My kitten sucks its tail before it sleeps at night....?

Question

every night before my kitten goes to sleep on my bed, it automatically gets its tail and starts sucking on it, its about a month or two old and it is a male, i dont think this matters but i try to put stuff like tape or something on his tail from preventing it but he keeps taking it off, its like an obsession, i wish i could just cut it off, and its gross when i feel wet saliva on my covers, i just hope he doesnt continue doing this when he grows into a more developed male cat. that would be embarrasing...lol

Answer 1

I got my 5 yr old cat from a shelter when he was just 4 weeks old...he had wandered away from his mom and someone found him.  When he was hungry (we had to bottle-feed him), he would suck on the fuzzies on his favorite blankie (we called it his 'blankie mommy, lol).  I was told it was because he was away from his mom too soon and it was his way of feeling comforted.  After some time, he only did it to fall asleep and then started doing it less and less. About a year ago, he stopped altogether.  He is happy and well-adjusted; musta grew out of it.

Answer 2

It's because his need to suck (nurse) wasn't completely met when he was younger.  Don't put things like tape on it.  It won't hurt anything, and it will eventually go away.  One of my cats was an orphaned kitten and he sucked his paw until he was an adult.  It was so funny when all of a sudden he would seem to hold his paw up with a disgusted look on his face as if to say, "Ewwww, it's all WET!"

Answer 3

pry a habit or he just likes it ask your vet

Answer 4

My cat developed the habit of sucking his belly immediately after his mother weaned him and after 4 years he still does it. I don't stop him from doing it since it's obviously a security issue with him. He's annoying with it sometimes especially when I'm trying to go to sleep but hey--I just ingore it the best I can.

Answer 5

I had a female cat who did this - she continued with this habit for about 10 years.  Then suddenly she stopped.  Please don't try to stop him doing this - especially as he is a kitten.  He is rekindling the sensation of suckling from his mum!  Does he paddle too when on your lap or when on your bed?

He will grow out of it.  I think it is endearing and sweet