It's normal. Cats who are taken from their mother too early do this a lot. Some cats do it when they are really happy, even if they had plenty of time with their mother. I have two cats. They don't suckle or lick the blankets, though they make the paw motions.
I call it "making biscuits." Lol. But my boyfriend's new kitten who lost her mother recently does this. She's really young and wasn't ready to be weaned just yet. It reminds her of mama and makes her really happy, so we just let her rip into my blankets all she wants.
Feb 07, 2010 Rating
Normal cats by: Κ.Α
My cat did that until the age of two. Now sometimes I catch one or two doing it while sleeping. It's normal as if the kitten is with its mother for up to a year it doesn't stop breastfeeding for a long time if there is milk available. And its mother is still willing. I had one that was breastfeeding for a year until its mother had enough of him as he had really sharp teeth by then.
Jan 09, 2010 Rating
Not to worry by: Tiger's Mum
Nah, that's nothing... it looks like your baby is still trying to suckle. If only my cat was this normal!
Nov 13, 2009 Rating
Very Normal Cat by: Tiffany
Don't be alarmed. This is perfectly normal behavior. Your kitten is mocking the nursing motions used before the kitten was weaned.
Don't be surprised if your little one never stops this behavior. It is very comforting to them. One of our babies is over 4 years old, and she still climbs onto my shoulder to suckle on my ear when she's ready to go to sleep.
We call the motion "paw padding." So, don't be worried. Just enjoy!
