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We have a new kitten, he's about 12-13 weeks old. Every day he acts like he is "nursing" on a white blanket of ours. He displays all the signs of a kitten nursing...the same position with paw kneading, licking and sucking. Does anyone know what this means? is it healthy? should we discourage it?
Thanks in advance.
I have an eight week old kitten that does the same thing on my clothes. The vet said that it was because she was orphaned so young ( 3 1/2 weeks). She said not to worry about it that she will either outgrow it or at least learn to not do it so much.
Kelly
>>We have a new kitten, he's about 12-13 weeks old. Every day he acts like he is "nursing" on a white blanket of ours. He displays all the signs of a kitten nursing...the same position with paw kneading, licking and sucking. Does anyone know what this means? is it healthy? should we discourage it?
>>
>>Thanks in advance.
It sounds like your kitten was taken away from the mother a little too early. The nursing motions make your kitten feel more secure. One of mine decided to nurse on my top lip when I first got him. Of course me being a certifiable cataholic, I never discouraged him. He is 10 now and although he doesn't do it as often, he has never outgrown it. Most cats do outgrow that nursing behavior. I'm kinda glad mine didn't. 
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Dottie
On your top lip? didn't it hurt?
>>We have a new kitten, he's about 12-13 weeks old. Every day he acts like he is "nursing" on a white blanket of ours. He displays all the signs of a kitten nursing...the same position with paw kneading, licking and sucking. Does anyone know what this means? is it healthy? should we discourage it?
>>
>>Thanks in advance.
No need to discourage it. This is normal kitten behavior. However, make sure the blanket he's chosen is safe. We don't want little teeth ripping out long threads and then having the kitten eating it. If your blanket is loosely-woven, try substituting it for a sturdier one for a few weeks, or give the kitten strong dish or hand towels as a substitute.
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PHCurious
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