Kitten sucking his back paw as if nursing

by Katoo
(Canton, Ohio)

I adpoted a 4 month old kitten from a shelter about 1 month ago. He and his 2 brother had been at the shelter since they were 2 monthes old I think. My kitten sucks on his back paw while laying on me , as if he is still nursing. He kneads me while he is sucking on his back paw and won't stop until he falls asleep. He only does this when he jumps up to cuddle on one of us. He doesn't try to nurse off our other 2 male cats who he gets long with quite well. He also doesn't suck on any clothing or fabric. Does he do this because he was seperated from his Mother to early ? Is there anything we should watch out for or do when he is doing this ? Also will he grow out of this behavior more than likely ?

Answer by Kate
Yes it sounds like a learned behavior that he is using as a comforter. It may look cute but it really should be discoraged as it can cause sores and fur loss as well as possible hairballs.

Try stopping him doing it when you see him. If that does not work you may have to put something on the leg that will taste nasty to the cat. a little fresh lemon juice diluted in water perhaps.

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