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My kitten is trying to nurse on my dog. Why is my dog avoiding her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 22 days old

I got an 8 week old kitten 4 days ago named Molly. My dog, Nala showed great interest in her and started acting motherly to Molly even licking her bottom to stimulate movement. Tonight Molly started trying to nurse on Nala and at first Nala seemed on but just now she jumped up (Nala) and is desperately trying to avoid Molly. She had two puppies 1 1/2 years ago but both passed (the vet said it was failure to thrive). Nala took it hard and I’m afraid it’s upsetting her. Help?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2019

I suggest you just let them work it out. This is not anything to be overly concerned with. You can get Nala a D.A.P. collar to see if it will help calm her. You can usually find these at most Petco stores. ( http://www.dapdiffuser.com/ )

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