Adult cat still bothers its mother

by Nick
(Mount Wolf PA)

I have a 7 year old domestic short hair cat and her two 6 year old daughters living with us since there birth. One of the girls to this day still tries to nurse off of her. I feel bad for the mom cause she never gets a chance to rest sometimes. Can you tell me why you think she is still trying to do this and some advice to try and stop it so mama cat can get some rest.

Answer by Kate
Hi well this is unusual and something i have not come across before.

normally cats become very independent and are usually not inclined to revert to kitten behaviour around there mother cat, they do around humans because that's where they get there food from but she will be getting nothing from the mother cat.

are you sure she is trying to nurse and is not just kneading her mother? this sort of behaviour is often displayed by a cat on blankets etc and is a sort of comforting gesture. In which case your cat may be feeling a little insecure.

As to how to stop this well the only thing i can suggest is a period of separation, perhaps a week or so in separate rooms but ensuring that there is plenty to keep the cat entertained and distracted. lost of things to climb, explore, play with etc ( please see this page for some more ideas

https://www.our-happy-cat.com/indoor-cats.html )

and then when they are reintroduced to keep the level of distraction up in the rest of the house.

hope all works out well for all your cats

best wishes Kate

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