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Cats/Male Kitten-Delicate Question

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Expert: - 10/12/2007


Question
Good Morning~ I have a neutered male kitten (DLH) that is five months old.  I have had him since he was 10 weeks.  He is developing an odd behavior...he is "nursing" on his penis.  He purrs and kneads when he does this.  It happens only when he's tired and getting ready to retire...especially at night.  He was the last one to stop nursing in his little. This seems to be more about comfort than sexually you know?  But I am concerned that he could injury himself.  Is this a harmless enough "habit" or should I be doing something to stop him.  If so, what?  

He is a very sweet and social guy, eats well and doesn't appear to have any other problems but this.

I just don't know how "normal" this is and if I need to be concerned and if this is something that could possible harm him...his urinary track etc.  

Thanks a million~

Answer
Hi Cyndi,

This is and is not a normal behavior. There are cats who will suckle on a lot of different things. Yours just happens to suckle his penis. This can cause problems for him. You need to break him of this habit. You don't want him to associate you with the deterrent so you need to find something that you can use that will stop him. You can try a squirt bottle but I have found something that works a little better. Get a can of dust remover, ( the type that sprays just air like you would use on your computer keyboard). Whenever he goes to suckle himself give him a spray of air. Not full force in his face, but at him, so he feels it. Cats dislike having air blown at them. A few times of this and he should stop. Also, as he gets older this stops on it's own. 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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