Cats have habits and behaviors that can be very strange to us, such as kneading, trying to get into tiny holes or throwing any object they find. Therefore, if we observe situations such as the cat biting the blanket while kneading it, it is totally normal for us to wonder if this is a behavior typical of the species or if our cat has a problem.
When a cat engages in behavior like this sporadically, we don't have to worry. Now, if the animal frequently bites the blanket, perhaps something is happening. For this reason, in this article on our site we will answer the question " why my cat kneads and bites the blanket" to find out what may be happening.
Pica syndrome
When cats bite, chew, lick or suck on something other than food, this is abnormal behavior. We call this behavior "pica syndrome". The word "pica" comes from Latin and means "magpie", a bird of the crow family that is well known for its feeding behavior: it eats everything it finds. Also, magpies have a habit of stealing and hiding the strangest objects.
Pica is a syndrome that affects many animals, including humans, dogs and cats, which occurs when they bite or ingest non-edible substances The cat's favorite objects for this behavior are: cardboard, paper, plastic bags and fabrics such as wool (that's why it sucks or bites the blanket). The breeds most predisposed to this specific problem of biting the blanket, or sucking on it as if nursing, are oriental breeds such as the Siamese and the Burmese.
There are still not enough studies to determine the exact causes of this problem. However, as it affects some breeds more than others, it is believed to have a strong genetic component For a long time, experts believed that this syndrome originated from from an early separation of the kitten from the litter. However, it is now believed that this is not the main cause in most cats.
The most likely cause is that it is a habit (as in people) that relieves stress and promotes a sense of well-being in the cat. This behavior is sometimes associated with a loss of appetite and/or ingestion of strange foods. This stress or anxiety can be caused by different reasons, such as boredom, a move or any other change in the home. Each cat is a different world and in the event of any change in behavior it is essential to visit the vet to rule out even the least likely causes.
Recently, in 2015, a group of researchers tried to better understand this problem. More than 204 Siamese and Burmese cats participated in the study. The results revealed that there was no relationship between the physical characteristics of the animal and abnormal feeding behavior in the tissues. However, they found that in the Siamese cat breed there was a relationship between other medical problems and this behavior. In Burmese cats, results suggested that early weaning and a litter box that is too small can encourage this type of behavior. In addition, in both breeds, there was a marked increase in appetite[1]
Without a doubt, more studies are needed to understand this complex behavior problem of our cats. For now, you should try to do what the experts say. Although there is still no exact way to fix the problem.
What to do to prevent your cat from chewing the blanket?
If your cat finally bites the blanket or any other fabric because he is suffering from pica syndrome, unfortunately, there is no 100% effective solution to this problem. However, we recommend you follow these guidelines:
- Take the cat to the vet if he is eating strange things. Although it is not common, it can be a nutritional deficiency and only the veterinarian can perform tests to rule out this possibility.
- Hide cashmere fabrics or other materials that your feline prefers. Close the bedroom door when you are not home to prevent the cat from going there and spending hours doing this type of behavior.
- Encourages the cat's physical exercise. The longer the cat is entertained, the less time it will spend sucking on the blankets.
- Very severe cases of pica may require psychoactive medication.
Stress and anxiety
As we have seen, the above cause can actually also be related to stress, anxiety and boredom. However, these conditions do not always lead to pica syndrome, so the cat may simply be kneading the blanket, without the need to bite it, as a way to relax
Cats knead objects and ourselves for different reasons. This behavior begins as soon as they are born when the kittens stimulate their mother's breasts through this instinctive gesture. Kneading their mother's breasts produces food and, therefore, well-being and tranquility. During adulthood, cats continue to carry out this behavior when they feel good, when they develop a strong emotional bond with another animal or person, to rest better, to mark or to relax if they feel stressed. Therefore, if your cat kneads the blanket, but does not bite it, you will have to try to find out if it is stressed or if, on the contrary, it is a happy animal that simply wants to show it. Of course, if it turns out that the animal is stressed or suffering from anxiety, it is essential to find the cause and treat it.
Premature weaning
When a kitten is separated from its mother early, it often develops behaviors such as biting and kneading the blanket to calm down or as if nursing, especially until they fall asleep. This, over time, usually disappears, although the "kneading" is totally normal and continues throughout life. However, it can become an obsession and develop the aforementioned pica syndrome. If, in addition, it ingests any thread or pieces of the fabric, it can suffer serious intestinal problems.
On the other hand, kittens that have not been weaned prematurely can also develop this behavior. In these cases, they can do it to accommodate their bed or because they feel lonely and/or bored. In the first case, it will end up disappearing over time and we won't have to worry, in the second case, it will be convenient to offer him a variety of toys to prevent him from turning this behavior into a habit or a way to relieve his stress.
Sexual conduct
When a cat is reaching sexual maturityit is totally normal for him to start exploring and engaging in strange behaviors, such as rubbing against objects and even try to mount objects like a blanket. It is important to sterilize the animal when the veterinarian recommends it, both to avoid unwanted pregnancies and so that it does not try to escape with all the risks that this entails. Likewise, early sterilization prevents them from developing breast tumors, pyometras, testicular pathologies, etc.
On the other hand, unneutered or neutered adult cats can also display this behavior during the heat period or for other reasons. So if you notice your cat chewing on the blanket and getting excited, biting the blanket while kneading it, or seeming to copulate with the blanket, she may be in heat, feeling stressedand perform this behavior to relax or simply give you pleasure
During mating, the male cat tends to bite the female while copulation is taking place. In this way, observing that the cat bites the blanket and mounts it can indicate that is in heat We can confirm this if we observe other symptoms such as marking with urinate, meow, rub, or lick their genitals. It is important to differentiate sexual urine marking from territorial marking. If he doesn't ride the blanket, but he does bite it, knead it and seems to get excited, let's remember that it could be pica syndrome
Finally, mounting the blanket can be a consequence of stress, this behavior being an escape route for the animal because sexual behavior causes an important relaxing or anxiolytic effect, or as part of play because this activity produces a high level of excitement.
Since there are many causes that can explain why a cat bites and kneads the blanket or mounts it, it is essential to carefully observe each of the animal's behaviors to be able to find out what may be happening, as well such as visiting a veterinarian specialized in ethology. As we have seen, the simple act of biting, kneading or riding the blanket can lead us to one or another situation.
