rooting reflex

The hormonally induced desire in newborn kittens to head for their mother in search of milk and start suckling from their mothers nipples. Birth trauma or being premature may sometimes inhibit or stunt this reflex and result in kittens that fail to root for a period of time. Supplement feeding for a short period of time is necessary if this reflex fails to start. See Suckle Reflex.

SOURCE: cat-world.com.au