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Cat Sucking After Weaning




I have a 12-week-old kitten that constantly sucks on everyone. We have had him since 7 weeks old, but he did not start this for about 1-2 weeks later.

I understand the not-enough-mommy-cat-time thing, but is there anything I can do to make him stop?

Also, will he grow out of it? He is very healthy, a big-pawed, strong half-siamese & tabby.

Thanks,
Allion


Hi, Allion,

While some kittens suck on things because they were taken away from Mom too soon, I think the fact that your kitten is half Siamese is more significant.

Siamese cats are known for being "wool-suckers".
It's genetic and difficult to change. There are some things you can try.

Take temptation out of his way. You did not say what he is sucking on, but if includes socks, blankets, other clothing, anything made of wool, but other fabrics as well, then you need to keep fabrics away from him as much as possible. Even if there are items you would "allow" him to chew or suck on, there is a danger of him suffering from an intestinal obstruction from thread or pieces of the material.

Sometimes, safe toys that can be chewed on, but are not destructible can be helpful. Providing your cat with plenty of toys to chew on may prevent him from going for your important clothes or other fabrics and may be safer for him.

Some owners have had success by giving more dietary fiber. A crunchy dry food is higher in fiber than canned food. Also, there are special high-fiber diets you can get from your vet. You can also try tearing up a leaf or two of lettuce.

There is believed to be a connection between anxiety and sucking. Therefore, the product Feliway has been used with some success. Also, in serious cases, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs.

Because, there might be a connection between early weaning and wool sucking, there is still a chance that your kitten will just outgrow this. I hope this is the case, but if not, I hope I have given you some useful suggestions.

Thank you for writing,
Dr. Neely



Comments for
Cat Sucking After Weaning

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 13, 2010
cat sucking
by: Anonymous

ok..... so what if you cat just wants to suck on skin.... bare skin , preferrably neck ,eye lid or finger.... its driving my bonkers.... how can this stop , she is about 17monts.... sweet but annoying at times....ugh!

Aug 01, 2008
CAT SUCKING
by: KARA

JUST A COMMENT ON THE CAT SUCKING PROBLEM. I HAVE AN 18MONTH OLD MALE ABYSSINIAN AND WE GOT HIM FROM THE BREEDER AT THE AGE OF 10WEEKS. WE THINK THAT HE WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM HIS MOM TOO EARLY AS HE USED TO SUCK. HE WILL ONLY SUCK ON MY DRESSING GOWN AND HE LIES DOWN AND KNEADS AT THE SAME TIME, HE FINDS IT EXTREMLEY COMFORTING. AS HE HAS GOT OLDER HE HAS SWAPPED THE SUCKING TO JUST KNEADING AND DRIBBLING ON MY DRESSING GOWN. SO MAYBE YOUR CAT WILL ALSO OUTGROW THIS OR START DOING SOEMTHING OTHER THAN SUCKING.


Thank you Kara for your contribution to this problem! Dr. Neely

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