Needy kitten

[EarlGreyTeaAndToast]

My kitten keeps trying to latch on to feed. So far she has latched onto the buttons on my cardigan, my thigh, under my armpit, my little toe and practically all the clothes I have. She purrs like a steam engine and is going all out with her little paws and claws kneading anything she can.
My clothes all have kitten saliva patches all over them.
She is not awfully young at nearly 11 weeks but she seems a very "sucky" needy little baby.
(She eats and drinks well btw!)
I fear the number of kittens that would benefit from a prototype "kitten dummy" are few and far between, but please can someone reassure me that their new kitten once did this too? We've had three much beloved cats before, and I also had one as a child. None have ever tried to breast feed from me though 😂🙄🙈

[WeirdAndPissedOff]

One of our older boys does this occasionally, and one of our girls did it when we first brought her home.
It's usually just a comfort thing, particularly if she is weaned and eating well.

Supposedly it can be a sign of a kitten who was weaned too early or separated from Mum too young, but I've known cats do this where it hasn't been the case too.

[gobbin]

My ginger boy did this for months! His sister never bothered at all. We have mum as well and didn't intefere with weaning, ginger boy just loved the nipple lol! Mum used to get sooo pissed off with him ha 😂

[abigamarone]

One of mine does this, well both of them with one particular dressing gown. They're two years old. I bought them their own furry cushions they can paddle to their heart's content.

[TimeIhadaNameChange]

Tilly came home when she was four months home. Up to then she'd been living with both parents and her brother, so certainly hadn't been removed too young. Yet for the first few months she'd often jump up onto my lap, fold herself round in the crook of my arm and suckle on herself. It was incredibly cute, esp when she'd stop every now and again and just look at me with huge eyes full of love.

I was really sad when it stopped. It slowly petered out, though the morning, post-breakfast sessions continued the longest.

[RubbishMantra]

My 6 year old, ex serial killer of anything his own size or smaller, suckles on the end of his tail when hes having a snuggle on my lap.

[JamieVardysParty]

One of mine still does at a year old. I think it helps him get to sleep. He only does it on me too.

[RoastChickenDinner]

PreciousPussGirl is now 8 and still does this! Particularly on anything dark coloured with white patches, so we presume her Mum was black and white.

[piglover]

When I first got her as a kitten, Annie would try to suckle under one of our male cats, who adored her and was happy to oblige. They had a very close bond all his life and when he became very old and sick, she kept pretty constant vigil over him, keeping him warm with her by now very ample form.

[EarlGreyTeaAndToast]

Thank you so much! I worried I would get lambasted as a weirdo after I posted this
I have never known a cat do this before!

She is properly weaned and is just a super little kitten. So bright and happy and social.

If she needs extra love and attention, she will get it.

It must be a tough transition going to a new home for any pet.

[Roystonv]

My daughter's cat does this after 3 years with her and was a mature rescue cat. Used to suck and knead a very soft blanket now a furry throw. Was quite aggressive when she got him and still has his moments! but much loved.

[EarlGreyTeaAndToast]

I guess it's the individual cat's personality!

Good for your daughter @roystonv in adopting a mature rescue cat. I know they are hard to place.