Kitten suckling: Should I let her carry on or not?

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Hi everyone!

I know this question has probably been asked a million times before, but I can't seem to find a situation quite like mine.

I’ve had a kitten for two weeks now (she was born around the 15th of July) and she keeps trying to suckle on the back of my neck. I know it’s a thing and it’s not particularly worrying – it might be because she was weaned too early. The problem is, she mostly tries to do it in the middle of the night (not great for getting any sleep) and when she does it for several minutes, it’s really not very pleasant (I don’t need to tell you lot that cats don't exactly have soft tongues! 😌)

Anyway, the question is: should I just let her get on with it or stop her?

I don't let her do it at night because I'd rather sleep (I nudge her away, pick her up by the scruff to move her, tell her off, put her off the bed...), but obviously she doesn't understand and keeps coming back for more about a dozen times before she finally gives up. So, if any of you have any ideas on how to get her to stop, or to get her to do it on something else instead...

Cheers! 🙂

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4 answers
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    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, It sounds like your kitten was probably weaned a bit early, so she hasn't lost her suckling reflex yet. There isn't really a "right" or "wrong" way to handle this; it’s entirely up to you whether you let her carry on or not. As long as she’s eating her dry or wet food without any tummy troubles like diarrhoea, she’s fully weaned. You don't need to go back to milk-based food, as she likely won't be able to digest it anymore. She’ll very likely grow out of this habit as she gets older. In any case, even if you decide to stop her, please don't scold her. Just gently and calmly move her away so she stops; the aim isn't to stress her out. If you want to try @Blue Cat’s suggestion using a feeding bottle or just a suitable teat, don't use milk—stick to water or nothing at all. I know I’m repeating myself, but since she's already on solids, milk could easily give her diarrhoea. Hang in there and be patient. Have a lovely day! Mélanie – Vet student and consultant for a student-run veterinary advice service.
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    Chlorophylle
    Chlorophylle Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone. I have a kitten who came to me at six weeks old after her mum passed away. She’s six months old now and she still suckles on my t-shirt or my jumper; sometimes she even falls asleep while she's doing it. I let her carry on because I can see it reassures her and calms her down. Strangely though, she only ever does it during the day.
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    ?
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    She was taken away from her mum early, so it’s normal.
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    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello,

    Your little one was weaned far too early. It's perfectly normal for her to have a suckling reflex — please don't tell her off for it.

    On top of that, it's actually a sign that she feels comfortable and safe with you, so it's as much a gesture of affection as it is a reflex linked to her young age. You could try offering her a small bottle with a soft teat — perhaps with a little milk in it — there's a good chance she'll have a good long suckle on it.

    Translated from French

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