Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my kitten when she was about 7-8 weeks old. She is now somewhere between 5-6 months old. She was found outside, but I don't thinks he was born outdoors because she is TERRIFIED of it outside and loves to be around people; she cries if you go into a room and shut the door and she's not with you. She doesn't seem to like being petted very much, except when she's sleeping (she'll fall asleep laying on you). She doesn't really purr either... when she does purr, she either does this weird thing where she sucks on her tail, or acts realy affectionate then when you stop petting her, she starts sucking on her tail. She sucks on the underside of her tail, about an inch from the base. She kneeds her paws as well and just purrs really loud. Is this normal? How can i get her to stop (it's really annoying, especially when you're trying to sleep). Is it normal for small kittens not to want to be petted/not to purr? Do they start to do this more as they grow up? I'm just curious, because this is a cat that loves people, and isn't scared of anything. She'll let you pick her up and carry her around, she likes to be held on her back almost like a baby, but she doesn't purr or seem to like being petted. Is this because she's a kitten still?

Thanks for your help

Just wanted to mention that this kitten has been to the vet twice (for 2 sets of shots) and she has been dewormed, has no fleas, etc. She is an indoor only cat, and the only cat in the house.

Awwwww, she sounds like a real sweetie. And normal. Not all cats purr, at least not noticably. Sometimes you can just feel a slight vibration with no sound. And not every cat is fond of being petted. Now the tail sucking, that is a new one to me. Could be a kitten thing, possibly weaned to early...good luck with her. And inside is the best place for any cat...
-----
PHTessie

She sounds like a lovely cat and most of her habits are normal. As for the sucking and purring, I would guess that she was probably taken away from her Mom too young and so is comforting herself with nursing behavior. She may grow out of it as she gets older and more secure. Normally I would recommend that she be put out of the bedroom if this disturbs you however in her case, she is just a little afraid of being abandoned by her Mom and that would be you!!! You could also talk to your Vet about this behavior and see what suggestions he/she might have.
-----
PHWildCat/Tessa and 17 cats, 1 dog and even a hamster
Tabitha, in my heart forever.... earned her wings 6/26/05
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
Pet Hobbyist
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers