My 15-week-old kittens are still nursing. Is this normal or unhealthy?

Question

My 15 week old kittens still nurse once or twice a day. Is this normal behavior, or should I bring them to a vet? They seem healthy and all seem to be a good weight for their age. Mom seems to encourage it; all happily purring away. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 3 months and 6 days old | 4.62 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. As long as the mom will let them nurse she will make milk. I would not call it abnormal but it is not really good for them to nurse after 8 weeks of age. They actually become lactose intolerant after that time and even though they seem OK it could cause them issues in the long run. The mother usually stops the kittens from nursing around 8 weeks of age because they will get teeth and start biting the nipples making her uncomfortable. They must not be doing that since she is still allowing them to do it. The mom continuing to make milk also puts a strain on her body nutritionally and she may get underweight and unthrifty. It is best to separate the mom from the kittens until the milk dries up and then have mom spayed. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

My 15-week-old kittens are still nursing. Is this normal or unhealthy?

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