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My kitten nurses on my dog & my dog humps my cat. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 16 days old | 3 lbs

I've gotten a new kitten & she immediately friended RosieThey play, cuddle, sleep, & go outside together Rosie is just coming out of her 1st heat cycle. During the night I woke to hearing Callie (cat) nursing on Rosie. Normal I assume for a kitten, as they nurse on blankets even After I separated them & fell back asleep I woke up to Rosie humping Callie. Is this normal? I'm not sure if the 2 cases are connected but it has me confused should they separate? Seems odd but it's not a joke

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 4th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is in fact most likely normal. Nursing from a young kitten is expected to some extent and that will likely go away on its own. Rosie humping Callie is likely a display of dominant behavior which is somewhat typical when having two animals in the same place. This will all most likely get better with time. Good luck and have a great day!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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