Why Do Cats Suck on Blankets? 9 Reasons & 6 Easy Solutions

Felines show quirky and sometimes puzzling behaviors. You may have caught your cat sucking on a blanket. It is one of the most prevalent habits. This activity is really strange. Many cat owners wonder about it and they have a question in mind: why does my cat suck on blankets? 

This unique quirk is rooted in a mix of psychological, emotional, and even biological reasons. If you understand your pet behavior properly you can understand more deeply about the reasons behind it. Let’s explore a full overview of the reasons for cats sucking on blanket habits. 

In this blog we’ll learn the following topics:

1. What is cat blanket sucking?
2. 9 reasons why do cats suck on blankets?
3. Is blanket-sucking a matter of concern?
4. How to stop a cat from suckling on a blanket? - 5 ways
5. Real stories from cat owners
6. Related FAQs
7. Respecting your cat’s unique quirks

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What Is Cat Blanket Sucking? 

Blanket sucking is a cute behavior that makes felines feel secure, like they do in kittenhood with their mother fur. During sucking a cat latches onto soft objects such as blankets, sweaters, or even plush toys and will play with that object by sucking on it. This behavior often comes with kneading that is also called cat making biscuit and purring. Sucking is a harmless behavior and it reflects a range of intricate motivations linked to your cat's instincts and growth. But why do they choose blankets over others? Because felines love soft, cushy textures. Let’s know all the reasons.^[1]

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9 Reasons Why Do Cats Suck on Blankets? 

This behavior may seem intriguing but there are many reasons why your pet loves to suck on fabrics. Here’s why:

1. Kittenhood Habits & Nursing Instincts 

Naturally, cats are born with the instinct to nurse their mother's milk. This feeding process is soothing and helps to make them feel safe. If a kitten separates from its mother so early, weaned too early or it has a strong fondness for nursing, it can carry this behavior into older age.^[2] Licking on blankets becomes a replacement activity for the bottle or their mother. A blanket makes a great alternative because of the soft and cozy texture that is much like a mom cat’s belly.^[3]

2. A Comforting Self-Soothing Mechanism 

Cats always find ways to remain free from stress. Blanket-sucking is a comfortable and mental relief ritual. This is similar to how human beings chew gum or twirl their hair. Felines use sucking as their emotional outlet. They may be seeking:

• A sense of security 
• Relief from anxiety or boredom 
• Comfort when they’re alone or in unfamiliar situations 

Supervise your cat when it is nursing on blankets. It may do it in calming moments, after a stressful event or before setting a place for napping. But if you catch your pet sucking regularly because of stress, then it is a concern and you need to do something.^[4]

3. Maternal Instincts in Certain Breeds 

Some cat breeds are more prone to involve in behaviors like blanket-sucking. Siamese and burmese breeds are popular for the exhibition of kitten-like traits after growing up^[4] . This behavior is called "neoteny" (retaining juvenile characteristics). Eastern breeds of cat are more likely to suck. Because these breeds need more weaning period. Persians and Russian Blues have a low tendency to suck on fabrics. Below are the breeds that show blanket-sucking behaviour:

• Angora
• Burmese
• Domestic shorthair
• Norwegian forest cat
• Siamese
• Turkish Van

You must be careful when your pet will suck on fabrics. Because if they swallow any part of the fabric, it can cause digestive problems.^[1]

4. Showcasing Love to Owner

Cats knead or suck in blankets with attention. Blankets contain the familiar cent of the owner that attacks them. It is a sign that your feline friend loves and completely trusts you. This gives them a feeling of love as they do with their months.^[4]

5. Associations with Positive Memories 

If your cat has been raised with a particular blanket or fabric, they might have developed a strong emotional bond with it. The scent and texture of the fabric may remind them about some happy times in the past. The memories can be cuddling with you or napping in their favorite spot.^[5]

You should not be surprised if your cat fixates on a particular blanket in your home. Remember that it is their personal comfort zone.

6. Boredom or Limited Stimulation 

Lack of stimulation or playing sessions can lead felines to suck on soft fabrics. If they don’t have access to any interactive cat toys or engaging activities, they search for something to occupy themselves. Blankets make an easy option in this case.^[4]  

If you find your kitty friend seems lethargic or bored during the day, we recommend increasing their playtime.

Some behaviors that shows their stress:

• Peeing or pooping outside the litter box
• More hiding than normal
• Hissing or growling
• Vomiting or diarrhea.

When they are stressed out, they also start sucking on their paws or chewing on their tail. These are behaviors which may occur in association with suckling.^[1]

7. Dental Issues

Sometimes, if your pet has dental problems, they may start sucking. If a cat is going through pain or discomfort in their month, they may search for relief by licking on soft textures. When gum massaged, may provide temporary relief from some discomfort. If it suddenly notices your kitty sucking on soft fabrics like a blanket, it might be a good idea to check your little one's teeth and gums for any signs of possible dental problems.^[6]

8. Natural Habit

Rather than all other reasons a cat continues to licking on blankets for habit. If at certain times or on certain events, they show this behaviour, it may be because of habit. In those cases, your cat is not suckling for any particular reason other than the fact that it is an activity it is accustomed to.^[4]

9. Lack of Foods

A feline may lick on a blanket because of the way to cope with hunger or seeking out additional nutrients if they have a lack of food. kittens who were weaned too early or from cats living on a restricted diet may encounter this behavior more frequently.^[6]   

Signs of Hunger in Cats:

• Making much noise while meowing
• Rubbing itself against any object or you
• Following you throughout the house in which you stay
• Trying to munch on items that aren't food
• Eating very fast or in large quantities
• Vomit from the bile^[7]  

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Is Blanket-Sucking a Matter of Concern? 

For most of the cats, nursing on a blanket is a harmless and amusing habit. But in certain cases, it may symbolize a problem that you should address. Here are some signals to indicate that the time to act is now:

• Chewing fabric: If your cat suddenly changes from sucking to chewing and swallowing a piece of fabric. It is quite possible that your cat has a blockage in his system.^[3]  
• Obsessive behavior: If blanket-licking is not just an occasional occurrence but turns into an activity that's essentially all-consuming, it could be indicative of stress or anxiety.^[3]  
• Pica: If your kitty friend eats a piece of blanket beside sucking. This could signify pica, a condition wherein animals have cravings for and eat items that are not food. 1 Pica may pose a life-threatening danger due to digestive upsets, obstructions, and poisoning.^[8]  

If you understand "why" behind such behavior, you will be in the best position to either manage it or discourage it.

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How to Stop a Cat from Suckling on Blankets?- 6 Ways

If your cat's blanket-nursing is getting to be a problem or you are looking to contain the behavior, here are a few practical solutions that you can try.

1. Limit Your Cat's Access to Blankets

Owners who want their pet never do this behavior, they can follow these instructions:

• If your cat has a favorite particular blanket for suckling, you can hide it to completely get rid of it.
• Some felines nurse, suck or lick on blankets for keeping in a specific area. You can restrict the access of that area or don’t put a blanket there.^[4]

2. Provide Alternative Comforts

If you love to see your pet nursing on blankets, you can simply redirect it in a safe way. Offer your feline friend a plush toy or pet-safe soft, durable fleece feline blanket specially for sucking. This helps redirect the behavior to a safe object you don’t mind sacrificing.^[1]

3. Increase Playtime 

Some bored cats use this sucking behaviour as entertainment. Offer your pet a lot of mental stimulation and involve it in interactive playing sessions to keep mentally engaged. Provide your feline companion many types of cat toys, scratchers and cat grass and more items that can keep them active and spend their time.^[11]

4. Create a Safe Space 

If your cat is going through anxiety or stress for separation anxiety or other reasons, it can trigger it to suck. A calming environment can work as magic. That’s why you create a quiet and safe corner with their favorite bed, blanket and toys to ease their stress. Naturally felines have a natural instinct to hide. Offer them a hiding space like cat trees, caves or houses.^[11]

5. Distract and Redirect 

As soon as you find your cat in the very act of sucking on a piece of blanket, attract its attention with one of the toys, treats, or activities that he loves best. Gradually, your cat will learn that he has your disapproval when getting caught indulging in a piece of material, without stressing at all through gentle reprimand.^[11]

6. Consult a Vet or Behaviorist 

If you have doubt in mind and it seems your pet’s behavior is obsessive or unusual, immediately consult with a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist. Expert advice can also be provided after excluding medical causes.^[11]  

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Real Stories from Cat Owners 

Cat owner Bev Eldridge shared her story in Quora “She was probably removed from her mother’s side too early, and never properly weaned. We had one who did that, he was rescued by my 10 yr old daughter when he and his littermates were dumped at a regional Fair when they didn’t sell. The vet who checked him over said that he was about 4 weeks old, and we had to feed him pablum and baby food until he was about 6–8 weeks.’” ^[9]  

Another person named lexyiswexy said on reddit “ Every one saying it's because they were removed from their moms too early.... My cat cubbie was with his mom the absolute longest out of anyone else in his litter and he still does this lol”^[10]  

The snapshots are substantively personal anecdotes, and remind us that each individual cat is different. Blanket licking, therefore, may seem a bit abnormal, but it is only a manifestation of their emotional and physical needs.

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Related FAQs:

Q: Why do cats like blankets?

A: Cats like blankets for many reasons. They enjoy the feeling of soft and plush material. It provides them comfort and coziness. Blankets made with fleece materials make them feel like their mother fur that create a sense of security. Also, it is their instinctual behavior to knead or make territory on soft surfaces. Moreover, they love soft blankets because of play and enrichment.^[12]  

Q: Do blankets keep cats warm?

A: Yes! Blankets help felines to regulate their body temperature during cool months. They curl or hide under blankets to stay warm and cozy.^[12]

Q: Why does my cat suck on my blanket? Is that normal?

A: Absolutely! There is no concern if your cat sucks on your blanket. Your throws hold your body smell that felines consider as familiar. It gives them a sense of security. This is a clear sign of bonding between you and your pet.^[1]  

Q: Can adult cats suddenly begin nursing on blankets?

A: Yes, adult cats can sometimes start nursing on blankets. This is often a sign of stress or anxiety. If they feel stressed, they may show obsessive behavior like nursing.^[11]  

Q: What should I do if my kitten shallow parts of a blanket?

A: If your kitten eats a part of a blanket, it can cause serious digestive problems and choking hazards. It’s a serious problem. Immediately take your pet to the veterinarian.^[11]  

Q: Why does my kitty nurse on a blanket more than an adult cat?

A: It is quite common behavior in little kittens. They show this behavior excessively if they are separated from their mother before weaning. Because plush, soft fleece blankets give them affection like their mother's fur.^[11]  

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Respecting Your Cat’s Unique Quirks 

Why does your cat suck on blankets can have many reasons behind it such as kittenhood habit, seeking comfort, maternal instinct, showcasing love, remembering positive memories, for boredom, anxiety, dental issues, habit and hunger. Though it is a harmless behavior, in certain cases it can be a matter of concern if your pet starts chewing fabrics, shallowing, shows obsessive behavior and pica. By implementing the reasons for your cat sucking on blankets, you can simply redirect it through positive reinforcement, enough mental stimulation or creating a cozy sleeping space with soft and plush bed and blankets. Keep in mind it is an endearing habit that can deepen the bond between you and your feline friend.

If you're worried about your cat's fabric-suckling habits, consider examining their emotional well-being and surroundings. Often, even minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements. Most importantly, embrace the unique traits that make your cat special!

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References:

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1. Research about blanket sucking by Lake City Animal Hospital 🔗
2.  Article about development stage of kitten’s behavior by Paws🔗
3. Blog about reasons of kittens sucking on blanket by Vet Help Direct🔗
4. Vet approved article about why does my cat suck on my blanket by Pango Vet🔗
5. Study about vats develop attachment to their caregivers by Oregon State University🔗
6. Vet instruction about how to make your cat’s oral care by Kinship🔗
7. Blog about types of cat vomit by director of veterinary of Purina🔗
8. Expert advice about Pica in cats by PetMD🔗
9. Comment of Bev Eldridge regarding cat’s suckle in Quora🔗
10. Real story shared by lexyiswexy in reddit🔗
11. Article about cat sucks blankets by Rover🔗
12. Blog about ways to help cat survive in winter by Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance🔗