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Post by pixiepops on May 3, 2015 15:55:25 GMT
Well we have come across a problem in regards to Kacey. She is perfect healthwise, however, we have noticed lately that she is starting to try and suckle on Dexter like she would have done with her mum cat. He doesnt seem at all bothered by her and while shes doing that he holds her head and washes her, but obviously I am concerned she will hurt him or cause him to become bald in the areas she is doing this.
We have tried taking her away from him and putting her down in front of her food bowl when she does this but so far its not working (been doing this for the last 12 days). Sometimes he will get up and walk away but she then follows him, waits till he lays down again and then tries to suckle again. If we stop her from going near him, after about 5-10 minutes she will give up and go to her food bowl herself. She was taken away from her mum at 12 weeks old, so I know its not a case of she was taken away too early.
Is there anything else we can try? Should I be worried about this? Is this something she will grow out of?
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Post by cazypops on May 3, 2015 16:00:22 GMT
Sorry I've not had anything to do with kittens. Have you had a word with your vet about it?
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Post by pixiepops on May 3, 2015 16:03:47 GMT
I havent spoken to my vet about it yet as they have been quite busy the last few weeks. It could be something as simple as Dexter comforts her or she feels safe with him in the same way she did with her mum cat but I would like to stop her from doing it
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Post by ebony on May 3, 2015 16:05:57 GMT
I have heard there's some stuff you can use to discourage a pet from sucking (that doesn't harm them but doesn't taste very nice to the cat trying to suckle), can't remember offhand what it's called but if I can find it on google it might be something you could try? Edit: can't find it on google but apparently you can try lemon or something sour. I found this link: pets.thenest.com/adult-cats-suckle-6163.html
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Post by pixiepops on May 3, 2015 16:13:13 GMT
Thanks ebony definitely something I could try but poor Dexter lol can imagine him trying to wash himself and getting some of that in his mouth...I would be a bad mummy lol
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Post by ebony on May 3, 2015 16:14:28 GMT
pixiepops I edited previous post to add a link, maybe that will help?
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Post by pixiepops on May 3, 2015 16:20:34 GMT
Thank you will take a look at the link
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Post by cazypops on May 3, 2015 16:50:51 GMT
Just a thought.... what about if you had to put a modified babygrow on Dexter so that Kacey gets the comfort she craves but it might break the suckeling cycle.
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Post by gypsy on May 3, 2015 16:57:30 GMT
Not really certain but maybe its because she was with her mother until she was 12 weeks. Some cats/dogs with try to suckle from their mother long after they are fully weaned. Whether this is habit or comfort I'm not sure. So its possible she was doing it with her mother and has now transferred to Dexter. If he swiped her or bit her she would likely get the message and stop doing it, but as he actually allows her do it....
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Post by tonib on May 3, 2015 19:26:34 GMT
Sorry I can't give any advice , never been involved with kittens/young cats. The youngest we've had was nearly 2. However gypsy's comment does seem to make sense (no surprise there )
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Post by pixiepops on May 3, 2015 21:25:34 GMT
In all honesty I hadnt actually thought it was because she was with mum too long!I have only ever heard of cats doing it when they have been taken away from their mum too early Definitely something to think about and it does make sense
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Post by smilesbetter on May 6, 2015 8:42:31 GMT
I wouldn't worry if he's not bothered, my cat Bramble used to suckle on one of my blankets and knead it when she was very content, it seemed to be comforting to her like humans who suck their thumbs. Bramble wasn't with her mum too long, think we got her at 8 or 9 weeks, she was quite a nervous cat but only did this when she was snuggling with me on this one hairy blanket and I'd assume felt most safe. Haha I can still remember the funny noise she made when she did it.
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Post by lotsofcats on May 6, 2015 9:31:49 GMT
Not really certain but maybe its because she was with her mother until she was 12 weeks. Some cats/dogs with try to suckle from their mother long after they are fully weaned. Whether this is habit or comfort I'm not sure. So its possible she was doing it with her mother and has now transferred to Dexter. If he swiped her or bit her she would likely get the message and stop doing it, but as he actually allows her do it.... I think I agree with the above. I have Kali and her 2 daughters Blackberry and Willow. The 2 girls will be 4 years old this month and whenever the Mum Kali sits on my lap Willow jumps on too and starts rooting around on Kali's tummy to try and suckle - at 4 years old!!! I have to push her head away and hold my hand over Kali's tummy to stop her. I think it is a comfort thing with Kacey and if Dexter doesn't mind her doing it I wouldn't be too bothered - if he didn't want her to do it he would push her away or get up and walk away. I think it is very sweet that Dexter washes her.
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Post by pixiepops on May 6, 2015 21:20:11 GMT
lol smilesbetter it was the funny noise that drew me to realise what she was doing lotsofcats it certainly is sweet shes washed his face and head before too very cute when the do that
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