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Cats/my cat wont stop licking me

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Expert: - 6/21/2007


Question
me and my boyfriend have a problem with our new kitty Trudy. We got her when she was very young( 5 weeks old) because the mother was rejecting her. Ever since we brought her home, she does this thing where she licks our necks ( and now other body parts) until the skin is raw or bruised. We do remove her once she starts doing this, and we have to lock her out of the bedroom because she would do it all night if she could. She is now almost 12 weeks old and shows no sign of slowing down. I was told this is just her way of showing affection but its very frustrating and annoying. What can we do to make her stop for good?

Answer
Hi Karli,

She sounds like she is going through a transference stage. Because she was so young when removed from the mom things like this happen. You can do what I do. When a kitten or cat does behavior like that  and you want to break it of it, blow in their face. A sharp puff in the face startles them and they back down. They learn that their licking behavior causes the puff and they stop. It doesn't harm them and they don't associate you with it.
The other thing is she will stop on her own. As she gets older this behavior will fade. The combination of time and the puffing will take care of the problem. 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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