My foster babies are fat, healthy and 6 weeks old on Friday.
We have one problem. Even tho they are fed well, (almost too well!) the black one insists on comforting himself by sucking on the other's private part It's getting red and raw! How can I stop this? They are miserable when they are separated.
Get the other kitten to your vet today so he can check the skin and prevent infection, if this isn't prevented NOW, your kitten may have develop serious skin infections or inability to urinate due to swollen/agrivated tisues. He can also give you tips for keeping the other one from licking him. Divert his interest with toys, or a safe stuffed animal to place in their sleeping area (with no parts that can be chewed or torn off).
I remembered the kennel I keep them in has a seperater panel, so they are side by side but he can't get at his brother. whew! not sure if you can see it in this picture:
But what makes them do that? Is this normal? Will all my litters of 2 or more do this? Is there some sort of topical ointment or something that can deter this? yuck!
PS, the shelter vet is coming tomorrow so I will bring him to show her. We might also be getting a retired vet volunteering for us and he will be there tomorrow too so I can get 2 opinions!
Only a day ago, you said it was red and raw, now it's healing? You have to be very careful with this, even though it may appear to be healing, the underlying tissues may not be. Inflammation cannot always be detected until symptoms develop. (problems with urination or bruising etc)
He's doing it because he was taken from his mother too soon, and he's looking for comfort. He could also be nervous, hungry etc.
The kitten "pacifier" isn't a bad idea, per se, but if you just simply give it to him and not attempt to modify the behavior, it will only encourage him to to continue the behavior, which could lead to suckling behavior later on, or inappropriate licking/suckling of other things as he grows.
Do not put any topicals on the kitten unless the vet specifically instructs you to do so. The topical would need to be appropriate, and both kittens prevented from licking/ingesting it.
Unfortunately I can't be attentive to them 24/7 in order to try to modify behavior. Separating them during non-play time is working, but it would be ideal for them to sleep together again without some suckage going on in the night!
adorable pics and love the pacifier idea.....ummm...you don't let them play with that ball of yarn when you are not around, do you? It could be potentially a danger to them...getting tangled, or swallowing a long piece and getting bound up inside.....
My Munkie, going on 2 years old....was handraised from 4 hours old....and only survivor of the litter....he loves to suckle on a blanket...he will pull a piece into his mouth and just knead and suck and purrrrr away....but he does not bother anything else...just a small blanket
he is healing fine.
