New stray sucks on back paws when trying to go to sleep

[tneil1029]

I took a stray in from streets, about 2 weekends ago.. I noticed once getting her home and on my lap she started to suck on back paws as if she's nursing from her mom.. she's supposedly only 6 months old or so.. I have never seen this before and she does it til her paws look sore.. any idea on how to get to stop or why she even does this... thanks

 

[red top rescue]

It's self comforting behavior, probably was traumatically weaned, i.e. not slowly by her mom but her mom was killed or taken away from her suddenly.  We see this a lot with orphans. I have one who sucks a blanket because of this but she doesn't chew it so it's OK.  I wouldn't suggest putting anything on her paws to stop this, but maybe you could find something safe that might appeal to her.  Mine likes a supersoft blanket, some of them love the fake fur things, maybe a stuffed animal?  Just havecompassion for her, maybe hold her and pet her to comfort her so she doesn't feel alone.