My cat who is about seven months old and was given to us at about 3 weeks old?

Question

He has started to suck on blankets to put himself to sleep. Do you think this is normal?

Answer 1

Hi there...generally cats who are weaned early tend to develop suckling habits. It is also commonly seen in asian breeds of cats as well. This condition is also known medically as PICA.

Here's more about PICA:
http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html
What is Pica?
Pica is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, cats may chew or suck on objects, but not actually swallow them. Common targets include yarn or string, fabric, wool, phone or electric cords, and plants. Any object may be a potential target, however.

Why is Pica Dangerous?
Other than its destructive potential, pica can be extremely hazardous to your cat's health if non-food items are consumed. Ingested fabric, string, or other materials can lodge in your cat's stomach or intestine. The blockage prevents the passage of food and may cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions. Cat's that chew on power cords may be electrocuted. Additionally, many common houseplants are toxic to cats; chewing or eating these plants can cause a wide range of symptoms from drooling to death. If your cat has a history of ingesting non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or displays other concerning behavior, take them to your veterinarian immediately.

Why Does My Cat Eat/Chew on Non-food Items?
No one knows exactly why some cats exhibit pica behavior. Because pica has been associated with a variety of diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, a veterinarian should examine any cat with pica. A genetic component is also suspected since wool or fabric sucking/chewing is more commonly found in Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats. Although it is normal for cats to eat small amounts of grass, consumption of large amounts of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness. Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons for pica can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior.

Treatment:
To rule out medical causes, a veterinarian should examine all cats displaying pica. Once your veterinarian gives your cat a clean bill of health, discuss with them what steps you can take to modify your cat's behavior. These may include the following:

... please see website for full details

Answer 2

I volunteer at an animal shelter and have seen a few partially blind cats. They compensate for not being able to see out of one eye with the other so she shouldn't run into anything. Kittens will be playful, that is just what they do! They doesn't mean she will attack your kids, its probably better that she is young so she can grow up used to the way your children will interact with her (they will be rough with her without realizing it). As for not being at home some days, that is fine. Cats like to do nothing and have time to be along, it is their nature. If you want her, get her! Cats with disabilities have a harder time getting adopted, so I say do it!

Answer 3

It's very common in cats taken from their mothers too soon. A cat should never be separated from its mother before 8-10 weeks. Your cat will probably continue to 'nurse' on blankets all his life now.

In the future, don't take kittens that young, it's not good for their socialization.

Answer 4

A lot of cats suck on fabric. Like others have said, it's soothing. As for the kneading, what I've read about it is: (1) they knead their mother's belly when nursing to help let the milk down, and (2) they have scent glands in their paws so when they knead you, they're putting their scent on you to mark you as belonging to them (too cute!), and (3) the tail also has scent glands so they use it to wrap around your legs when you're standing, for the same reason. It's quite flattering.

Answer 5

My 6 month male did that on me quite a bit. He was taken from his mother at about 4 weeks when he was still learning to walk. He seems to be growing out of it. Now he crawls under the covers by my side and purrs himself asleep. But he still ninny sucks a bit. That's not as bad as that kneading which comes from when they were feeding on the mother and pushing for milk. He'll grow out of it.

Answer 6

Yes, it is normal. Lots of kittens do it to recapture feelings of contentment and security when they were nursing at their momma's teats. They knead too and the kneading often extends to their mature years while the sucking usually ends. Cats knead soft things like your lap or belly - some cat behaviorists say it is an expression of dependence.

Answer 7

My parents' kitty was 12 weeks old when they got him and until now he's 6 yrs old, he still purring and sucking on blanket shortly before he sleeps. I think that's normal.

Answer 8

I've had cats that do that. Our one cat now likes to lick my husband's face. He gets this different purr when he does and acts like he is looking for his mother's nipple. It's kind of funny to watch him do it but I think it's strange. And I really think it's because he was taken from his mother too soon.

Answer 9

Yes its like nursing and comforts them and puts them to sleep pretty normal i don't see any harm But you could ask vet to be sure

Answer 10

i wouldn't worry about it too much. when cats are taken away from thier mother early they often retain many behaviours that they would do when around their mother. my cat kneeds, chews paper (but never eats it) and does many other odd things. Play with your cat a lot, enjoy him or her, and he/she will probably outgrow it.