Cats have very strange habits for humans. I mean, eating strange things or licking strange objects. If the behavior has only happened once, there is no need to worry, but on the other hand, it is something that happens several times, your cat may have a problem.
If you have a cat with strange habits, that is, breastfeeding on the cover, you’ve probably already wondered: why do cats suck the blanket? Animal Expert has prepared this article to answer your questions.
- When cats chew.
- Lick or suck anything other than food.
- We face abnormal behavior.
- We call this behavior “pica”.
- The word Pica comes from Latin and means ‘pastel’.
- A bird of the crow family that is well known for its eating behavior: it eats everything that appears before you! Mangoes are used to stealing and hiding the strangest objects.
The rooster is a syndrome that affects many animals, humans, mice and of course, our felines. The feline’s favorite objects for this behavior are: cardboard, paper, plastic bags and fabrics, such as wool (so suck the blanket or fabric). The breeds most susceptible to this particular problem of “breastfeeding on deck” are eastern races such as Siamese and Burmese.
There is still no certainty about the causes of this syndrome. However, as it affects some races more than others, it is believed to have a strong genetic component. Experts long believed that this syndrome was due to an early separation of the kitten from the litter. However, it is now thought that this is not the main cause in most races.
The most likely cause is that it is a habit (as in humans) that relieves stress and promotes a sense of well-being in cats. This behavior is sometimes associated with loss of appetite and/or consumption of foreign foods.
However, it is important to note that several causes may be the cause of Pica’s behavior. Each cat is a different world and in the face of any change in behavior it is advisable to consult the veterinarian to rule out even the least likely causes.
Recently, in 2015, a group of researchers tried to better understand this problem. More than 204 Siamese and Burmese cats participated in the study. The results revealed that there was no relationship between the physical characteristics of the animal and the abnormal eating behavior of the tissues. However, they found that in the Siamese Cat Race, there was a relationship between other medical problems and this behavior. In Burmese cats, the results suggest that early weate and small litter seem to promote this type of behavior. In addition, in both breeds there was an intense increase in appetite [1].
More studies are needed to understand this complex behavior problem of our cats. For now, I should try to do what the experts say. Although there is still no exact way to fix the problem.
Unfortunately, there is no 100% effective solution to this problem. In any case, you should follow these guidelines:
Sometimes the guardians worry about the behavior of their feline, mainly because of ignorance of the normal behavior of this incredible race. One of the behaviors that raises many doubts is that of the cat “kneading bread”. In fact, this behavior is perfectly normal and common in cats. The massage with the legs relaxes and reassures the cats, so you see it so often.
If you’re curious about your feline partner’s behavior, read other Animal Expert articles that address the most common doubts among cat caregivers:
Keep following Animal Expert to find out all about your four-legged companion with long moustaches! It’s no coincidence that the cats have won our hearts. Domestic cats are amazing and fill our homes with fun and love with their cute and tender behaviors!
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Behavioral Problems section.