Why Does My Kitten Do This?

[deb1]

A lot of animals are dumped where we live. It is obvious that they are strays because they are so malnourished. A few days ago, a kitten started following my son and his friend as they walked to the gas station. Frightened that the little kitten would be hit by a car, my son brought it home.

The kitten has taken up with me and likes to follow me around. But I am puzzled by something that he does. Whenever I lay down, he insists on putting his face right against mine. If I turn my head because I don't want cat face against my mouth, he gets up and lays on the other side. He even gets under the cover if I bury my head to avoid him. If he can't lay against my face, he meows piteously.

Is this some sort of weird cat behavior? Do I have a nutty feline? Any cat behavior experts out there?

 

[FireTigeris]

my cat that lost his mother early nursed on my ear his whole life

 

[deb1]

Quote:
LOL. I wonder if that is what he is trying to do. He hasn't nursed my ear but I don't like him in my face so I keep turning my head away. I wonder what he would do if I just laid there.

 

[bufforp89]

I am not a cat expert but I have 8

I have a cat, Karen who is the same way except when you dont pet or pay attention to her she will start nibbling. My guess is he just wants to be close to you especially after being hungry and homeless. Arnt all cats kinda nutty anyways? I know mine are.

And good for you for taking him in, not everyone would do the same.....thats how I ended up with 8 cats

 

[xxSonja]

Is he trying to get near the warm air you breath out? I had two kittens a long time ago that would do that, its some sort of weird kitty comfort thing.. It means he likes you

 

[ConchRepublic]

Quote:
LOL. I wonder if that is what he is trying to do. He hasn't nursed my ear but I don't like him in my face so I keep turning my head away. I wonder what he would do if I just laid there.

I had a woman dump acat on me before it was weened. The little guy would sleep right on top pf your throat snuggled under your chin and he would get upset if he couldn't do that. We had him for years (about 17, can't believe it was that long) but recently lost him to coyotes when he snuck out.

 

[chicks4kids]

I had one that would suck on my neck...I would get kitty hickies!!! I think it's the cutest thing!!!

 

[joletabey]

You have become mama- it's looking to you for love, comfort, etc. See if you can get it to snuggle with a stuffed toy, or with your hand instead of your face. I still have one of a littler of three that I was given WAY too young, who prefers to sleep cheek to cheek with me, but the other two have gotten more independent. And thank you for taking the poor thing in- you are a good person!

 

[princess araucana]

Yes, you are great to take him in, thank you!
It sure seems like a comfort thing, mine likes to place her paw on my face when I sleep. He loves you! can you stand it? He might grow out of it when he gets a little bigger.

 

[Skyesrocket]

There was a woman at the fleamarket that was giving away feral kittens. They were so scared and wild. When I reached into the crate to pick one up it bite and clawed me. He did look to be about 8 weeks old.
Anyway I brought him home and he does the same thing. I get a rash on my chin when he rubs on me so I don't let him do it. I put him in my lap when he does it and pet him when he is away from my face. He is learning slowly that he won't be pet when he is in my face.
I think it's some kind of seperation issue. Like yours, mine follows me and when he gets the chance he jumps onto my shoulder to be closer. He is 4 months old now. He has two other house cats that he plays and sleeps with but it is like he is starved for human attention.
I hope mine will outgrow it. I don't like cats that act like velcro. If you don't like the behavior be consistant with the kitten. But don't expect it to stop over night.
It was good of you to take the little thing in.