why does my 5 weeks old kittens licking and sucking the blanket?

Question

its so gross~~ they keep sucking and licking at certain times..this morning ive just washed the junk clothes that ive put out for them for their nesting place..and i place them after the clothes are clean and dry..and the kittens started to sniff then lick and sucked..wat does this mean? is it harmful for them? how shud i stop this ?

Answer 1

Hi Sassy...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 School of Veterinary Medicine 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.

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:


1) Remove targeted items - Placing clothing, blankets, houseplants and electric cords out of the reach of your cat is often the easiest solution. Storage containers, electric cord guards, and other useful items are available at most home supply stores.

2) Provide alternative items to chew or eat - Food-dispensing toys, durable cat toys, or pieces of rawhide can be used to redirect your cat's chewing behavior to more appropriate and safe items (see handout). For cats attracted to houseplants, small flowerpots of grass or catnip can be planted and kept indoors. Birdfeed can be used as a safe source of plant seed.

3) Provide lots of structured play - Many cats chew on household items out of boredom. Provide interactive toys and set aside time each day to play with your cat.

4) Increase dietary fiber - It may help to increase the amount of fiber in your cat's diet. Besides providing more dietary fiber, high fiber foods usually contain fewer calories. Your cat may be able to satisfy their craving to eat more while still maintaining their weight. Consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat's diet.

5) Make targeted items aversive - Occasionally, applying aversive substances (e.g. hot sauce, Bitter Apple®, Bandguard®) to an item may deter a cat from chewing it. If this is not possible, spraying strong smelling substances (e.g. citrus air freshener, potpourri) or using physical deterrents (e.g. upside down carpet runner, Ssscat®, Snappy Trainers®) around an object may prevent cats from approaching.

6) Consult with a veterinary behaviorist - If your cat continues to ingest non-food items, referral to a veterinary behaviorist is recommended. Further environmental and behavior modification plans, specifically tailored to your pet, may be needed. In some cases, medication may be helpful.

Answer 2

The kitten is 5 weeks old and should have been with it's Mom cat until it was at least 8 weeks old. Kittens taken away from their Mom's too soon often will suck on material. It comforts them. Unless they are eating the material don't worry about it.

Answer 3

Most people try to hold kittens upside down to feed them but they don't nurse that way. When I bottle feed mine I kept them on their stomachs and held the head even with the bottle. They will get use to it after they get a little down them and they realize it is good stuff. They will probably eat about every 3 hours for the first couple weeks. If they don't start eating I would call your Vet. Good Luck you sound like a caring pet owner. I also used a eye dropper before a bottle that way I knew they were getting enough

Answer 4

At five weeks of age kittens are barely eating on their own, if at all. They will not be ready to wean off of mother's milk until at least 8 weeks old; some kittens need to nurse until closer to 12 weeks. They are sucking blankets because they need their mother. If mother is gone then they are hungry and need to be hand fed.

Answer 5

I have a twelve year old yellow tabby who still sucks/kneads on certain blankets, and stuffed animals, and even tries to do it to my head when he sleeps with me. He wasn't taken from his mother until he was about 7 weeks old, but I guess he still has a wish for his mommy. It seems to be a calming thing. I don't think there is any harm in it, as long as what he sucks on won't choke or hurt him.

Answer 6

My cat is 7 yrs. old and still does that. He was weened from his mother too early due to a respiratory infection. Sucking and kneading on things comforts him. He's learned to stop the licking and sucking when I say no, but he continues to knead. I'd rule out other causes..such as being hungry...and then just let them do it if it makes them happy.

Mine likes to knead on us when we're on the couch, but if we're not in the mood, we can push him away and he stops. It can be annoying, but mostly, it's a comfort knowing I can comfort him by just letting him do his thing. It's not a big deal..it's just a cat thing.

Answer 7

My catsz do the same thing dont worry itsz natural itsz not harmful and there isz really no way to stop it....basically keep all of your clothesz away from them if it bothersz you.

They probably suck on soft thingsz itsz natural. Don't worry about it it isz natural for catsz to do that it isz probably a prey instinct or a memory of when they were still feeding off their mothersz perhapsz it makesz them feel better.

Just dont worry. If it bothersz you just try to keep the thingsz away.
Good Luck =)

Answer 8

My kitten did the same thing too. It just means that your little bundle of joy misses his/her mommy, and it was taken away from his mommy way too soon. This suckling is safe, just watch that none of the fabric gets loose and goes down your cats throat.

Answer 9

They still need to be nursing off the Mommy cat. It can be harmful for them to be swallowing the fuss off of the blankets.

Answer 10

You can't stop it- they are hungry and looking for milk. Where is the mother? If you put the mother in, they will stop when their bellies are full- they are definately hungry- feeding them will get them to stop. They are too young to be separated from their mother, and you are seeing the anxiety from it. If you do not put the mother in, you are setting yourself up for a lot of behavioral problems, they are weaned way too early.
It is not harmful to lick and suck sheets, provided there are no loose strands hanging off.

Answer 11

the kittens need their mom. their probably not old enough to eat solid food, for now if the mother cat does not show. go to the pet store and get subsitute cat milk.