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Cats/kitten - suckling and training

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Question
Hi,

I have two sisters who are about 15 weeks old now.  We have had them for 6 weeks.  One is a tabby and one a torby.
Question #1 - the tabby just started this week suckling on the torby. She today was aso sucking on the torbies leg?  Is this normal?  Will she grow out of it, should I let her do it?  The torbie, does not mind.
#2 - I am trying to keep them out of a room by spraying with water and saying a firm "NO" with a hand signal.  This room (my living room) does not have a door. I put up Balloons before, but now they are unafraid and just jump over them. They know they are not allowed, as when I go in, they scoot out. However they still "break the rules".  am I expecting the impossible? Any suggestions?  I am trying to keep this one room "pet free" for guests.  

Please reply,

Lisa

Any  

Answer
Hi Lisa,

Some cats suckle. I have one female who latches on to this older male. As she has gotten older she does it less and less. I wouldn't worry about it. Now, onto the living room. There are a few things you can try to do. Line the entrance with bubble wrap. Cats don't like walking on this stuff. You can take it up when company comes. You can try a product called Ssscat! http://www.ssscat.com/repellent/home.html
This also works good. I don't know how big an area you talking about. If you write back with a better description I can help you further. 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.

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

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