- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you’re a cat parent, you might notice your cat sucking or licking your favorite blanket. Cats suck on blankets because they were taken away from their moms too early, says Kristiina Wilson, animal behaviorist specializing in cats at Cattitude Adjustment and the host of Hiss and Tell, a weekly cat podcast. Cats might also suck on blankets to calm down, add to their diet, or are sick.
Luckily, this strange behavior is usually not a problem unless the blanket has strings or loose pieces your cat could accidentally eat or choke on.
We talked to experts to find out why cats suck on blankets, how to deal with it, and answer frequent questions about this behavior.
1. They’re Stressed
Cats may suck on blankets when they’re feeling stressed, says Samantha Bell, a cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society. Her own feline friend, Yohan, was orphaned and didn’t have enough time to nurse. He’ll find his stuffed animal, suck on it, and make biscuits while doing so.
When stressed, kitties will seek comfort and may instinctively suck on blankets since it reminds them of their mother’s fur.
2. They Need Comfort
Cats don’t have to be stressed to suck on a blanket. Sometimes, they just want to feel extra cozy.
The softness of the blanket, the feel of it, and the purring and kneading can all make the experience enjoyable for cats.
3. Their Diet is Lacking
If a cat isn’t getting enough nutrients or is on a diet, they might feel uncomfortable and start sucking on blankets.
Some cats might even eat fabric or other non-food items, which could be a sign of a stomach problem or that they need more fiber.
4. They’re Sick
If your cat has just started sucking on blankets, pay attention to other signs. “Blanket-sucking alone does not indicate a medical issue, but if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, it can,” Bell says. Watch for things like:
- Eating more or less
- Change in energy
- Change in litter box habits
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- A sudden change in behavior (i.e. hiding more, increased irritability, sleeping more, excessive grooming)
If you notice these and blanket-sucking, take your cat to the vet.
5. They’re a Certain Breed
Oriental breeds, such as Siamese and Burmese cats, may be more prone to sucking on blankets compared to other cat breeds.
However, any cat may engage in this behavior.
How to Manage & Reduce Blanket Sucking
“Any behavior becomes a problem when it interferes with your cat’s quality of life,” Bell says. If blanket sucking is getting in the way, try these tips:
- Give your cat safe places to hide and relax, like cat trees, tunnels, or perches. This can help reduce stress at home.
- If your cat starts sucking on a blanket, use a wand toy to play with them instead. Bell says playing can help them feel more confident and less stressed.
- Give your cat treats when they choose to play instead of sucking on blankets.
If this behavior isn’t hurting your cat and helps them feel calm when stressed, it’s usually not a big deal.
When to See a Vet
If your cat just started sucking on blankets or if it’s affecting their daily life, it’s a good idea to talk to a vet or cat behaviorist to figure out the cause.
iStock/Jane Rubtsova
Cat Blanket Sucking FAQs
Is blanket sucking harmful to my cat?
Wilson says blanket sucking isn’t dangerous as long as there aren’t any loose strings or pieces your cat could eat. Always check the blanket to make sure it’s safe.
It can be dangerous if two kittens suck on each other, which is called cross-sucking. This can hurt them, especially if both are male.
Can adult cats suddenly start sucking on blankets?
Yes. Bell says sometimes adult cats start sucking on blankets. If this happens, take your cat to the vet to check if it’s a sign of a health issue.
Why does my kitten suck on blankets more than my older cat?
Wilson says kittens who were taken away from their moms too soon are more likely to suck on blankets. She’s seen foster kittens and their moms naturally separate after about three months.
Older cats who didn’t grow up with their mom or siblings may keep doing this for their whole life. For example, Wilson says she has a 6-year-old cat that calms herself by sucking on her toes!
Is blanket sucking related to pica?
Not usually. But if your cat is also licking walls or eating things like dirt, Wilson says it could be a sign of pica, which means your cat is eating things it shouldn’t.
If you notice this, check with your vet.
What should I do if my cat eats part of the blanket?
Bell says if your cat eats part of the blanket, it could cause a blockage, and they might need medical help. She recommends going to the vet right away if you think your cat has eaten some of the blanket.
Look for signs like tiredness, no appetite, vomiting, or trouble using the litter box.
Should I be worried if my cat only sucks on blankets sometimes?
If your cat regularly sucks on blankets, Wilson says it’s usually not something to worry about.
But if your adult cat suddenly starts doing it or another new behavior, talk to your vet to check for problems like dental pain, anxiety, or missing nutrients.
