Blanket Suckling Kitten

Question
Dear Karen,

I hope you can help. I found a very young kitten shortly before Christmas. It was found in a box in a dumpster and I adopted her. When I took her to a vet, they said that she was barley 6 weeks old, so it puts her at about 3 1/2 months of age now.

My question is about a behavior she does. I have a 4 month old breastfed daughter, and whenever I nurse my daughter, the kitten comes up and tries to nurse/suckle on her blanket. I have been able to stop her from actually climbing on me and the baby and she will find a blanket to suckle on near me or try and suckle on my pant leg or sock.

Should I be concerned? Will she grow out of this behavior? and why would she be doing this?  

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

This is nothing to be worried about. Cats that were taken from their mothers very young exhibit this behavior. I have one that was 4 hours old that I rescued and brought up and everyday Mooshie nuzzles against my neck and kneads me like he is suckling.
It's up to you. If it bothers you, removing her from you will train her not to do this on you. Her having her own  blanket is fine. Sometimes kittens will out grow the sucking behavior. It depends on the cat. Her kneading will most likely be with her for the rest of her life.
Some people like this behavior and others don't. It is just that she perceives you as Mom. It's nothing to worry about. Good luck with both your little ones.

Ciao, Karen