Why Does My Cat Suck On Blankets?

Cats are strange but wonderful creatures – having many unusual habits that make them truly unique. One such habit includes sucking on blankets. 

Whether you find this endearing, with your cat snuggled up in your blanket, or maddening, after you’ve found your favorite woolen sweater wet, knowing the reasons behind your furry friend’s behavior can be beneficial.

While your cat sucking on a blanket isn’t something that is generally a cause for concern, understanding what is influencing this behavior will only improve the connection between you and your pet. 

With all this in mind, this article will explore everything you need to know about your cat sucking on a blanket and whether or not this is good for them. 

Without further ado, let’s get straight into it!
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So, Who Do Cats Suck On Blankets?

​If you find your cat sucking on blankets or any other warm, fuzzy material, then you shouldn’t be concerned; it is a natural behavior of most cats! 

However, to help you understand the reasons behind these habits, below, we have outlined some different factors that may influence this behavior. 

1. Comfort

Since cats are extremely independent animals, so it should come as no surprise that they self-soothe during times of illness or even stress, and one way of doing this is by sucking on a blanket. 

By doing this, they are able to make themselves feel better due to the comforting nature of the action.

You may even notice them beginning to purr, which too is another method of relaxation. 

2. Natural Instinct 

Cats rely on their mothers for everything when they are kittens.

To get their food, they suckle on their mothers, this provides them with the required nutrition while strengthening their bond.

Plus, it also provides them with happy hormones such as oxytocin, which can put them in a trance-like state – helping them to relax. 

One reason you may notice your cat sucking on a blanket is due to natural instinct.

They may suckle and knead on something that reminds them of the same safe and warm feeling they would get from their mothers. 

3. Marking Their Scent

While sucking on the blanket, you may notice your cat kneading the wool using its claws.

This can be another instinctual instinct whereby kittens would knead on their mother's stomach while feeding to stimulate milk production. 

However, while doing so, they are also transferring their scent onto the material and surrounding areas. 

Cats contain many scent glands, especially surrounding their paws and faces.

Therefore, this behavior may work as a way to mark their territory and comfort them with a familiar scent.
 
4. They Feel Close To You

Now that we have outlined that this behavior can sometimes be rooted in instinctual nursing habits, it can be understood that cats may reserve this behavior for the ones they love. 

So, if you notice your kitty curling up on your blanket, then it may be their way of saying I love you.

It could mean that you have a strong bond, your cat feels close to you, and they are comfortable around you. 

Not only are you their favorite human but you may act as a substitute mother for them.

While this may seem adorable, it could also be a sign of separation anxiety, so make sure to keep a close eye on their behavior. 

5. It’s In Their Breeding

Certain breeds of cats are more likely to exhibit this behavior than others.

For instance, breeds such as Birman and Siamese are known to suckle on blankets – which you may or may not have already known!
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6. They’re Content

While cats may suck on a blanket to make themselves feel better, it is also a sign that they are contented and happy. 

After all, behaving as they would a kitten is showing their vulnerable side, so this could be their way of saying they’re comfortable, secure, and relaxed in their environment. 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blanket Sucking Bad For Your Cat?

You may be wondering if your cat sucking on a blanket can lead to any adverse effects.

As long as the behavior doesn’t become destructive or obsession, there should not be anything to worry about. 

However, if they begin sucking on materials they can ingest, then this may be cause for concern.

For instance, they could eat materials that can cause internal damage and blockages. 

So, ensure your cat is safe at all times, whether or not the behavior seems cute. 

How To Prevent Your Cat Sucking on Blankets?

If this behavior is becoming obsessive or destructive to your cat, then you may want to remove the materials they are suckling on.

Make sure not to punish your cat as they may become confused and hurt over their natural instincts. 

When To Call the Vet?
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For some cats, sucking on blankets is just an occasional habit.

​As long as they are only doing this once in a while and aren’t ingesting any harmful materials, then they can continue doing so. 

However, if the behavior becomes compulsive, then you may want to look at consulting the opinion of a professional veterinarian to make sure your cat doesn’t have any underlying health conditions that may prompt this behavior. 

Whether this involved adjusting your cat's diet or assessing their teeth, there could be many factors influencing the habit.

Final Thoughts…

Cats are extremely adorable creatures. However, they can sometimes have some questionable behaviors that set them apart from other animals.

One such behavior involves sucking on blankets. While this isn’t usually a cause for concern, it could be a sign of underlying issues if you aren’t careful.

That being said, it usually just means they are comfortable. Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about why your cat may be sucking on a blanket.