Have you ever owned a cat that would suck on whatever it saw? Although I’ve never done it, I almost kind of wish I had. Watching a cat knead and suck on blankets while giggling uncontrollably is indescribably adorable. Want proof? Watch the video down below. Of course, if you share a home with a blanket or piece of clothing thief, it’s probably not quite as adorable to you. I completely understand that you might be willing to trade your wool sweater for one of my feline family members if you’ve ever dealt with destroyed sweaters or bedding caused by cats. You may have also thought to yourself, “Why do cats suck on blankets?” So, you can stop wondering. Here are some of the most popular responses to the question, “Why do cats suck on blankets?”
1. Kittens suck on blankets if separated too early from their mothers
This answer to “Why do cats suck on blankets?” makes sense in some Freudian way, but I’m not sure it holds water. I adopted my cat, Siouxsie, and her twin sister when they were just six weeks old because back then I didn’t know kittens should be kept with their mothers for at least eight weeks. Neither Siouxsie nor Sinéad ever sucked fabric, though. I don’t know many orphaned “bottle baby” kittens, so I don’t know if this behavior is more common for them than for other cats.
2. Some cat breeds are more likely to suckle blankets and other similar items than others
Siamese and other Oriental breed cats are more likely to nurse fabric than other cats. Although there doesn’t seem to be any genetic cause for this, it’s well known that Oriental breed cats require a longer weaning period than most other cats. Popular Read: Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box? – Simple Explanation
3. Cat sucking on blankets or other fabric for relaxation
Why do cats suck on blankets? One reason might be to relax. Photography by Koldunov Alexey / Shutterstock.
Another answer to “Why do cats suck on blankets?” Like thumb sucking in little children, nursing wool is a behavior that provides a sense of comfort and safety. A sensitive kitten may grow up into a fabric-sucking cat because that behavior reminds her of being safe and surrounded by her mother and littermates.
4. A cat demonstrating trust by nursing on blankets, clothing, or other fabrics
If your cat takes to sitting in your lap and nursing your clothes, she’s showing you that she feels complete faith in your ability to protect her from harm. It takes a lot of concentration to nurse, and it would be hard for her to focus that intensely if she didn’t feel safe.
5. Cats may suck blankets or other stuff as a form of stress relief
There are, unfortunately, some negative answers to the question “Why do cats suck on blankets?” It seems counterintuitive that nursing behavior could show total trust or total freak-out anxiety, but it’s true. When a cat starts using behavior that reminds her of the safety of her kitten hood as way to comfort herself when she occasionally feels stressed, that’s cute. But when anxiety pervades every aspect of her life to the point where she’s suckling constantly in an attempt to self-soothe, that’s a problem.
What to do if your cat is sucking on blankets or other fabric? -Answered Below
So, what should you do if your cat is suckling on blankets or other fabric and you’re concerned about it? First, you’ll need to get to the root of the stresses in her life and try to resolve them. Add vertical and horizontal territory for your cat, use interactive play as a tool to help her gain confidence. Perhaps even talk to your vet, who may prescribe a short course of anti-anxiety medication . Popular Read: Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box? – Simple Explanation