how do I stop my cat 'sucking' on my clothing???? | |
Copernica User ID: 1120401 United States 04/06/2012 09:14 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I adopted a cat a few months ago & she 'sucks' on my clothes at every opportunity she gets! Quoting: Just miffed I love her dearly but this is getting ridiculous. She comes & jumps on my lap & then she 'claws' my clothes as she is sucking as though she thinks I am her mum. she is approx 12 months old If you find a way to make her stop let me know. I have a cat that won't stop licking the power cable to the vacuum cleaner. I finally had to start putting it in a closet with a child lock on it. Spraying it bitter apple or a hot pepper solution should theoretically stop that. Anything that just smells bad to the cat should be a good deterrent. Just make sure it's non-toxic in case they decide they want to taste it anyway. Also removing them from it repeatedly and consistantly. Or the old pennies in a can trick - they go near it, you shake the can. And the old water bottle. But you do have to keep the pennies or bottle with you and be diligent until the cat makes the connection and gives up. My cat responds well to the sound of a clap with a stern, loud "NO!". She gets 2 of those and then I get up to remove her from whatever she's doing (usually scratching the door jambs). I don't even have to get to her anymore, just my standing up and she very primly slinks away. Again, cats are smart - they know when they're misbehaving. They're just checking to make sure you're paying attention. ;o) God Bless President TRUMP! GOD BLESS AMERICA!! |
SilverPatriot User ID: 13453885 United States 04/06/2012 09:26 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | They never stop “nursing” I have an 18-year-old male cat that still nurses on our wrists or if lucky certain blankets he is the exception, as most cats will use a blanket and not a human wrist. We used to have a German Shepherd/Rottweiler cross who tolerated having the hair on his neck suckled however, my two current dogs get up and leave when the cat tries to nurse. |
C User ID: 13662480 United States 04/06/2012 09:27 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I adopted a cat a few months ago & she 'sucks' on my clothes at every opportunity she gets! Quoting: Just miffed I love her dearly but this is getting ridiculous. She comes & jumps on my lap & then she 'claws' my clothes as she is sucking as though she thinks I am her mum. she is approx 12 months old If you find a way to make her stop let me know. I have a cat that won't stop licking the power cable to the vacuum cleaner. I finally had to start putting it in a closet with a child lock on it. Spraying it bitter apple or a hot pepper solution should theoretically stop that. Anything that just smells bad to the cat should be a good deterrent. Just make sure it's non-toxic in case they decide they want to taste it anyway. Also removing them from it repeatedly and consistantly. Or the old pennies in a can trick - they go near it, you shake the can. And the old water bottle. But you do have to keep the pennies or bottle with you and be diligent until the cat makes the connection and gives up. My cat responds well to the sound of a clap with a stern, loud "NO!". She gets 2 of those and then I get up to remove her from whatever she's doing (usually scratching the door jambs). I don't even have to get to her anymore, just my standing up and she very primly slinks away. Again, cats are smart - they know when they're misbehaving. They're just checking to make sure you're paying attention. ;o) Good grief, OP, please don't listen to this person. That poor cat was removed from it's mother too early as others have said. It's not doing anything "wrong". She'll probably grow out of it. That's a Tuxedo cat you have there, by the way. Very cute. |
BoboTheHobo User ID: 2464093 United States 04/06/2012 09:40 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I adopted a cat a few months ago & she 'sucks' on my clothes at every opportunity she gets! Quoting: Just miffed I love her dearly but this is getting ridiculous. She comes & jumps on my lap & then she 'claws' my clothes as she is sucking as though she thinks I am her mum. she is approx 12 months old If you find a way to make her stop let me know. I have a cat that won't stop licking the power cable to the vacuum cleaner. I finally had to start putting it in a closet with a child lock on it. Spraying it bitter apple or a hot pepper solution should theoretically stop that. Anything that just smells bad to the cat should be a good deterrent. Just make sure it's non-toxic in case they decide they want to taste it anyway. Also removing them from it repeatedly and consistantly. Or the old pennies in a can trick - they go near it, you shake the can. And the old water bottle. But you do have to keep the pennies or bottle with you and be diligent until the cat makes the connection and gives up. My cat responds well to the sound of a clap with a stern, loud "NO!". She gets 2 of those and then I get up to remove her from whatever she's doing (usually scratching the door jambs). I don't even have to get to her anymore, just my standing up and she very primly slinks away. Again, cats are smart - they know when they're misbehaving. They're just checking to make sure you're paying attention. ;o) Thanks for the advice I'll give the pepper spray a try. He's a 30lb tabby that is deaf and loves to take baths so the normal deterrents didn't work. An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until eventually they know everything about nothing ~ Anonymous |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 12691211 Canada 04/06/2012 10:00 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
C. User ID: 13662480 United States 04/06/2012 10:17 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I adopted a cat a few months ago & she 'sucks' on my clothes at every opportunity she gets! Quoting: Just miffed I love her dearly but this is getting ridiculous. She comes & jumps on my lap & then she 'claws' my clothes as she is sucking as though she thinks I am her mum. she is approx 12 months old If you find a way to make her stop let me know. I have a cat that won't stop licking the power cable to the vacuum cleaner. I finally had to start putting it in a closet with a child lock on it. Spraying it bitter apple or a hot pepper solution should theoretically stop that. Anything that just smells bad to the cat should be a good deterrent. Just make sure it's non-toxic in case they decide they want to taste it anyway. Also removing them from it repeatedly and consistantly. Or the old pennies in a can trick - they go near it, you shake the can. And the old water bottle. But you do have to keep the pennies or bottle with you and be diligent until the cat makes the connection and gives up. My cat responds well to the sound of a clap with a stern, loud "NO!". She gets 2 of those and then I get up to remove her from whatever she's doing (usually scratching the door jambs). I don't even have to get to her anymore, just my standing up and she very primly slinks away. Again, cats are smart - they know when they're misbehaving. They're just checking to make sure you're paying attention. ;o) Thanks for the advice I'll give the pepper spray a try. He's a 30lb tabby that is deaf and loves to take baths so the normal deterrents didn't work. |
Copernica User ID: 1120401 United States 04/06/2012 11:43 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Good grief, OP, please don't listen to this person. That poor cat was removed from it's mother too early as others have said. It's not doing anything "wrong". She'll probably grow out of it. Quoting: C 13662480 That's a Tuxedo cat you have there, by the way. Very cute. No! That was for the power cord licker...not the OP's cat. God Bless President TRUMP! GOD BLESS AMERICA!! |
Copernica User ID: 1120401 United States 04/06/2012 11:44 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I adopted a cat a few months ago & she 'sucks' on my clothes at every opportunity she gets! Quoting: Just miffed I love her dearly but this is getting ridiculous. She comes & jumps on my lap & then she 'claws' my clothes as she is sucking as though she thinks I am her mum. she is approx 12 months old If you find a way to make her stop let me know. I have a cat that won't stop licking the power cable to the vacuum cleaner. I finally had to start putting it in a closet with a child lock on it. Spraying it bitter apple or a hot pepper solution should theoretically stop that. Anything that just smells bad to the cat should be a good deterrent. Just make sure it's non-toxic in case they decide they want to taste it anyway. Also removing them from it repeatedly and consistantly. Or the old pennies in a can trick - they go near it, you shake the can. And the old water bottle. But you do have to keep the pennies or bottle with you and be diligent until the cat makes the connection and gives up. My cat responds well to the sound of a clap with a stern, loud "NO!". She gets 2 of those and then I get up to remove her from whatever she's doing (usually scratching the door jambs). I don't even have to get to her anymore, just my standing up and she very primly slinks away. Again, cats are smart - they know when they're misbehaving. They're just checking to make sure you're paying attention. ;o) Thanks for the advice I'll give the pepper spray a try. He's a 30lb tabby that is deaf and loves to take baths so the normal deterrents didn't work. I hope you meant you'll try a pepper solution rubbed on the cord? Please do NOT pepper spray the cat! O.O God Bless President TRUMP! GOD BLESS AMERICA!! |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 7148275 Canada 04/06/2012 11:46 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I adopted a cat a few months ago & she 'sucks' on my clothes at every opportunity she gets! Quoting: Just miffed I love her dearly but this is getting ridiculous. She comes & jumps on my lap & then she 'claws' my clothes as she is sucking as though she thinks I am her mum. she is approx 12 months old If you find a way to make her stop let me know. I have a cat that won't stop licking the power cable to the vacuum cleaner. I finally had to start putting it in a closet with a child lock on it. I believe my wife was suggested a little pinch of Tabasco sauce, just enough to coat the cables a little to deter it from trying to lick them again. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 2718410 United States 04/06/2012 11:53 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Like a few other posters, I too have a cat that has never outgrown it. Adopted her at 3 months; she is now 3-years-old and has not grown out of it. I don't mind, I have a spare robe she suckles/kneads/nests on. She goes absolutely nuts if I have a sweaty shirt. Attacks my pits. Something in my pheromones it would appear. What I would do I try to get your cat use to one item of clothing you have, make it a habit -- it helps to minimize ninja attacks. If they get up on your lap, grab the clothing item and place them on it. It's like a security blanket. Psychologically. They are comforted. |
C. User ID: 13662480 United States 04/06/2012 11:56 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Good grief, OP, please don't listen to this person. That poor cat was removed from it's mother too early as others have said. It's not doing anything "wrong". She'll probably grow out of it. Quoting: C 13662480 That's a Tuxedo cat you have there, by the way. Very cute. No! That was for the power cord licker...not the OP's cat. Crap. Sorry, Copernica. I missed the power cord kitty somehow. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 6706972 Canada 04/07/2012 12:02 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
BoboTheHobo User ID: 2464093 United States 04/07/2012 12:30 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ... Quoting: BoboTheHobo If you find a way to make her stop let me know. I have a cat that won't stop licking the power cable to the vacuum cleaner. I finally had to start putting it in a closet with a child lock on it. Spraying it bitter apple or a hot pepper solution should theoretically stop that. Anything that just smells bad to the cat should be a good deterrent. Just make sure it's non-toxic in case they decide they want to taste it anyway. Also removing them from it repeatedly and consistantly. Or the old pennies in a can trick - they go near it, you shake the can. And the old water bottle. But you do have to keep the pennies or bottle with you and be diligent until the cat makes the connection and gives up. My cat responds well to the sound of a clap with a stern, loud "NO!". She gets 2 of those and then I get up to remove her from whatever she's doing (usually scratching the door jambs). I don't even have to get to her anymore, just my standing up and she very primly slinks away. Again, cats are smart - they know when they're misbehaving. They're just checking to make sure you're paying attention. ;o) Thanks for the advice I'll give the pepper spray a try. He's a 30lb tabby that is deaf and loves to take baths so the normal deterrents didn't work. I hope you meant you'll try a pepper solution rubbed on the cord? Please do NOT pepper spray the cat! O.O Oh yeah. I would never do something like that to him. Sorry op didn't mean to hijack your thread. An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until eventually they know everything about nothing ~ Anonymous |
Bowyn Aerrow User ID: 12560157 United States 04/07/2012 12:31 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Assuming this isn't a form of Pica ( [link to en.wikipedia.org] the cat should grow out of it in about 2 years time (around age 2). If it is a form of pica and you leave it be, I fear the cat will start eating things it really shouldn't outta. While dogs are well known for pica behaviors (specially poo), cats are often not diagnosed properly due to this 'suckling' behavior at a younger age. If you rule out Pica (blood tests and vet visit) then this is suckling behavior - its sort of like the kid who continues to suck his thumb. Screaming at the kid to stop only makes it worse - beating the cat to make it stop will only make it worse. This is a psychological issue caused by largely abandonment/separation issues. Cats that have not been socialized, or who lost their mum too early will go on to be an adult cat that 'suckles'. Cats that have been beaten or traumatized will also suckle - its a comforting thing for them to do - like the kid sucking on his thumb. This cat most likely has abandonment issues. If its worse when you get home from work/school you can be certain that you will have a suckling cat for life. One cure is to have two cats - two cats in a home tend to satisfy the cats need for some social engagement and will remind it that its not alone. Cats, dogs and various other creatures we humans have adopted as pets are actually social creatures, that adapt well to entering our social matrix and do suffer being alone as much, if not more than, humans. Edit Addition: All of these people telling you to slap your hands, rattle stuff, spray the cat - they are telling you to psychologically abuse the cat. These methods don't work to treat the underlying causes of suckling. Sure the cat may stop suckling, but come up with other interesting behaviors - pissing in your shoes, clawing up the furniture. Last Edited by Bowyn Aerrow on 04/07/2012 12:33 AM "My Dog, its full of fleas!" -David Bowwow “A paranoid is someone who knows a little of what's going on. A psychotic is a guy who's just found out what's going on.” - William S. Burroughs |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 13918952 Australia 04/07/2012 12:39 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 13531860 Australia 04/07/2012 12:48 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 13879479 United States 04/07/2012 12:48 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I adopted a cat a few months ago & she 'sucks' on my clothes at every opportunity she gets! Quoting: Just miffed I love her dearly but this is getting ridiculous. She comes & jumps on my lap & then she 'claws' my clothes as she is sucking as though she thinks I am her mum. she is approx 12 months old :Gabbie: It's a "CAT". You only think you own it. Cats will always own you. Cute baby though! I'm only a cat and I stay in my place, up there on your chair, on your bed or your face. I'm only a cat and I don't finick much, I'm happy with milk and anchovies and such. I'm only a cat and we will get along fine, as long as you know, I'm not yours, your ALL MINE! Cute poem I saw somewhere. |
Just miffed (OP) User ID: 13305557 Australia 04/07/2012 09:48 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Thank you for all the good advice (as well as to the power cord kitty). I have tried to reply 3 times to this thread but every time I tried she would come & jump up on my lap & go to sleep & I didn't want to disturb her. I am going to give her her own piece of clothing to lay on me with & suckle so she still feels comforted but doesn't leave me with wet patches & needing to change shirts all the time:) To the person who told me she is a Tuxedo cat, I didn't know that so thanks heaps & to all her said she's a cutie |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 13968319 Australia 04/07/2012 09:52 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 13181746 United States 04/07/2012 09:56 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Just miffed (OP) User ID: 13305557 Australia 04/07/2012 09:56 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Betazoid User ID: 27785879 United States 11/15/2012 01:12 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | If you find a way to make her stop let me know. I have a cat that won't stop licking the power cable to the vacuum cleaner. I finally had to start putting it in a closet with a child lock on it. Quoting: BoboTheHobo YOU MONSTER!!! YOU CAN"T KEEP A CAT IN A LOCKED CLOSET!!!!11 Your an idiot! They meant lock the vacuum in the closet, not the cat you moron. I swear that stupidity breeds stupidity. Especially in threads |
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Dark_Green User ID: 27636359 United States 11/15/2012 01:54 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | poor thing is just wanting to relax. but you got some good advice here on how to help her. Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. |
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adopted mom lol User ID: 52835075 United States 01/12/2014 01:02 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | it isnt she or he is stressed i rescued a young female cat she adopted me as her mother she will suck on my clothes she needs me as if she is sucking a bottle she will do it just a few minutes then she curls up on my lap and lays down and she is purring really loud as if she is happy i do have other cats she plays with but when she gets tired she hunts me up to do this over and over she will grow out of it .i had another young kitten go through this its mother died within a week after the litter was born i was able to save him i raised him by letting suck replacement milk off my fingers he was to little to take a bottle he is now 3 yrs old and he will still come over to me lay down and lick my fingers ;) |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 52395565 United States 01/12/2014 01:06 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I adopted a cat a few months ago & she 'sucks' on my clothes at every opportunity she gets! Quoting: Just miffed I love her dearly but this is getting ridiculous. She comes & jumps on my lap & then she 'claws' my clothes as she is sucking as though she thinks I am her mum. she is approx 12 months old :Gabbie: Aw that's so sweet. Maybe get her something to suck on other than your clothes? Her own blankee. Then when she does it just set her gentley down on her blankee. She'll figure it out eventually. |