Why do cats suck on blankets.

Have you ever noticed your cat or kitten sucking on a blanket, pillow, or other soft object? Kittens do all sorts of nutty things, but as cats age, shedding their kitten behavior is a critical developmental step. As it stands, it makes sense that a cat's blanket-sucking can be troubling to some pet owners. 

In this article, we will cover the various reasons your cat may be sucking on a blanket or soft fabric from time to time. We’ll also discuss what’s normal and what’s troubling in common house cat behavior. With these insights, we can answer once and for all: why do cats suck on blankets, and should we be worried about it? 

Understanding the behavior. 

Suckling might seem strange to humans, but for cats, it's actually an instinctual behavior with logical explanations behind it. 

Why do cats suck on blankets? Possible reasons for blanket sucking include:

• Genetics: Certain breeds, such as the Burmese and Siamese, are likelier than others to exhibit this behavior.  
• Mimicking Nursing Behavior: Tiny kittens nuzzle and nurse their mothers for nourishment. Even though older cats no longer need mama's milk, sucking on something may feel familiar and comforting.
• Teething: Like human babies, kittens go through a set of milk teeth, which they get at around two weeks old, before gaining their adult teeth at about 10 weeks. Some kitties may suck on a "pacifier" to help reduce teething pain.
• Stress Relief: Have you recently moved? Added a family member? Lost a housemate? These and other changes can trigger feline anxiety, causing your cat to seek out the security and warmth that a blanket can provide.
• Oral Fixation: Sound too Freudian to be believable? Actually, cats can develop an oral fixation just like humans, particularly if they are weaned too early. If your cat frequently licks, chews, or sucks on people, pets, or objects, she may have an oral fixation. 
  
  

Unless you are concerned that your cat is coping with stress or pain — or if you're worried that the blanket could harm the animal — blanket sucking shouldn't cause you anxiety. Just tell yourself, "My cat sucks on blankets because… well … he's a cat, and that's what some cats do. It's born and bred in them."

Evolutionary perspective.

The nature-or-nurture question extends even to cat behavior. Did your cat learn to suck blankets, or was she born with a sucking instinct? The answer is that both nature and nurture contribute their share, but Mother Nature has definitely put her thumb on the nature side of the scale.

Like all mammals, cats evolved with a desire to feel, smell, and touch other mammals to enjoy a sense of comfort and security. By sticking close to each other, mammals have a better chance of surviving in the wild. A cat sucking on a blanket is just an extension of this survival instinct.

As cats became more domesticated, their survival skills captured the imagination of humans who rewarded their pets for showing affection. As a result, nurture reinforces what nature has put in place. Because of sucking's deep neurological roots, you may (or may not) be able to fully stop cats' suckling behavior.

Cat behavior: the connection to kneading. 

Sucking isn't the only feline instinct on display in many cat owners' living rooms. Kneading is another behavior we often get asked about. You may notice your cat pushing her paws against something soft in a rhythmic pattern. We call this (admittedly unusual) behavior "kneading" or "making biscuits." It's typically a sign of cat contentment.

You may spot your cat kneading and sucking on a blanket in tandem (sometimes called smurgling), which isn't surprising since both of these behaviors are associated with comfort and safety. The biological basis of kneading and suckling might be seen in a newborn kitten that paws at its mother's belly while suckling at her milk ducts. 

Consequently, if your cat is kneading your lap and licking or sucking your fingers, they may be demonstrating typical cat bonding behaviors.   

Practical tips for cat owners.

Sucking on a blanket is likely nothing to be concerned about unless you believe your cat is doing it to communicate unusually high stress or anxiety. It's actually a great way for most cats to relieve their feelings and reduce anxiety — much like the self-care behaviors that are so important for people. 

Sucking on blankets or other items can help eliminate cat phobias or may just be a sign that your cat loves you. If you're concerned about blanket fibers clogging your pet's throat, though, consider providing alternative comfort objects to help them address underlying stress or anxiety. You could try a plush stuffed animal or another soft cat toy. Just be sure that whatever you provide is washable to maintain the object's hygiene and your cat's health.

When to seek veterinary advice. 

Now that you know why cats suck on blankets — and that it's normal — is there ever a time you should seek a professional's attention for this behavior?

Yes, a veterinary examination might be in order if your cat shows signs of oral pain or dental issues. These could include bad breath, bleeding gums, drooling, visible tartar, or pawing at the mouth. If you notice your pet failing to eat, dropping food, vomiting, or growing irritable, it's time to take your cat to the vet.

Not all issues are medical in nature, however. By speaking cat language, you may discover that your cat sucking on a blanket is a sign of higher-than-usual anxiety, stress, or emotional discomfort. If you notice obsessive sucking behavior or behavioral changes occurring alongside the sucking habit, talk to your feline behavioral specialist or cat-friendly vet. They can help you identify and solve your cat's concerns.

Personal insights and experiences. 

You're not the first cat lover to ask: why does my cat suck on blankets? 

The internet is full of stories about cats kneading and kittens suckling. Dig deep enough, and you'll even discover some tales about inappropriate suckling. For example, one Redditor shared that her mother's cat sucked the tip of its tail until it created a bald spot. Another said her kitty sucked its paws until they got infected.

In both of these threads, fellow cat owners quickly offered solutions and coping strategies, mostly centered on alleviating a cat's stress. They suggested providing a quiet, safe home; offering stimulation; stocking up on cat-approved pacifiers; and keeping the litter box secure, clean, and well-filled. The cat may still suck at something, but they shouldn't harm themselves. 

Cats are known for their quirks. Part of the joy of sharing life with a pet is embracing those quirks and bonding through understanding your cat's communication. Most of the time, a cat sucking on a blanket is simply soothing itself. However, you'll want to contact a feline behaviorist or your local vet with any behavioral or health-related concerns around suckling or kneading.

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