My kitten sucks his brother's neck or ear. How do I stop it?

Congratulations on your new babies! I adopted brother and sister kittens a few years ago. My male also displayed this behavior on his sister (as well as one of the dogs), but that behavior had improved by the time he was 6 months old. There isn't anything inherently abnormal about the behavior, and it's really only a problem if the female decides it's a problem, so I don't know that I would worry about it. I suspect that it will decrease quite a bit as he gets older and more settled in your house. The only other caveat that I will give you is that some cats will also do that on (especially wool) blankets and sweaters to the point that they chew/suck a hole in the fabric, so be on the lookout for that behavior. I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This is usually not a hunger-driven activity in a 10 week old kitten. It can indicate that the kitten was weaned or taken away from its mother too early. I would definitely continue to prevent this behavior, as it can continue into adulthood and could cause problems like an infection in the mammary gland of your dog. You may have your dog wear a shirt to cover the nipples, or keep them separated unless you can monitor them. Since it can be brought on by stress, you can try supplements for stress such as Zylkene or Feliway/Comfort Zone Feline Pheromones. Here is some more information: https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/pet-behavior-training/wool-sucking/

I would not worry about him hurting her. If this actually would hurt her, she would swat him and not let him suckle. Unfortunately it is almost impossible to get him to stop the suckling as it is a comfort behavior. It makes him feel happy and safe. The only way to get him to stop possibly, is to put a baby body on your female so he cannot access the nipples and really, I would not do this to her. Trust her to tell him it is not ok when it hurts her.

The best way to stop it is to keep Linus out of your room at night. Do that for a few days, and let him back in. If he starts to suckle your skin again, immediately kick him out of your room. You want him to associate not sleeping with you with suckling your skin, and hopefully this will make him stop.

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is possible that Han was weaned too early, but we really do not know why some kittens persist in this behavior. Removing the kitten from you is the first step, but you should try to engage the kitten with play when you do so. A laser light or a feather toy for a few minutes might take his mind off of you. Feeder toys, small balls that you can fill with kibble or treats, that a kitten can roll & chase, will engage him, as well. Adopting another kitten is a very good idea. Cats often are thought of as solitary creatures, but they certainly will keep each other entertained throughout the day. Take care.

You may want to consider having a spray bottle next to you and when he tries to suckle a short quick spritz to dissuade him. Then pet him. Repitition is important. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

First, have Pippin examined by your veterinarian to diagnose respiratory infection or inflammatory disease that could be causing the congestion. Redirect her suckling behavior to an object. If she bites or nips you, correct her immediately and provide an alternative. If she persists, discontinue interaction until she settles down. Every time she nips or bites, put her down or remove her from the room. Be firm and consistent.