Kitten habit

Question
My husband and I found a 2 month old kitten that had been
abandoned.  We have taken him in and notice that when he gets
very relaxed he starts sucking on his bottom two nipples and
sometimes they get red.  His fur is starting to turn into a light
brownish color in that area (his belly is white colored.)  We realize
he was propably not weened properly and are unsure how to get
him to stop.  We've been puting replacement formula in a bowl for
him several times a day but it's really annoying when he does this
on our lap or at night when we are sleeping.  It's only been about a
day since feeding him the formula along with moist food.  He is
very persistent.  Any thoughts or advive for this dilema?  

Answer
Hi Tamra!

Awww, the poor little thing has created this bad habit because he is probably insecure and is using this just as a baby would use a pacifier.  It makes him feel content just as he did when nursing his mother.  I have a Siamese that is 8 months old now, and he "nurses" my other cat.  Actually what he is doing is sucking her fur... lol, but that sucking noise is quite annoying, I know.   I really don't know what you can do to stop him other than give him extra attention.   Although the formula you are giving him is good for him, it won't make him stop because it is the actual sucking that is making him feel content. I wish I could give you a magic answer, but honestly, I think he will get over it when he gets older.  Right now it gives him security.

God Bless,
Becky