten was 1 month, so he was weaned very early. He was bottle fed for a bit and is now at 2 months been on solid dry and wet food for a week or more.
1-He is starting some of the early weaning habits: extra pawing, finding soft (human) flesh to nibble/suck. Is there anything I can do to help alleviate this? Should I keep a bottle around for when he needs it? I want to try to curb any long term stress/bad habits now, if I can.
2-Momma cat wasn't around enough to teach him any manners. He is using a litter box well and has already been around other cats, but he doesn't 'understand' the neck scruff and thinks it's a game and begins rough biting and scratch play. Any advice there?

Also to note, he will also be socialized with my 5 year old male cat - very slowly. They are currently separated (3 days now) and we're planning on starting intros over the weekend.

Thank you,
B

Answer
Hi Becky,

Young kittens when weaned early will knead and suck. They sometimes grow out of it. Some people feel that if you try to break him of it they will have problems later. If it doesn't bother you just let him do it. If it does bother you try switching him over to a stuffed animal as a surrogate. There is also a product out there called Catsifier. It is a kitty pacifier. You can try that. I have a cat that I raised since he was 4 hours old. He is 5 now and everyday he comes to nuzzle and knead me. I love it. It is our special time.
About the neck scruff thing, I am not too sure what you want to know. Are you asking about when you pick him up by the scruff of the neck? Lots of cats don't like that. When you pick him up like that try to support his bottom in your other hand. This might help control him. You put a lot of pressure and weight on the neck and it sounds like it is hurting him. Good luck with your little one. I'm sure all will turn out fine.

Ciao, Karen

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