Cat tries to nurse, can't get her to stop.

danmandy

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So I have 4 grown cats and I've recently adopted a Kitten. Ever since I brought her home a few months ago she's been trying to nurse from one of my cat's, who allows  her to do so. She sucks from her breast everyday for hours. I don't let her, but everytime I make her stop, she goes right back to it. I've noticed my older cat's breast is swollen and it looks a bit injured, and the little one is about 3 - 4 months now, way too old to be nursing.  How do I get her to stop? (besides, she's not actually nursing, she's merely sucking air)
 

catapault

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If your grown cat will allow this - get a large tube sock. Cut off the foot. Hold the tube up next to your cat and figure out where her front feet will go. Cut two leg holes. "Dress" her in it. Should cover her breasts, will not interfere with bathroom functions. And in a week or two, perhaps the kitten will lose interest in nursing. Maybe.
 
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betsygee

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One of our kittens did this--I figured when the other cat got tired of it, she would let him know.  And sure enough, she tolerated it for awhile (several weeks if I'm remembering correctly), but then she got tired of the second cat doing that, and she would just get up and walk away when he came around her.  After awhile, he just stopped trying.
 

mservant

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Many young cats will try to do this when they are together with other cats, and for some members here on TCS it has also been with male cats who will tolerate the behaviour.  It is really unfortunate that your older cat's nipple looks injured and swollen.  

It might be good to check with your vet in case there is anything you can do to ease any pain or discomfort your older cat is experiencing as it is likely she is feeling quite a bit of pain at this point.  It is a shame you need to look at covering her but with the swelling and injury this is probably the best thing to do to prevent further damage.

It is also necessary to find some alternative comforter for your younger cat.  This is a common behaviour that some young cats will out grow and others not.  Some will move over to a small toy or blanket, or a human finger / ear etc.  to feel more safe and relaxed.   In some settings, with a tolerant and patient cat mother a kitten will still be allowed to suckle occasionally - in fact my own cat was still allowed to do this with his fur mom right up until I adopted him at around 15 weeks.   (His mother had the patience of a saint).  He made no attempt to suckle once he was separated from her, probably as he had been gradually weaned and was confident and secure by the time he had to cope without her.  I believe the behaviour is most common where kittens have lost or been separated from their mother at a very young age.
 
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