New Kitten Advice- Nursing On An Older Cat

Emb55

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Hi any helpful advice or guidance on this issue would be greatly received.

We recently added a new member to our little cat family. A 12 week old kitten.

She has taken a shine to our younger male Siamese (the eldest firmly told her to leave him alone) and I have noted him batting her off and biting her albeit not hard I think because she doesn’t squeal. I had thought it was just a bit of rough play so I’ve been nervously watching/intervening. I realised this afternoon the reason he appears to be doing it, when otherwise happy to sit alongside side her/play with her, is that she appears to be trying to nurse on him.

She hasn’t left mum too early we got her from a very reputable breeder. But I’ve never come across it before, is it common?

How do we deal with it? Is she likely to stop pestering him? As I want them to get along as she is effectively younger companionship for him.
 

ArtNJ

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I've never seen it personally, but from what I've read it isn't considered a problem even if the male was allowing it, which he isn't. Just kitten seeking comfort, which some male cats do allow for a time; no harm in it. Kitten should stop soon given that the older cat is discouraging it. Also, if the kitten isn't squealing, the Siamese is not being too rough. In fact, even a little squealing is ok. Really, the way you know the kitten is not being hurt is if he keeps coming back and does not avoid the older cat except for during or briefly right after rough play.
 
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Mamanyt1953

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It sounds as if your Siamese has things well in hand paw. He's going to be teaching her all sorts of things that cats must learn from cats, including the fact that he is NOT DA MAMA! He doesn't sound as if he is being unduly rough with her, just firm. Let him have at it. He'll get the idea across in ways we humans never can.

And, no, it isn't uncommon at all. We have one member whose orphaned kitten latched on to a spayed Labrador retriever, who had no problem with it at all, and actually began lactating. At last I knew, the kitten, now a cat, and the lab were still at it, both happy as clams with the situation.
 

FeebysOwner

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Hi. All of the above - great information/advice!!! Can you try a few different types of towels/blankets (not shedding kinds) to see if you can get the kitten to use those instead - like lay them on/nearby your younger Siamese? There are even 'toys' out there that are supposed to be for kittens - and yes even cats - who are prone to suckle. Just search "suckling toys for kittens" and see if there are any you would like to try.
 
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Emb55

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Thank you so much everyone that’s loads of help. Currently she is still being kicked and bit and doesn’t seem to have got the message- she’s persistent bless her. I’ll have a look for some sort of substitute as suggested.

In terms of the rough playing I think I was just worried because she’s so much smaller than him but your advice has calmed me no end!

I’ve just found the nipple pillow. :lol:
 

Mamanyt1953

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That is just too cute for words! Tell her she is very, very welcome, indeed. Any little old time at all!
 

danteshuman

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Well I had one kitten nurse off of my adult male cat years ago. Currently I had three kittens that nurse off of their blankets ..... and sometimes each other. They are now 3 months old. One of the kittens kept trying to nurse his brother's private spot but luckily one of the boys found a home so it put a end to it. They like the fake suede /velour blankets but they love nursing on the nappy white side best. Maybe a blanket like that?
IMG_7435.JPG
 
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