Kitten nursing on other kittens genitals...

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firsttimemom

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I have a pair of 5 week old kittens which were orphaned at about 2 1/2 weeks old. I am having an issue with one kitten nursing on the other kittens genitals. When the problem first showed itself (about a week ago), I used Bitter Apple to discourage the kitten. It seemed to work the first few days, but for the last couple days, the kitten doesn't seem to mind the Bitter Apple any more. I spray both kittens often throughout the day, but the problem is back inspite of it. I am keeping them separate for now because of this. Any other suggestions? I can imagine that they can get sick from ingesting urine, but how serious is it? They have been kept together overnights and naps during the days so there's no telling how much the kitten has ingested. He is acting, eating, playing like normal. Not sure what to do next. Thanx in advance....

Dana
 
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beckiboo

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You are right to separate them. While it is not healthy for the baby sucking, it is very harmful to the baby being suckled on. The agency I foster for lost an entire litter due to this. The kittens were suckling on each others genitals, and caused such damage that several required surgery, and still did not survive.

It is very important to keep them separate. As babies, that urge to suckle is so strong, because it is what would be keeping them alive if they had a Momma. But it can literally kill them now.

Best of luck with these tiny ones. You definitely are a special person to keep them alive from such a tender age.
 
tnr1

tnr1

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Originally Posted by FirstTimeMom

I have a pair of 5 week old kittens which were orphaned at about 2 1/2 weeks old. I am having an issue with one kitten nursing on the other kittens genitals. When the problem first showed itself (about a week ago), I used Bitter Apple to discourage the kitten. It seemed to work the first few days, but for the last couple days, the kitten doesn't seem to mind the Bitter Apple any more. I spray both kittens often throughout the day, but the problem is back inspite of it. I am keeping them separate for now because of this. Any other suggestions? I can imagine that they can get sick from ingesting urine, but how serious is it? They have been kept together overnights and naps during the days so there's no telling how much the kitten has ingested. He is acting, eating, playing like normal. Not sure what to do next. Thanx in advance....

Dana
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Hey Dana...this is a really good site for you:

http://www.kitten-rescue.com/kitten_suckling.html

Katie
 
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semiferal

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Ingesting the urine is not actually a problem, the problem is for the cat whose genitals are being sucked on. The penis can swell and prevent the flow of urine. Tragically, I know of a kitten who died from this. It is very important that you keep them separated for the time being.
 
hissy

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Yes, please separate them. They are only going for what feels natural to them and do not understand that this is not mom's teat. I have good luck with giving each kitten their own cubicle to sleep in and also give them a soft dog toy to snuggle with. You can use cardboard to separate them, that way they stay warm and still can be somewhat close. Poke some pencil size holes in the cardboard walls so they can still smell each other-


Good luck
 
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