Is it normal for cats to nurse on objects?
My cat (Katy) snuggles up close to me when I am
going to bed or getting up and she nurses on the
sheet or my pajamas - why do cats do this?
Thank you,
Pat
Winter Park, FL
Katy’s behavior is very common. It is the feline equivalent of a child sucking his thumb. They do it when they are relaxed and comfortable. It is especially common in younger cats. And, it is generally harmless.
Some cats suck on sheets or clothing. Since they are limber creatures, many cats suckle their own nipples. A favorite nursing spot for some cats is an ear lobe of a person in the house. At 4:00 in the morning, this is very annoying indeed!
If Katy’s behavior bothers you, then gently correct her and encourage her to stop. Over time, there is a good chance that Katy will outgrow the habit. But even if she doesn’t, rest assured that it will probably never cause her harm.
You have questions. 
I have a house FULL of suckling kitties. Two suckle on one male cat, one suckles on a different male cat, and two suckle on their “blankie” if it is on me at night. In fact, one of the blankie sucklers is a 6 year old street tom I adopted months ago who only started doing it recently! The others were all separated from their moms too early, so their behavior makes sense. (All the cats are rescues)
The funniest part is watching the two 9 month old kittens, Starsky and Hutch, “nurse” on Hemingway - I think Hemingway enjoys it more than they do. He LOVES playing mommy, grooming them and laying on his side for them like a sow. LOL!
I have a seven year old 5am earlobe suckler who’s still going strong and shows no signs of stopping that behaviour. I don’t find it annoying as it’s one of the few times he lets you touch him, without him getting irritated!
I have a two year old ginger earlobe sucler who makes a beeline to my ear when I lay down. I do block this action at times by arm covering or turning head (jet has a favorite earlobe) then he will nuzzle close as can be purr and patty cake to sleep. He never for gets and always tries to suckle and latch on. My husband thinks this most disgusting. I really dont care either way,I kinda feel sorry for him. He was also a rescue kitten.
Hello and I smile at this question. I have a two year old calico that still does the suckling on the earlobe. She has dont this from day one since I brought her home at 5 weeks old. I cant get her to stop. as soon as I hit the bed for the night she is up on my pillow waiting for me to get comfortable. Then she snuggles down and starts to suckle. She bites my earlobe sometimes which hurts like heck. But yes she still does it at age 2. Its annoying I cant get her to stop ive tried to keep her out of the room. Only to have her claw the bedroom door so much that ive had to repair it. Its am obsessive thing with her. ive gone through several pillows as well she kneads the heck out of them when she is suckling.