What can I do to keep my cat from sucking on himself?

Question

I've looked at other posts on this website about cats doing the sucking thing, but I haven't found any that refer to cats sucking on their sides. It's always the same side and it's right about on his thigh. He just sits there and purrs and moves his front paws and sucks on his fur! He only does it when he is curled up next to someone though. Also, it seems like when he starts purring, he goes straight to sucking. It's like purring and sucking go together for him. I used to let his do this, but i t's starting to get annoying and no one is my family likes it. Why does he do this? is it because he was taken away form his mother too early?How can I stop him from doing this?

Answer 1

Once I went to Africa, and there was this young cat that did the same. I wonder why he did it??

Answer 2

As long as he isn't traumatizing the skin or causing hair loss I don't know that I would worry about it. It is comforting to him. But if you are really worried ask your vet for his/her opinion.

Answer 3

I'm going to guess you are correct in assuming that the cat may have been taken away from it's mother too soon. My brother's old cat did this too, but it was only with my sister in law and he sucked on her shirt.

If he's been doing this for years, it may not be possible to get him to stop, but if he's still young, you can try distracting him with something else he enjoys when he does this. For example if he has a favorite toy, dangle it or drag it in front of him whenever you see him doing this. His natural chase instinct should kick in, and he'll forget about suckling himself. If that doesn't work, as soon as he starts to purr, give him some other kind of pleasure so he can't suckle...scratch his ears or under his chin BEFORE he can start to suckle himself. Do this everytime he starts to purr. Hopefully he will stop associating purring with suckling and start associating it with another pleasurable sensation.

Answer 4

It's not the cats fault for suckling, but it's obvious the kitty was taken away from it's mother too soon. One way to curb this behavior is to get a small toy (for adult cats only) with catnip (cats love it) and play with the cat. This will usually stop the suckling. Cats will rub themselves against you out of affection, or even use their head to bump your face (gently.) Play with the cat and if it's very affectionate then carry it around and talk to it. I do that with my cat and she got over the suckling.

Answer 5

Maybe you should see a professional cat trainer or behavorial specialist for cats or something.

And then maybe they can help you out.