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Suckling at 6 Months old, is this normal?

post #1 of 8
8/18/11 at 12:41pm
Thread Starter 
Hey folkes, our new addition to the family keeps trying to suckle all the time. And constantly kneeding with his paws. Is this normal for a 6 month old male kitty? He keeps biting also, and will not stop even when we say "ouch" or "no biting", he doesnt do it nastily but sometimes he nips abit to hard. Thanks in advance x
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post #2 of 8
8/18/11 at 12:49pm
For the nipping, IMO do "ouch!" or "tssst!" followed by putting him down away from you. That's what mommy would do, except she'd probably smack him upside the head to boot, lol!

For the kneading/suckling, this is usually the result of being weaned too early and can persist into adulthood. Most recommend leaving the kitten with his siblings and mom for 12 weeks before adopting out, but many times that is either ignored or not possible.

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post #3 of 8
8/18/11 at 12:51pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you for the reply. He is a ferral cat who just appeared from no where, so me being a big softy, has adopted him. He is such a loving little fella. But he is constantly trying to get milk. Will ge grow out of it? x
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post #4 of 8
8/18/11 at 7:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by misspremier007 View Post
Thank you for the reply. He is a ferral cat who just appeared from no where, so me being a big softy, has adopted him. He is such a loving little fella. But he is constantly trying to get milk. Will ge grow out of it? x
I really think that depends on the cat. My six year old domestic short hair still "nurses" off me when she lays in bed with me at night. My F3 Savannah is a little over a year old and still does the nursing behavior as well (he will do it to me and my DLH Panda).
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post #5 of 8
8/18/11 at 10:53pm
It really doesn't seem to matter when they were removed from their mother, some do it, some don't and some never grow out of it.

Its a comfort thing, like kids with teddy bears, blankies or thumb sucking.
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post #6 of 8
8/19/11 at 3:49am
I have a male and female that suckle and a male and female that dont. None of which were seperated from their moms earlier than 10-12 weeks so I dont think that has anything to do with it but I do think its in their personality. The two that suckle are very very needy and lovey dovey while the two that dont are content to sleep in a window and be left alone unless they want attention.
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post #7 of 8
8/19/11 at 11:26am
Thread Starter 
Thank you all for the replies. I dont mind the suckling as such, was just a bit concerned he might have been a bit old for it, its the love bites that goes along with it, thats frustrating us. We have done everything that is recommended, but he wont stop. He is in his safe room at the moment and he seems to nip me as im leaving the room. Is this to kind of say "please dont leave"? He does seem very needy compared to my 2 girls. x
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post #8 of 8
8/19/11 at 4:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by misspremier007 View Post
Thank you all for the replies. I dont mind the suckling as such, was just a bit concerned he might have been a bit old for it, its the love bites that goes along with it, thats frustrating us. We have done everything that is recommended, but he wont stop. He is in his safe room at the moment and he seems to nip me as im leaving the room. Is this to kind of say "please dont leave"? He does seem very needy compared to my 2 girls. x

Yes the reason he bites you when you go to leave his safe room is like him saying please do not leave me . As far as being needy or not all cats are individuals. Though I have seen plenty of needy male cats, what do you expect from a male .
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