kittens sucking on one another

[kstavert]

Sassy Pants had 6 kittens and we've not been
able (or willing?) to find homes for them

The kittens are now 17 weeks old.... They were
still nursing with their mum up until about three
weeks ago...

Now, they try to suckle on me and they do suck
on each other... so, it's not about being taken
from their mother too soon.

I pull them off of each other when I see them and,
can't keep my eyes on them all of the time... It's
pretty constant behaviour... very strange.

any suggestions on how to stop this behaviour?

I thought of putting something bitter tasting on
each other's bellies but, when they wash themselves,
they'd get hit with it...

I will appreciate any help thanks Karen

[Karen]

I wouldn't worry about it too much, it's pretty harmless, and they will likely grow out of it. You can try a spray bottle of water if you are worried about it, some kittens will get distracted by that and stop the behavior ... not all, but some!

[moosmom]

Yeah, it's harmless. It's actually a comfort thing for kittens.

My RB MooShoo (hairless kitty) used to suck on his own teats. Again, it was a comfort thing. He did it for a few years then got so fat, he couldn't reach them!!