Cats have strange habits sometimes, and you may have already caught your cat biting a blanket. But why does he do it? In this article, I explain everything about this behavior of the cat which always has a very precise explanation.
I also explain for each cause how to solve the problem and the underlying cause. Here is all you need to know.
Why Cats Bite Blankets: The Different Reasons
Cats bite blankets for several reasons. I present to you each of them and especially how to recognize them and make them stop their behavior.
Pica syndrome
This syndrome mainly affects young cats, it is the fact of wanting to eat things that are not edible, in this case blankets, and if the real cause could not be established with certainty, genetics would be responsible. of this behavioral anomaly.
So if your cat bites his blanket for no reason, take him to the veterinarian who can give him an appropriate treatment. In the meantime, it is vital not to put a blanket within reach and better still, to diffuse smells that he hates, such as citrus smells, so that he is not tempted to bite.
But I strongly advise you to have a quick medical visit because a cat affected by such a syndrome can chew on more dangerous things such as electrical cables which can put its life in danger.
The stress
Cats abhor stress, often linked to loneliness and boredom in their home, and if they are young, they absolutely must have your affection and enough play time.
If you notice your cat running around in circles and getting bored, then giving her games like a food puzzle or a cat wheel will get her some exercise. If you want immediate (but superficial) relief, then diffusing calming pheromones will help him relax.
Be careful that he can occupy himself and that nothing frightens him in his environment, in which case it will have to be removed or made so that he gets used to it. For example, if a new animal has arrived in the household, you will need to tame them.
Premature weaning
This case will elicit blanket biting from the cat as an alternative to nagging, this is a behavior that will gradually disappear as it gets older. A behaviorist can help him quit this habit more quickly.
You can also provide him with a bottle, but do not fill it with milk, because he will not get used to normal food if you do, and the milk is completely useless to the cat after the first weeks, only making fat.
The heat period
If you have an unneutered cat, its urge to reproduce will cause it to behave in a bizarre way, such as biting the blankets or rubbing against the furniture. It is highly recommended to neuter your cat so that it is not controlled by its sexual urges.
By sterilizing it, your cat will be less aggressive and will stop its instinctive behaviors that cause it to behave strangely with objects.
The race
Some breeds are predisposed to chew anything they find such as Siamese and Burmese. But this passes over time, they only have this behavior when they are very young.
To mark his territory
Cats are very territorial but also very clean, they mark their territory on the blankets, they will rather use their saliva which will mark their smell thanks to scent glands. This behavior is very common if you have adopted a new animal.
If your cat does it for this reason, it will also knead the bedding, and you can be sure that it does it for this reason. Generally, the arrival of a newcomer in the household pushes him to mark his territory. Let him know he has nothing to worry about.
Tooth problems
In this case, itchy gums and cavities can cause your cat to bite the blankets, so be sure to check his oral health. If you notice an anomaly, take it to the veterinarian will be essential.
For example, a damaged tooth or red gums are a sign that it must be taken to the veterinarian under penalty of degradation and loss of the cat’s tooth.
If he’s still a young cat, then his milk teeth may be growing in and itchy.
By habit
Sometimes it’s just a habit to relax, but if you want him to stop, divert his attention so that he can relax in ways other than biting the covers.
You will recognize this cause if he purrs or kneads the blanket at the same time as he bites it. This habit must be corrected and if necessary make sure that it is not near the blanket or diffuse smells that it does not like like that of citrus fruits.
Should I stop it?
Divert his attention if he’s chewing on the blankets, making him angry will stress him out and he won’t understand why you’re picking on him. Forget the punishments, just make him change his point of attention while waiting to have solved the problem at the base.
My cat bites the blankets: the final word
There are many causes that lead your cat to such behavior, so be careful to stop it by treating the root problem.