Weird cat behavior does your cat do this, and why?

Question

I have a one year old cat. We have a shag type rug that my cat sucks on like she was suckling her mother, she also sucks plastic bags and likes to get inside them. I have heard people refer to her as a wool sucker. What could have caused this behaivor? Is it serious?

Her mom died when she was 4 weeks. She ate wet food so I didn't bottle feed her. My cat kneads in my hair too.

Steff K, I just don't leave sacks lying around the house. I am a responsible pet owner. When ever we bring grocerys home from the store. I have noticed her climbing in the empty plastics bags BEFORE I pick them up off the floor. Do you think that if I didn't care about my cat that I would take the time to ask a question about her health. I was concered, if I had thought It was something really serious, like blood in her stool, I would take her to the vet.

Answer 1

Its normal behavior especially for kittens that have been weaned from their momma too early. The sucking and kneading actually comforts the kitten - much like what thumb sucking and pacifiers do for toddlers. As the cat matures, the sucking will stop since eating regular food will satisfy not only its hunger but is also very pleasurable. The kneading may continue well into the cat's adult years - cats do this in order to recapture those kitten feelings of security, comfort and peace when they were nursing at their momma's teats. Just make sure that your cat does not actually ingest something that he shoudn't - like plastic.

Answer 2

Poor baby, Her mom died too soon. This isn't normal cat behavior, but it doesn't sound like anything is wrong with her. She's probably just playing with the plastic bags. If you are really concerned, I would call a local vet and just ask them what they think, but it doesn't sound serious. I would try putting down some warm blankets for her to snuggle in and give her some toys that are safer for her to nuzzle on. I wouldn't worry, though. I'm sorry some people are being so harsh. The fact that you asked shows that you are concerned about your baby. Don't let them get to you! Good Luck with your baby!

Answer 3

Cats LOVE to be in bags and boxes and such...just their nature to want to be inside them and play with them. And as far as the suckling goes, I have heard that cats do this when they were taken from their mother too early, so if her mom died when she was 4 wks old, that could be it! There is nothing wrong with it though. She will eventually stop.

Answer 4

My cat Jemima used to try this and that i could no longer understand why till sooner or later she jumped on the sink and commenced ingesting the water from the faucet. After that I knew that once she meowed on the bathing room door or on the kitchen sink she needed a drink of unpolluted water, no longer the stuff in her bowl. This behaviour is additionally an illustration of lack of self assurance with the cat in case you close up the door and close her out - you realize how curios cats are, they opt to work out what you're doing!

Answer 5

Hi there...cats who lick, chew, suckle unusual objects suffer from a condition known as PICA. Plastic bags, wool-sucking is commonly witnessed with cats who have either been weaned too early or more notably among asian breed of cats, but no cat is exempt from the disorder.

Here's more on PICA by UC Davis Veterinary Medicine:
http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html

Pica: The Un-finicky Feline
Chewing or eating cords, fabric, houseplants, etc.

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.

...please see website for full details on how to treat PICA

Answer 6

never heard of a wool sucker, but my cat like to hide in plastic bags and also sleep in them.I just think you have a very frisky cat need some catnip toys to maybe change its likes for the shag carpet.

Answer 7

My veterinarian refers to that sort of behavior as "kittening behavior" and it isn't all that rare. It is caused by being separated from the mother too early. My cat is almost 5 years old and she still likes to kneed and lick blankets, sweaters, etc. She'll probably keep doing it her entire life and although it's annoying while I'm wearing the sweater, it's normal behavior.

Answer 8

she was probably taken from mom too soon, kittens that are weaned early like to find replacements. my cat has finally stopped sucking my ear, but she still kneads in my hair or on my shoulders, scalp whatever when i'm trying to sleep.

Answer 9

we had a cat that sucked everything. our clothes and even bodies, like stomach or arm. it was weird. you could just lay with him on your stomach and 10 minutes later you would have a huge wet spot on your shirt. I don't think it really has anything to do with anything, it's just a weird trait. We also had a cat that drooled and she would shake her head and get drool all over everything!

Answer 10

She was taken from her mom too soon...it's not serious, that's just what comforts your cat.