Hair in eyes & kitten behavior

by Ginger
(Troy, IL)

I actually have 2 questions. First, I have approx 2 year old cat who has hair that is growing backwards into his eye instead of outward. I have been keeping his eye cleaned out and taking a soft washcloth and trying to "tame" the hair to grow outward instead of inward. Is there anything else I can do.

ALSO:

I have a kitten that was a stray when I received it so I have no idea how old it is. When I got it, it was very tiny, was eating soft food and you could barely tell that it was a boy. I have had the kitten now for about 3 months. Just recently it as starting where it comes up to me and starting kneeding and suckling on me as if I am its mother. Any ideas as to why its just now starting to do this and what I can do to help him get out of the "Stage".

Thanks and as soon as I can afford to buy your book, I will (unemployed right now)

Answer from Kate
Hi
to answer the first question. This is a condition which I believe may only be treatable with surgery. if it is not treated the hair starts to irritate the eye and causes damage which will cause the cat to go blind. i don't think their is any treatment you can do at home to stop this hair growing like this.

As for your second question. well it depends how old your cat really is. At around 3 months he would still have been possible suckling from his mother as they are weaned between 8 and 12 weeks. So his behavior may just be the tail end of this natural instinct. i wouldn't worry about it. Just put him quickly and quietly on the floor every time he does it and he will soon learn that he gets no where with this behavior.

Best wishes Kate

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