Advice for Siamese kitten that is suckling on things

Our question this week was:

We have a six-month-old lilac point Siamese kitten. We bought her from a reputable breeder when she was 12-weeks-old. She has this strange habit of sucking on fabric, and stiff paper…like heavy manila folders. She only does this when she is sleepy and settling down for a nap. Someone told me that it might be a sign she was too young when she left her mother, but I thought 12 weeks was an okay age to separate them. Why does she do this? Is it something we need to worry about?

Emily Weaver

Answer

Hi Emily – thanks for your email. This is pretty common in cats. I’ve seen cats do that were taken off their moms young and on cats that were not. I don’t think it has anything to do with it.

Many kitten (and even adult cats) will demonstrate a suckling behavior when they are relaxed, comfortable and getting ready for a nap. Many cats will also move their paws which is sometimes called “making biscuits” but demonstrates the motions of nursing.

I think it is similar to young kids that suck their thumbs.

As long as you kitten doesn’t “eat” any of the objects that she is suckling, it generally isn’t a problem.

2 articles that might be helpful to you are on our Petplace.com is Why do cats knead so much? Woolsucking in Cats.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

To read most recent questions Click here!

Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers!