Nursing question

[RobertsLaura]

Hi everybody I'm Laura and we have two 12 week old female kittens from the same litter. They were both spayed when they were 10 weeks old and now Flop has started trying to nurse from Flip. Is this normal? I've never had two kittens at once before so I'm finding it on the odd side. When I see her doing it I distract her with one of their toys so she'll stop. I would love to get your opinions about this.
Thanks
Laura

[Deja]

It's been my experience with young kittens that some do continue to suckle - they'll find the corner of a blanket, soft toy, someone's earlobe or neck... or in your case a litter-mate. It's a self-pacifying behavior. I wouldn't worry too much about it at all.


Are they eating well? Are they active and playing? Were they taken from their mother before they were fully weaned?

If they were taken from their mother before they were fully weaned it might explain the behavior even further.

I have 2 full grown cats (different ages, totally different litters - they aren't related at all) - I rescued both when each was very young. They both still "suckle" - and they drool when they "knead" on anyone.

If the other kitten was bothered, the "suckling" kitten would be swatted away and the other kitten would get up and not let it continue. I'd let them pacify themselves ...

Just my thoughts Good Luck.

[lixx]

I would let them be. The only thing I would watch out for is if it becomes excessive and it always in the same spot. It *could* dry out the other kittens skin. Other then that, I wouldn't worry.

[RobertsLaura]

Thanks for your opinions ladies. Both of the girls are very active and eat well. So I guess I'll just chalk up my worry to them being my first "babies" I've had many cats over the years but they were never in my care only so I worry about them all the time lol.

[Dena]

We have (I should say had because he was adopted today)a 10 week old male that constantly nursed on his sister. Today I found him suckling off of an adult male cat that seemed to be content with the whole thing. He's going to be one of those cats that end up sucking on your shirt well into adulthood.

[RareBreedExotic]

if the suckling bothers you, as i know that it can for some people, maybe you could introduce a bottle for your kitty? my lucy wanted to suckle for the first four months of life, but we couldn't let her keep wearing out her mom. We gave her a bottle twice a day until 6 months old and she doesn't suckle now. our vet said that it's better to give them the bottle now than have a cat who wants to suckle as an adult. suckling brings comfort and security to a kitten, and not allowing your kitty to suckle could cause insecurities in the kitty. however, allowing the kitty to nurse from a bottle will help the kitty to build confidence and independence which wil eliminate the need for adult suckling.