My 5-month old kitten

Question
QUESTION: My 5-month old female kitten has this thing about sucking and kneeing it my nightgown, she does only to me and nobody else. What is causing her to do this? And what can we do to stop it? She has a twin brother who does not do this. Can you pleas let me know something. Thank Rosie

ANSWER: Rosie,

It is a sign of affection for the kneading.  But the sucking may mean she was weaned too young or she was removed from her mother too young or both.  She may outgrow this, but, meanwhile, I know of no way to stop this save not letting her near your night gown.

Some kittens do not seem to have a problem with being weaned and relocated very young and some do.  Just like human siblings have different personalities and quirks, so do kitten siblings.

If kittens get rehomed before 12 weeks of age, some of these clothing chewing/sucking behaviors can crop up.

I hope she outgrows this.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Another question about the same kitten. My kitten is into everything and we have tried just about everything for scolding this kitten and it seems like nothing works.What can we do to break her from  getting into stuff she's not supposed to get into? Please help us!!! Thank you Rosie

Answer
Rosie,

This is just being a 5 month old kitten.  They tend to be mischievous and know no boundaries.  The only way to keep them out of things they are not supposed to get into is to deny them access or put things where they cannot get to.

Scolding kittens or cats does no good at all.  Cats do not know what "NO" means, nor do they care!

Fortunately, as they grow older and become more "wordly", they outgrow many of these behaviors.

Best regards... Norm.