You might be asking yourself, “Why does my cat nurse on me?” If your pet seems to want to cuddle with you all the time, there are a few reasons it may do this. The first reason is purely instinctual: your cat will knead on you to clean its paws and nails. The second reason is likely a result of being separated from its mother at a young age.
Some cats may simulate nursing on you when bored or stressed. This behavior is often triggered by a sudden absence from a human family member, too many pets, or new pets. Although it might seem uncomfortable, this behavior does not hurt your cat and most kittens outgrow it as they mature. In most cases, nursing behavior is a normal cat behaviour that you will eventually grow out of. The next time your pet tries to nurse, remove yourself from the vicinity of the cat’s tail or your clothes.
If your cat continues to nurse on you after weaning, try to remove the object from its nipple as soon as possible. This will serve as a gentle reminder that it’s not acceptable. Putting something on your cat’s nipple may cause anxiety and further complicate the situation. To avoid this situation, you should see your veterinarian and get him/her tested for underlying causes.
If you were to remove your cat from its mother prematurely, it is likely that you would see it as a form of comfort for her. If the kitten was removed from its mother when it was very young, it would instinctively start sucking to feel secure. Keeping your cat close to its mother until eight to 10 weeks is best. This way, the cat will eventually outgrow its need for a human to nurse on.
Unlike human babies, adult cats also have a strong suckle instinct. They may try to suckle on objects – like your hands – that are soft, warm, and remind them of their mother’s breastmilk. However, adult cats may still nurse on you as a way to feel secure and to alleviate stress. This behavior is considered normal and is natural for kittens. This behavior will continue into adulthood, as your cat grows older.
Besides being an excellent source of contentment, nursing can also cause many health problems. Cats who suck may experience skin irritations or foreign objects, which can be harmful to their health. However, your cat is most likely content when it is able to nurse on you, so you need to be patient and try not to punish the behavior by trying to remove the object. This can be difficult if your cat has an extremely short attention span, but you can try it.
