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Written by Wendy Christensen
Q: Four weeks ago a new kitten joined our household. She was then 9 weeks old, and eating well.. She's already become a playmate for our 2-year-old cat, and is growing and playing normally. She doesn't go out doors yet. The problem is that she will not stop nuzzling me on the neck, arm and elbow, and sucking at me for milk. It makes it difficult to pet or stroke her, as she starts nuzzling as soon as she's in my lap, or jumps at me as I work at the computer and tries to reach under my chin to lick and nuzzle. Firm 'no's and being put down just don't work - she gets a glazed look in her eyes as if she is possessed and just jumps up again. Will she grow out of this? Did she leave her mom and 3 siblings too soon? I'm worried she is unhappy in some way and is seeking reassurance.
A: A 9-week-old kitten is awfully young to leave MomCat. I always recommend kittens stay with mom and siblings for at least 12 weeks. It sounds like Eyour kitten has transferred her infant behavior to you, because she was not really psychologically ready to leave her family. Just because a cat is physically weaned doesn't mean she's ready to break those all-important MomCat-kitten bonds yet. The behavior may decrease over time, as she grows up and spends more time with your other cat. Be patient with her, and understand she's not doing it to annoy you -- she really still craves that physically close Mom-kitten relationship.
Meanwhile, you could provide her with a cuddly stuffed animal that has cat-like fur or hair. Transfer some of your own personal scent to the stuffed animal, by rubbing it with an unlaundered article of your clothing, or spritzing it with a perfume (or other scented product) you regularly wear. Keep the stuffed animal nearby your computer and encourage your kitten to nuzzle with it instead of you.
Or, take advantage of a the fact that cats are often quite satisfied with brief, but intense, interactions. Trying to get them to stop nuzzling (or whatever) only makes them even more determined to continue. So, when the kitten starts nuzzling you, stop what you're doing for a few minutes and really let her go at it -- let her nuzzle and lick as much as she wants. Chances are, she'll soon get her fill, and either fall asleep, or wander off.
Q: My 4-month-old kitten has, until recently, been a very "normal" cat. But a couple weeks ago he started sucking/nursing? his own nipples; this seems very strange to us. I've seen a cat suck on it's own tail before; but not his nipples. He obviously derives pleasure from it; he kneads and purrs up a storm while he's at it, until he falls asleep. Is this something we should try to stop? or is it just a quirk about our cat we'll have to shrug and accept?
A: In this case, as in any case of any new or changed behavior pattern in a cat or kitten, I suggest you to take him to the veterinarian fir a check-up. Tell the veterinarian what you've observed, and how long it's been going on. The vet will check for possible problems such as hidden lumps, swelling, irritation, inflammation, etc., on or near the cat's nipples. But the fact that your cat seems to enjoy the behavior, rather than appearing to feel irritated or in pain, makes it sound like it's just an odd form of comfort-seeking behavior, much like the "paw treading" many adult cats do on their owners laps when they're happy and feeling secure.
If your cat gets a clean bill of health, I think you can write it off as a quirk. He also may outgrow it. But I'd make sure the veterinarian notes it in your cat's medical records, just in case.
Herding Cats At Home - July 2005 1
Herding Cats At Home - July 2005 2
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