Is it normal for a 2-month-old kitten to still be nursing?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. As long as the mom will let them nurse she will make milk. I would not call it abnormal but it is not really good for them to nurse after 8 weeks of age. They actually become lactose intolerant after that time and even though they seem OK it could cause them issues in the long run. The mother usually stops the kittens from nursing around 8 weeks of age because they will get teeth and start biting the nipples making her uncomfortable. They must not be doing that since she is still allowing them to do it. The mom continuing to make milk also puts a strain on her body nutritionally and she may get underweight and unthrifty. It is best to separate the mom from the kittens until the milk dries up and then have mom spayed. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It's very common for kittens to continue to try to nurse on other animals in the house. This behavior usually lessens as the kittens mature, so I would not worry about it unless she is causing sores on the other animals or if they are snapping at her when she nurses. If not, then I would just let her grow out of the behavior. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It's fine that Rocky is growing bigger than his mother and father, this can happen. It isn't normal, however, that he is still nursing on his mother, and at 10 months of age, he should be fully weaned. I would completely separate him from his mother so that he can be weaned and only eat kitten food. During this separation, his mother's milk will dry up as well. It can take at least two weeks for her milk supply to dry up, and I would keep them separated for at least that long. I hope this helps!

At 8 weeks your kitten can be on a completely solid diet, and if you're feeding regular cow's milk it could be what is causing the diarrhea (cats can't handle milk.) If she doesn't drink a lot and doesn't like moistened food, you can try adding in a pet fountain or other running water source that may encourage her to play or drink a bit more. If she is still having loose stools even after feeding only her regular food, a vet checkup to rule out parasites and GI upset is also a good idea. If she is trying to nurse your other cat, just separating her for a bit can help deter the behavior.

Yes, this is normal. All momma cats are different in the amount that they will allow the kittens to nurse. Most kittens will nurse as long as mom will allow it. It is comforting to both parties. The behavior will not likely be changed by the operations for the kittens. If mom is getting spayed as well, she may not let them nurse anymore. There is no harm in the nursing behavior unless you start to notice an area starts to look red, swollen or chafed. If mom is also getting spayed, that does change things. The kittens should not be allowed to nurse or exhibit any type of that behavior as they could compromise the incision. They cannot lick at any of the incisions! I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like this is a calming behavior for Ellie. Stella isn’t producing milk anymore. There is no concern unless Ellie is causing trauma to Stellas nipples. If not then it sounds like both cats are happy! Kisses to Stella and Ellie!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At 4 weeks old Almond should be very close to or completely weaned and eating kitten food. I would start feeding her canned kitten food and provide water in a dish. I personally do not think a cat or dog would drink from a sippy cup.I wouldn't stress over the sippy cup I would just get her off the bottle and provide fresh water in a dish. I hope this helps and I wish you and Almond the best!