Abstract
FOR experimental purposes, some new-born kittens had to be reared in the laboratory away from the mother. Difficulties were encountered in inducing the kittens to accept milk administered by means of a glass pipette, until a way of evoking the suckling response was found. It was observed that slight pressure from the pipette applied to the premaxillary part of the palate invariably produced the suckling response which was maintained so long as the kitten was disposed to accept food. The main feature of this response is a slight protrusion of the tongue with side-to-side concavity of the dorsum, which assumes the shape of a shoehorn. The nozzle of the pipette is firmly grasped between the tongue and the premaxillary palate. The upturned margins of the more posterior part of the tongue press against the palate. A closed channel is thus formed within the oral cavity. The protruded tip of the tongue works up and down the side of the pipette in a milking action. Suction is created by alternate depression and elevation of the floor of the oral cavity along with the mandible, while the margins of the tongue and the palate together maintain the closed channel.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MOHIUDDIN, A. Suckling Reflex in the Cat. Nature 172, 688 (1953). https://doi.org/10.1038/172688a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/172688a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.