Why Do Some Adult Cats Still Suckle?

Cat suckling is a behavior normally displayed by cats of all ages. Here are some of the reasons why your adult cat might still be suckling:

● It is a kitten’s instinct to display suckling behavior towards soft and warm things that has a similar texture to a mother cat. Cat suckling can continue as cats reach adulthood whenever they encounter the familiar texture through their toys or the fabrics around them. There are also cases showing that cats engage in suckling behavior to an excessive level when the kitten was weaned early.

● Cats like to show when they are happy and comfortable. Some of the signs of a relaxed cat are kneading behavior and suckling behavior.

● Alternatively, cat suckling is an obsessive-compulsive behavior and could be a sign of stress. Other stress-related behaviors are overgrooming, tail-chewing, flank-licking, and paw-sucking.

● Oriental cat breeds (e.g. Siamese, Tonkinese, Balinese) are more likely to display suckling behavior as an adult than other cat breeds.

If you have concerns about your pet’s health and/or behavior, make an appointment with your local vets Burlington, ON.