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11-26-2013, 09:09 PM
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#1
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Newborn Pup
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 13
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Help!
I adopted two kittens today, a male and a female, the male 3 months old and the female 2 months old, I believe the female not to be weaned yet, I know the drill of what to do but I'm worried about the male because she is trying to suckle off of him and he isn't doing his best right now. Any advice on how I can stop her? Thanks
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11-26-2013, 09:35 PM
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#2
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Hamsters on the Brain
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 6,458
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Re: Help!
Do you know the history of your kittens? At 2 months of age your female is old enough to be weaned unless she was removed from her mother too young. I've known adult cats who were taken away too young and they suckled all their lives. I don't know that there is any way to stop them once they start. It's like a comfort to them
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11-26-2013, 09:41 PM
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#3
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Hamster Savvy
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: North Carolina, USA
Posts: 2,356
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Re: Help!
At 2 months old, or 7-8 weeks old, the kitten should very much be weaned. Most likely the female is attempting to suckle off of the male as the act of suckling is both comforting and pleasurable for her. Its actually quote normal behavior for kittens at that age. I had a kitten suckle off my pink afghan for a few months when I first got her.
If the suckling is causing physical harm to the male, aka the female is suckling off of his genitalia and its all quite irritated down there from her attempts, then I would separate them for now.
If there is no signs of irritation, or the male won't let the female suckle at all, then there probably isn't any need for separation.
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11-27-2013, 01:16 AM
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#4
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Newborn Pup
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 13
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Re: Help!
My real worry right now is her eating, she hasn't eaten yet when she's the one who was adjusting more easily, that's what sparked this suspicion in the first place besides the established acts.
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11-27-2013, 01:20 AM
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#5
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Hamster Savvy
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: North Carolina, USA
Posts: 2,356
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Re: Help!
What are you feeding the kittens? Dry food? Wet food? A mix of the two?
If you are truly concerned about her not eating, than maybe a trip to the vets is in order.
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11-27-2013, 01:47 AM
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#6
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Yorkshire, UK but my heart lies in Scotland!
Posts: 28,184
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Re: Help!
I had a similar issue with my two kittens when we first adopted them from a rescue in that the male would suckle on the female kitten. She let him and it didn't seem to do her any harm - in fact she seemed to enjoy it and would purr and paddle the bedding as he sucked away. Her tummy was always soaking! This all came to an abrupt halt when she was spayed and had stitches so there was no way he could be allowed to suckle then. As she was a bit sore we crated her in the same room but he could not get at at her and made sure he was kept amused with play and when she was healed he never ever did it again
As to the female kitten - she should be well weaned by this age. Has she been vet checked to ensure all is well? Cats must keep eating so I would take this seriously. Separate them or supervise feeding. Maybe try tempting with small bits of chicken and tuna and hand feed her? Try feeding side by side, together and separate to see if that makes any difference. Several small meals a day are needed and monitor her toileting. Maybe she is younger than you were told? I'd get some kitten milk for her too to drink. If she still won't feed see a vet.
You may be better advised on a dedicated cat forum where there will be experienced cat rescue and health people to help. I hope she starts feeding soon
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11-27-2013, 09:06 AM
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#7
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Newborn Pup
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 13
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Re: Help!
Update, I'm relieved to say she has started eating, he doesn't really like when she does it but can't fight her off because she really only does it when she's half asleep and when he is asleep, I have started something to maybe stop her from suckling him, it probably is just a small happy habit. She does it to me too and I don't mind, I'm just worried one of these days she might get hurt, especially because of a pretty big size difference.
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