ok ever since he was a kitten if you were to rub my kitty's back he would purr, but he would go on his little blanket and start sucking on it. and he still does it.
2007-02-04 11:12:37 · 18 answers · asked by metalchik 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there...Medically scientists have determined that cats who suck, lick, chew non-edible items suffer from a condition called PICA. This is common among kittens who were weaned early and seen in many Asian breed of cats as well. Here's an article about PICA by University of California Davis on what is PICA and how to treat it: 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 consider visiting the website for full details on how PICA is treated.
2007-02-04 15:48:39 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The kitty was weened to early it sounds like.
Kittens tend to look for mouth stimulation if they didn't nurse long enough from their mom. I rescued a kitten that would try and nurse on my neck for a long time.
I can understand the kitties, I wasn't breastfed so now I always...nevermind.
He gets comfort from it. I think cats all have some unique little nuance. My roommate has one that licks toes...just toes. I had another cat that would growl when someone approached my front door...if that cat was outside, she would move back and forth on the steps growling and not let the whoever the visitor was up onto the porch.
Cats have character.
2007-02-04 11:22:01 · answer #2 · answered by moabmusher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually it's pretty normal because my cat will purr and purr and then she just all of a sudden starts sucking on her tail she has done it all her life it's adorable my friends cat sucks on her blanket too it's pretty normal!!!
2007-02-04 12:26:51 · answer #3 · answered by Brenna C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL be happy it is the blanket. when my cat is happy and content it is my ear he suck on and keeds my neck. Some say it is because he was taken from his mom early but he did not start this until he was about a year old.
2007-02-04 11:57:40 · answer #4 · answered by SHAy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of cats do that and they knead before they lay down to take a nap. Sometimes they knead on you, sometimes a blanket. Just some instinctual behavior.
2007-02-04 11:20:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's very common, in fact my kitten did it too. Your kitten is doing that to show that he is cared for and loves you. Check out the source.
2007-02-04 11:52:34 · answer #6 · answered by Answer Person 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a cat that did that, I guess it is like a baby sucking it's thumb for comfort
2007-02-04 11:18:31 · answer #7 · answered by Sherry Baby ( Ethan's Mama ) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's just fine. He's comforting myself. Petting him feels like mama cat's tongue washing him, and cuddling up to his blanky and sucking is like nursing. He's content. Lots of cats do that.
2007-02-04 11:18:22 · answer #8 · answered by hermione_speaks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he probably just sucks on his blanket because he wants milk and he does it when you pet his back because mother cats carry their kittens by their neck and maybe he thinks your its mother.
2007-02-04 11:18:08 · answer #9 · answered by Grrr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have the same deal your cat does that because he was taken away from his mom to early my cat who is 1 year old now sucks on my shirt its cute but irritating good luck just let him do it
2007-02-04 11:36:12 · answer #10 · answered by lil_kitty_0879 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋