My cat sucks on a blanket

I have a year-old cat. He sucks on any furry blanket that he finds, thinking it is his mother. Do you think this will stop on its own after a while? If not, how do I help?

- Sonia Gupta

Hi Sonia,
Your cat sucking on a blanket could be due to multiple reasons. The most common and obvious reason is when the kitten is separated very early from its mother. In other words, the weaning process was not done properly leaving the cat with an unfulfilled instinct for nursing. It can also be the trauma of separation from the mother even before he was ready to leave her.

It is not necessary that all cats separated from their moms early will have the urge to suck, but in some cases, the behaviour remains. Since nursing and cuddling with the mother is the most secure and comfortable feeling for kittens, some kittens suck blankets when they are stressed. They do this to seek the feeling of security and comfort that they had as a kitten in the bosom of the mother.

On the contrary, if he is cuddled on your lap and is sucking on your clothes, then he is merely exhibiting immense faith in you and it is his way of saying he feels safe with you. If the sucking is occasional and is a simple attempt for him to feel good, you have nothing to worry about. If it is persistent, almost as if he was anxious, then you need to help him get out of this habit.

So, what should you do if your cat is suckling on blankets? Make sure you offer him plenty of love and affection, that makes him feel good and safe in your home. Spend quality time with him, interact and engage with him so that he does not feel lonely. Invest in scratch-posts and toys that will keep him occupied in your absence. Check to see if there are any external factors that bothers him or stresses him out. This could be another cat, or sound or simply changes that he seems to be bothered by. Make sure to address these as well to put him at ease. Consult your veterinarian who can recommend medications or supplements if needed.