Our veterinarian estimated our kittens to be 8-10 weeks old when we adopted them. When I would try to snuggle with him, he would seek out my bare skin (usually my legs or arms) and he would frantically rub his nose and mouth over my skin. At first, I was confused, but I soon began to suspect that he was trying to nurse.This was my first time having kittens and I was both confused and a bit worried by his suckling behavior. Our female kitten only participated in attempts to suckle a couple of times. Both times she came over while her brother was fervently suckling and she seemed to get caught up in his behavior. But she stopped once she realized that she wasn’t going to succeed, whereas he would keep trying.My research showed that suckling is fairly common in kittens, and some adult cats. Experts believe that kittens may attempt to nurse from people if they have been weaned from their mother too early. It is recommended that kittens stay with their mother until they are 2 months (8 weeks) old, although more conservative estimates say that kittens should stay with mom until 3 months (12 weeks.) It is also thought that nursing and suckling are comforting to kittens, so they may attempt those behaviors to self-sooth or simply because it is enjoyable.While you may not mind having your kitten suckle your skin, this behavior can become ingrained in your kitten if you don’t stop it. Cats use their tongues to lick themselves clean, including their genitals, so it is best to discourage any licking or suckling to prevent transmission of bacteria. There may also come a time, especially when your kitten reaches adulthood, when you or your guests will not want to be licked or suckled by your cat.Suckling isn’t bad behavior – for your kitten, it’s natural! It is first the mother cat’s responsibility, and secondly our responsibility, to teach kittens mature behavior.
The best way to stop your kitten from suckling is to gently redirect their behavior. When they begin to suckle, move them away from your skin to stop the behavior. Alternately, you can walk away to show that you are not interested in that behavior. It is important to be consistent and gentle. You can also try to replace the suckling behavior with petting or play, as these will provide the emotional satisfaction that your kitten is possibly looking for when he tries to suckle.
It may take days or weeks or months before your kitten or cat stops suckling, but be patient and stick to gentle redirection!
Please comment if you have any other suggestions!
Jennifer Kean is a writer and pet-lover who owns two rescue kittens (lifetime cat owner too!) and has a 40 gallon fish tank!