Why am I Having Itchy/Burning Fingers?

Why does my cat keep licking at, chewing on and gagging himself on my fingers?

• My cat has this issue where he comes up to me and will literally grab my hand and pull my fingers into his mouth. He starts off just licking then progresses to gently chewing then to all out pushing my fingers so far down his throat he gags himself. If I pull away he just grabs my hand again and tries again. I'm not forcing my fingers down his throat, he really does this all by himself! I just want to know why he's doing this. It's gross and really weird. He's only just recently started. I think he might have an oral fixation or something 'cause he chews on other things like cardboard boxes, paper, pencils/pens and corners of other objects. Could it be something medical? Like his teeth hurt or something? I don't know how to make him stop. Anyone have this problem or is my cat just a freak?

• Answer:

  My guess is this cat was separated from its mother at a very early cat ie under 12 weeks of age. When this happens to a cat they aren't weaned gradually and they lack some of the socialization, the bahaviour you have described is very normal for these cats. Importantly the bahaviour is nothing to worry about. It is your cats way of bonding with you. It is also his way of 'comforting himslef' ( a bit like a child who sucks his thumb). He's not a freak and it is not a medical problem. You can't really stop the behaviour and don't try to scold him for it. Any scolding will just make him anxious and probably make the behaviour worse. Best thing you can do is make the house as calm as possible, stress is likely to trigger the behaviour. When you notice him behaving this way try to distarct him by playing with him, get a few feather toys. When he is trying to suck your fingers, take your hand way and start brushing him. Cats find brushing enjoyable and relaxing so this will help. He sounds like a sweetie