Have you ever noticed your cat kneading or biting your favorite blanket? Although these actions might seem adorable, but you might find them hard to understand making you wonder, “Why is my cat biting my blanket?”
If so, continue reading this article to understand cats’ behavior and find ways to stop it.
Why is My Cat Kneading And Biting The Blanket?
Although this behavior is not worrisome there are time when it could indicate that something is wrong with your cat.
Here are some reasons why cats like to knead or bite your blanket.
Instincts
Even though cats have been domesticated, they still like to knead and bite. They inherited this behavior from their ancestors, and now it is deeply ingrained in them.
Territorial Instincts
Cats instinctively mark their territory with scent glands in their paws. When they knead, they release pheromones that signal to other animals that it’s their territory.
Nursing Instincts
Cats knead blankets out of habit. As when they were kittens they kneaded to stimulate milk production in their mother so they could get the milk easily.
Hunting Instincts
If you see your kitten scratching and biting your blanket, it is totally fine. They are doing this to be physically active and be ready to hunt their prey.
Comfort and Security
Cats may knead the blanket when they feel secure. The blanket’s soft surface and warmth make these little buddies feel comfortable, so they bite it or knead it and make purring sounds to show affection.
Kitten Teething
Kittens bite blankets when they are teething to soothe the pain in their gums. But some cats later find it difficult to abandon their kittenhood habits.
Health Issues
A Cat behavior may change due to an underlying health condition. If your cat suddenly starts scratching and biting things, it could be due to the following reasons;
Stress
If your feline friend is stressed, it may act weird, like growling, skipping meal times, scratching, or aggression. This behavior is accompanied by biting and over-grooming.
Dental Health
Cats may bite blankets if they have dental issues, like gum diseases or tooth decay, as they might feel pain or discomfort. Common symptoms are drooling and tooth decay. If you see any signs of dental issues, immediately consult with a veterinarian.
Pica
It is a condition in which cats start to eat or bite object which are not edible for them, If your cat starts to suck or bite on blanket or any other object, it could be a sign of pica.
How to Stop My Cat From Biting Blankets
Cats develop scratching, kneading, and biting behaviors from a young age, which can continue even after they become adult cats. However, you can help reduce these behaviors and redirect them somewhere else.
- Providing your cat with plenty of toys and a scratching post.
- Change the blanket.
- Spray a small amount of detergent onto the blanket.
- help your cat get rid of anxiety or stress.
- reward them when you find them sitting calmly on the bed without biting your blanket.
Final Thought
Cats like kneading and consider it a form of play. Although this kneading behavior is natural, you must look out for your cat’s behavior and ensure they are not doing it due to health-related issues.
Lastly, cat owners should take their pets to the vet for checkups once or twice a year to ensure that their cats are in the best health.
