While this is a natural behavior, it can be deadly. I am a member of a animal rescue group, and have had more then a few cases like this. This is common in kittens who are seperated from there mothers at an early age. The kittens may still be hungry if they are attempting to nurse, or they just feel a sense of comfort when they are nursing. This behavior can usually be stopped by seperating the kittens for a short time, (one to two weeks) Some rare cases may require longer periods of seperation. Bitter apple spray can be used, (your local pet store should have it in the cat isle) you can spray it on a cotton ball and dab generously on the genitals. Some kittens, if determined enough, will still attempt to nurse even with the bitter apple spray. Cats are creatures of routine. If you see a kitten attempting to nurse, (if not hungry) try distracting him/her with a toy. It is important not to reinforce the bad behavior. While it may seem the only harm is inflamed genitails, the problems usually lead to more deadly results. The genitals can becomed inflamed, causing pain while trying to urinate, and even infection. For males, there penis will actually fall off, requiring expensive surgery, and in most cases surgery is not an option, thus leading to death. So seperation is the answer for any nursing
on genitals. Good luck to all. Neuter and spay it“s the kindest way! (for animal birth control, to help stop the growing numbers of stray and abandoned animals)