When a angelical pool is " take a crap cookie " on a blanket — or on us!—it prompts all the feels . We comprehend this particular cat behaviour as a signaling of contentment and relaxation , interchangeable to when they used to knead on their mama ’s belly while breast feeding . But why do cats suck on blankets ?
While it may seem like an clean-handed and endearing quirk , this behaviour can leave behind favourite parent wondering about its line of descent and implication . Is it strictly a comforting habit , or could it be signaling something deep , such as stress or a aesculapian consequence ? Cats are love for their mysterious behaviors , and mantle - sucking is no exclusion . Though experts do n’t have a definitive answer , they do have some theories . These range from self - console and anxiousness to potential gastrointestinal distress or simply boredom .
4 Possible Reasons Why Cats Suck on Blankets
Leslie Sinn , CPDT - KA , DVM , DACVB , is a attest veterinary behaviorist , owner ofBehavior Solutions , and a member of the Daily Paws Advisory Board . She says fellow traveler animal expert really do n’t make love why cats soak up on blankets . This behavior is sometimes called " woolen suction , " and it ’s not a common trait in most cats . But there are some theories .
1. Self-Soothing
" Our August 15 is that it ’s an unwritten behavior left over fromkittenhoodand has some variety of a self - soothing function , " Sinn tell Daily Paws . " But we do n’t bed for sure . "
She bestow that there ’s some selective information that indicates this behaviour may be more common in orphan kittens and/or kittens who have had jolting starts . " The sentiment is that loss of some sort has cause this childish - like behavior to be retain , " Sinn tell .
2. Anxiety
If your cat is rub down and sucking on a blanket , this might be their way of tranquillise themselves . Cornell Feline Health Center states some cat breeds , such asSiamese , Burmese , and possiblyBirman , are more prostrate to do it than others , " which suggests a genetic predisposition comparable to obsessive - determined disorders in humans . " This behavior might also be a nail mechanism for cats withseparation anxiety .
3. Gastrointestinal Distress
" Sucking , chewing , and/or eating non - food items may be a sign of gastrointestinal distraint such as food allergies , inflammatory bowel disease , impedimenta , or other problem , " Sinn say . She recommends asking your kitty’sveterinary teamfor a thorough evaluation to see for any underlying medical issues , along with a general assessment to ensure his nutritionary and wellness needs are being met .
4. Boredom
It ’s not that your cat is sucking on a blanketdeliberatelyto get your attention . But sometimes our mysteriouscats have different ways of communicating , such asmeowing at nightorfollowing us around . If your khat nurse on thing such as blanket , woolen , and even your article of clothing , he might be asking for something .
" Many of our quat are kept indoors and have little to absorb their clip , " Sinn says . " Pet parents should check that that their emotional pauperism are being met through usage and fun interactions . " Cornell recommendsenrichment African tea toys , food eatage bowls , and multi - levelcat condosthat provide mental stimulation .
Also , verify you and your kitty have plenty of engagingplaytimetogether . Sinn paint a picture reviewing tips from Ohio State University’sIndoor Pet Initiativefor new melodic theme .
To understand more about why your big cat suck up on blankets , it might help to keep a phonograph record of when you notice the behavior most often . Is kitten doing it at night orwhen you pass on for piece of work ? Does it materialize before or after mealtime ? Does he snuggle up for a footling knead and suckle academic session when you ’re watching TV ? supervise him for a couple of workweek so you and your vet can limit if there ’s anything to worry about or if this behavior is simply part of your cat ’s personality .
Can Cats Get Sick From Sucking on Blankets Often?
Not really , unless there ’s a more serious way out . " Where trouble bob up is if the cat initiate to masticate on and/or take in the point , then it can lead to GI disturbed and/or impedimenta , " Sinn says .
Ingesting fabricor other non - food detail , a shape known as pica , is another health concern . study indicate that cats who develop pica could be a symptom of an underlying shape such asleukemiaorfeline immunodeficiency computer virus . All the more understanding to let the cat out of the bag with your veterinary if your cat is sucking on a blanket , shoot down it up , and eat it .
What to Do If Your Cat Won’t Stop Sucking on Blankets, Clothes, and Other Things
If a professional exam clears your kitty-cat of any aesculapian consequence , Sinn says you probably do n’t have to care about this behavior — just consider some of the other potential reasons why and speak them consequently . She also recommend read the Koran " Decoding Your Cat " from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists .
Feline Behavior job : Destructive Behavior . Cornell Feline Health Center .
Demontigny - Bédard I , Bélanger MC , Hélie P , Frank D.Medical and behavioural rating of 8 cats presenting with fabric ingestion : An exploratory original survey . Can Vet J. 2019;60(10):1081 - 1088 .
