Expert: Becky - 12/1/2005

Question
Hi.  I have just recently (about a month ago) got a new kitten.  I have one other cat, a 8 month old male.  My problem is that I can not get the kitten to stop trying to nurse off of my other cat.  My other cat now has scratches on his belly.  I can pull him off when I am home but, obviously I am not there all the time. It is beginning to be quite a problem and I don't want to have to find another home for the kitten, but I am failing to see another alternative.  Can you help please?

Answer
Hi Amber,
Awwww, I know this is a problem for you, but it sounds so cute!  I'm surprised that your male cat allows it!  I'm not real sure what to tell you.  There is a product you can buy at any pet store, maybe even Walmart, called "Bitter Apple". You could rub that on his belly and when the kitten tries to nurse, she will get a very bad taste. The problem is,  HE will probably also try to lick it off, and therefore, it would affect him too.  I think she will eventually stop doing this on her own, or he will get tired of it and let her know that he doesn't like it. Other than separating them, I really don't know.  Good luck.

God bless,
Becky