Male Cat Nurses Itself to Sleep

By Karen (Guest Post)

I agree with the shelter worker, as long as he isn't hurting anyone or himself, don't worry. This apparently is very soothing to him. He misses mommy! Maybe if you were to introduce something like what poor but proud recommend it would help it, you are trying to stop him from doing it. BTW, I have heard of the sugar teat all my life and never heard of it anywhere else but from my mom! Thanks for sharing with us! Brought back sweet memories!

By Julie (Guest Post)

Sorry, maybe I was not too clear. He suckles his privates. This can be very strange I know, but any more feed back is welcome and thank you to all those who have responded.

By

joshreeves

This happens all the time to cats that experience early separation from their mother. Most effected cats never get over it.

By Shelter Worker (Guest Post)

As long as he isn't hurting himself or anyone else; let it go. :o)

By

Poor But Proud

Kittens taken away too young suckle finger tips, ear lobes, eye droppers, corners of pillows, and some even get a kick out of what mom's used to call a sugar teat. They would put cheesecloth in a bunch, put some sugar in it, then tie it so tight that it would be like a nipple, which kept babies occupied during long wagon train rides.
You may want to make him something like that with some sugar and cream, a little tiny bit of cat food, or whatever.
When kittens nurse, they often fall asleep so yes, this is a way to calm himself.
He is close to you because you are warm. Be grateful...my cat will sit with me about 1 hour a day!

By

suescats

Not sure if you mean he nurses on himself, on you, or on something else, but it's pretty common in cats that were taken away from their mother at a very young age. It's a comfort thing for him, and, if he's nursing on himself, as long as he's not making his skin raw, it's fine. If he is making his skin raw,you could talk to your vet about something topical that wouldn't taste good.