ERNEST

Question
MY MALE CAT LOVES ATTENTION AND WE GIVE IT TO HIM. HE CRAWLS IN OUR LAPS AND MAKES US GIVE IT TO HIM. BUT, WE DO NOT LIKE IT WHEN HE CLIMBS IN OUR LAPS AND STARTS TO SUCK/NIBBLE ON US AND PLACE HIS CLAWS INTO OUR SKINS. MY HUSBAND LOVES CATS....I HAVE GROWN TO LOVE CATS, BUT REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT. WE HAVE TWO FEMALES CATS WHO HAVE TAKEN LONGER TO WARM UP TO US, BUT THEY DO NOT DO THIS AT ALL.

Answer
Hello Tiffany,

I'm assuming Ernest is a young kitten/cat and I hope he's neutered.  If he's not yet neutered, this might help the problem.

All cats are different, and I have found that all of my male cats have been more affectionate than my females.  When Ernest jumps up on your lap and starts suckling, nibbling and moving his claws in and out on your skin, he is imitating behavior he learned when he nursed from his mom-cat, and which makes him feel content and secure as he felt at that time.

One thing you can do is make sure Ernest's claws are well-trimmed at all times; if you want to discourage the sucking/nibbling behavior, gently put him down, off your lap and tell him 'No' in a firm, yet non-threatening voice.  Keep repeating this (putting him down from your lap when he tries to suckle/nibble) and, he should get the idea.

Also, you can supply him with his own 'lovey', a cherished item he can go to for his suckling, nibbling, and kneading needs.  A big, soft, material throw pillow, or stuffed animal (no fuzzy materials as pieces may be bitten off by accident and ingested) are usually good for this purpose.  Just continue to be loving and gentle with Ernest and let him know when his behavior is not appropriate for you by ignoring the behavior, and things should improve.

Good luck!

Cher