Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All,

As you probably know, I have two Tonk brothers who are approaching 4 months old. Last week I noticed that Jake was sucking on Riker's stomach. There was nothing there, but he sucked on his brother and kneaded him for quite a while. Then Riker joined in and traded sucking his own stomach and his brother's. Since, I've noticed it happening many times during the week. I just think this is weird! I've never had two kittens before, so perhaps it is normal withdrawal from their mother. But the two were with there mom's for quite a while, we didn't adopt them till they were over 3 months and a lot of that time was spent with mom and their littermates. I thought being older would help them adjust. We do love on them a lot and they have plenty to eat. Have you seen this before?

Why the suck fest?? Any input you have would be appreciated.

Thanks!!
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Ms KC

No clue, but great question! The first night we had Ricky and Levi, Ricky tried to nurse off of Bayla. Woke her from a deep sleep. Let's just say Bayla was not pleased.
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Mindy

i got my tonk, Rigby, at 6 months...and he opted to sucking on me!! my neck, arm, leg...whatever he can get. i'm not sure why....he was with his mother for a while, and isn't hungry...

Now, he's almost 10mo, and he's still doing it, but not quite as much...

>>
>>Why the suck fest?? Any input you have would be appreciated.
>>
>>Thanks!!
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>>Ms KC

In a nut shell, honestly? I think it's all about comfort. Kittens don't always suck on mama kitty for milk, sometimes they do it because it comforts them. Just because mama isn't avaliable any more doesn't mean they don't forget the comfort they've come to associate with the behaviour. My one Turkish Angora Mystique (aka the Squeaker Toy) used my ear as her 'binkie' until she was almost 12 months old! If I wore ear rings (and mind you I have a total of 8 piercings: 4 per ear) I had to remember to take them out at night lest she managed to work one loose.
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PURRS!!!!
Tricia
Da-Katz
Tonks:Siamese on valium/Burmese on speed!
and
Turks:Turkies rule!