{"id":12043,"date":"2022-11-11T09:53:34","date_gmt":"2022-11-11T09:53:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=12043"},"modified":"2023-02-10T16:22:22","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T16:22:22","slug":"why-does-my-cat-suck-on-blanket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/why-does-my-cat-suck-on-blanket\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Cat Suck on Blankets"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why does my cat suck on blankets<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people think cats suck on blankets because they&#8217;re bored or lonely, while others believe that the behavior is a way for cats to comfort themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever the reason, there&#8217;s no doubt that blanket-sucking is an equally strange and amusing habit, and we\u2019ll reveal everything there is to know about it!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='why-does-my-cat-suck-on-blankets'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Does My Cat Suck on Blankets<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat sucking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">on a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> blanket<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a common behavior (especially with Birman and Siamese breeds), also known as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wool-sucking<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It&#8217;s a form of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">self-soothing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> demeanor that helps kitties relieve stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One theory is that it&#8217;s a way for them to get exposure to specific pheromones that they can&#8217;t get from their mother&#8217;s milk anymore. This theory is supported by the fact that most wool-sucking behaviors start around the time that kittens are weaned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several reasons cats enjoy sucking on blankets\u2014here they are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress relief,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boredom,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural instinct,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal distress, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early weaning.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id='stress-relief'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress relief<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is one of the most common reasons cats suck on blankets. When cats have <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic anxiety<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or feel overwhelmed, they may turn to suck on a blanket because this reminds them of being a kitten. It&#8217;s one of their many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">self-soothing strategies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat is showing signs of stress and anxiety often, consider trying out <\/span><b>CBD oil for cats<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help them.<\/span><\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 id='boredom'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boredom<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats might get bored if they don&#8217;t have enough activities or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">toys to keep them occupied<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Sometimes they\u2019ll communicate this to you by sucking on a blanket. This is typical behavior in indoor cats without unlimited access to the outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='natural-instinct'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural instinct<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suckling <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">on a blanket<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> mimics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a natural reaction for kittens. It&#8217;s believed that this behavior helps them transition from their mother&#8217;s milk to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">solid foods<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Again, every cat is different, so this is not always the case, but for some, it may be a holdover from their kittenhood.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='anxiety'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat is experiencing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">separation anxiety<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it might start doing this to cope; this is often followed by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kneading<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">endearing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as it seems, it&#8217;s essential to consult your veterinarian to rule out any other underlying health issues and come up with a plan to help your kitty feel more comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='gastrointestinal-distress'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">distress<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat is experiencing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gastrointestinal distress<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inflammatory bowel disease<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, nausea, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">food allergies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or vomiting, sucking on a blanket or any non-food item may help them feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is likely because the motion of sucking helps settle their stomach and makes them feel more comfortable. If you suspect your cat is suffering from some of the mentioned <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical issues<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, check in with your vet to try to regulate it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='early-weaning'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early weaning<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cat owners believe that if a kitten is weaned too early, they may turn to wool sucking because they&#8217;re just not ready to let go of that comforting suckling behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read also: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/why-do-cats-knead\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Why Do Cats Knead? Everything About Cats Making Biscuits<\/b><\/a><\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id='how-to-stop-a-kitten-from-sucking-on-a-blanket'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Stop a Kitten From Sucking<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on a Blanket<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that we&#8217;ve discussed the possible reasons why your kitten sucks on a blanket, let&#8217;s move on to the solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re wondering why you\u2019d <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">want <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to stop kittens from wool-sucking (they do look super cute doing it, after all!), understand that this behavior has a few potential risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, if your cat is sucking on a blanket that has been recently treated with chemicals or cleansers, it could ingest these substances and fall ill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second, if your cat sucks on a blanket with loose threads, it could end up swallowing these, which could cause an intestinal blockage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important thing you can do to stop this is to provide your kitten with enough playtime and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mental stimulation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A bored or anxious kitten is more likely to turn to sucking for comfort and even entertainment. Make sure your kitten has plenty of toys to keep it entertained\u2014spend at least 15 minutes a day playing with it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your kitten is suckling on a particular blanket or piece of clothing, take it away from them gradually. This will help break the association in their minds between that item and comfort or nursing <a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-to-discipline-a-kitten\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">and <\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">give them more discipline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It might be hard for them at first, but this is where playtime comes in handy. Spend more time with your kitten when you take the blanket away, so it doesn&#8217;t feel stressed or isolated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, getting a cat tree can be a great way to provide your kitten with stimulation and a sense of security. A cat tree is a perfect way to give them something to do. Plus, it gives them a place to hide and relax when they need time alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is this your first time as a cat parent? If so, feel free to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>read our pawsome guide on how to properly take care of a<\/b> <b>cat<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id='frequently-asked-questions'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>How to get a kitten to stop nursing on you?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to get a kitten to stop nursing on you is to take away the thing that the cat is clinging to. For example, if the kitten is nursing on your clothing, try moving away from the kitten or putting it in a different room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the kitten is nursing on your skin, gently push it away and offer it a toy or food instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Why does my cat nurse on blankets<\/b><b>?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several potential causes for wool-sucking, but most come down to self-soothing or stress relief for cats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='key-takeaways'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have ever wondered \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">why does my cat suck on blankets<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?\u201d, there isn\u2019t only one correct answer. However, it&#8217;s a behavior that has been observed in many cats. Some believe that it offers comfort and security to the kitten, while others think it helps with their anxiety or stressful situations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter the reason, one thing is for sure: it&#8217;s cute! Have you ever seen your cat do this? Let us know in the comments below.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Sources<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vethelpdirect.com\/vetblog\/2021\/09\/05\/why-do-kittens-suck-on-blankets\/#:~:text=This%20behaviour%20is%20used%20as,calm%20down%20and%20feel%20better.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VetHelpDirect<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/petkeen.com\/why-does-cat-suck-on-blankets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet Keen<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/cat\/behavior\/your-cat-suckling-adult\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PetMD<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/cats-kittens\/behavior\/common-cat-behaviors\/why-do-cats-suck-on-blankets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Paws\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/petparentsbrand.com\/blogs\/pet-parenting\/why-do-cats-suck-on-blankets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet Parents<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why does my cat suck on blankets? Some people think cats suck on blankets because they&#8217;re bored or lonely, while others believe that the behavior is a way for cats to comfort themselves. Whatever the reason, there&#8217;s no doubt that blanket-sucking is an equally strange and amusing habit, and we\u2019ll reveal everything there is to [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/why-does-my-cat-suck-on-blanket\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from Why Does My Cat Suck on Blankets<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":12044,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12043","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12043"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12043\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}