Hi everyone!
I have 3 kittens - 2 are around 5 months old and 1 is around 3. They are just wonderful little creatures and I am totally in love! Anyway, the youngest one, the boy, has become a bit obsessed with the need to suckle/nurse on any part of my skin he can find, especially the lips, chin, ears, but really anything will do. At first I figured it wasn't a big deal, I read kittens taken away from their mothers too soon do this and it's not a big deal, don't make them feel bad for it as it's natural and comforting. This kitten wasn't taken away from his mother but he was extremely ill before I got him and was unable to nurse for a while and bottle fed, so it may have led to this.
I've had him for about a month and the desire to suckle and knead whatever part he is suckling is getting to the point of a little kitten obsession. When he isn't playing, sleeping or eating all he wants to do is try and suckle on my hands or face, he won't even let me pet him without trying to nurse. I have read endless articles and posts online about this issue and I've tired all of the advice:
"replace a blanket or toy" -- he isn't interested if it isn't skin and runs right back to me.
"divert his attention" -- that's fine when we're playing but when it's time to go to sleep he doesn't want to fall asleep without suckling or even just resting, doesn't have to be just going to sleep. Simply put if he isn't moving he's going to try it.
"feed him" -- he does it when he's just eaten
"let him do it, it's harmless" -- it's getting to the point that I don't think it is, I don't want him to always need to do that and I'd rather have my cat on my lap and not going after my face.
He's a super happy super sweet little boy but this is just getting out of hand. Any ideas?!
I have 3 kittens - 2 are around 5 months old and 1 is around 3. They are just wonderful little creatures and I am totally in love! Anyway, the youngest one, the boy, has become a bit obsessed with the need to suckle/nurse on any part of my skin he can find, especially the lips, chin, ears, but really anything will do. At first I figured it wasn't a big deal, I read kittens taken away from their mothers too soon do this and it's not a big deal, don't make them feel bad for it as it's natural and comforting. This kitten wasn't taken away from his mother but he was extremely ill before I got him and was unable to nurse for a while and bottle fed, so it may have led to this.
I've had him for about a month and the desire to suckle and knead whatever part he is suckling is getting to the point of a little kitten obsession. When he isn't playing, sleeping or eating all he wants to do is try and suckle on my hands or face, he won't even let me pet him without trying to nurse. I have read endless articles and posts online about this issue and I've tired all of the advice:
"replace a blanket or toy" -- he isn't interested if it isn't skin and runs right back to me.
"divert his attention" -- that's fine when we're playing but when it's time to go to sleep he doesn't want to fall asleep without suckling or even just resting, doesn't have to be just going to sleep. Simply put if he isn't moving he's going to try it.
"feed him" -- he does it when he's just eaten
"let him do it, it's harmless" -- it's getting to the point that I don't think it is, I don't want him to always need to do that and I'd rather have my cat on my lap and not going after my face.
He's a super happy super sweet little boy but this is just getting out of hand. Any ideas?!
)
