Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: AndyBanks on February 13, 2009, 19:51:03 PM

Title: Cat Sucking Own Teat
Post by: AndyBanks on February 13, 2009, 19:51:03 PM

Hi,

We brought home a 2.5 year old cat from the RSPCA last weekend and she's settled in really well. She's relaxed around us and in good health.

She has one strange habbit though which is to constantly suck her own teat and it actually sounds like she's getting something from it. She's also drinking little water although we put fresh down twice a day. When she sucks her teat she also claws out a lot - almost like she's stretching her legs repeatedly.

Although she's 2.5 years old she was only spayed back in January - could this have anything to do with it?

Is her behaviour normal?

Thanks,
Andy

Title: Re: Cat Sucking Own Teat
Post by: Kay and Penny on February 13, 2009, 20:02:01 PM

the stretching and clawing is what kittens do when they are at their mother's teat, and many cats continue to do it whilst kneading something warm and fluffy well into adulthood

never heard of an adult cat doing it on her own teat though

Title: Re: Cat Sucking Own Teat
Post by: AndyBanks on February 13, 2009, 22:26:16 PM

Thanks for the reply.

Does anyone else have anymore ideas?

Title: Re: Cat Sucking Own Teat
Post by: Yvonne on February 13, 2009, 22:32:35 PM

Is she still doing it?

I would imagine it is a bit like thumb sucking - it does not sound as though it is anything serious.  Is there anything else that you can give her?  My young kitten likes to suck my daughter's woolly dressing gown.

The kitten experts do not appear to be on line at the moment but I am sure they will respond when they notice your thread.



 :welcome:  to Purrs by the way

Title: Re: Cat Sucking Own Teat
Post by: Dark Moon on February 13, 2009, 23:54:54 PM

My Tony does that and has since I adopted him (he was 5 at the time. Is now 11). It does seem like thumb sucking to me - it's just a little security thing he does from time to time. Doesn't bother me, doesn't hurt him.

Title: Re: Cat Sucking Own Teat
Post by: Janeyk on February 14, 2009, 07:26:35 AM

I agree, it just sound like a comforting thing for her right now bless her  :Luv2:

Title: Re: Cat Sucking Own Teat
Post by: Tan on February 14, 2009, 14:32:12 PM

 :welcome: Andy

Yes me agree to that she is doing for comfort and is a thing from Kittenhood.
If she isn't hurting herself ( I have heard of a cat doing the same thing but she was rubbing her eye and causing it to swell alot) then i would leave her with her comfy habbit or try to distract her each time by having a play time. A product called Feliway plug in can help give her some comft too. This releases a "happy  and content" smell that help calm cats.

What's her name?
well done to you for giving her a loving home  ;D