on 12/02/2008, Ira supposed :

My cat who is about a year old will not stop digging in with his claws
and sucking my clothes.

"Ira" wrote...

We used to have a cat that sucked the tip of his tail, like a dummy
(pacifier).

Cats are weird.

Hi Ira,

This is *very* friendly and reassuring (to the cat) bonding behaviour.  He
really needs to do this with you.  If you find it intolerable, stroke him as
he purrs and put your hand where his mouth is and encourage him to lick your
hand instead.  Say 'good boy' and 'that's so friendly', so that he
understands that you like being licked there instead.  Gradually, but
gently, let him know that you don't like him licking your hair.  It's
important not to hurt his feelings when he's being so affectionate.  This
behaviour does hark back to his kittenhood when he would have licked his
mother to engage her attention and grooming caresses.  Try and fulfil his
needs as, in this way, you continue the parenting bond.  This type of
behaviour makes you 'top cat', top of the pecking order.  You will find it a
lot easier to train him and control him if he sees you in this light.  It is
hard to know whether he's missing his mother, but it is fairly clear that
he's asking you to take her place in his life.  This really is the key to
all your future 'control' problems.  Gently does it, and he'll be an angel
for you.

Good luck,
Spider

Thanks to everyone!
It's true that my furball takes me for his mommy, we're very attached to
each other. And thank you, Spider, I'll try the hand tactics.