Fabric Sucking in Cats

Posted by Jennifer Copley Jul 11, 2008

Many cats chew or suck on wool or fabrics because they were weaned too early. Some cats suck or chew fabrics as a self-comforting behaviour when they are feeling anxious. Intelligent cat breeds such as the Siamese are more inclined to do this.

In the case of anxiety, it is a good idea to identify stressors in your cat’s environment and eliminate any that you can. Spending more quality time with the cat can also be helpful. Whether the behaviour is caused by anxiety, early weaning or a fiber craving, it’s a good idea to remove temptation by keeping clothing and bedding tidied away in drawers and cupboards that the cat cannot access. You can also purchase a toy in your cat’s favourite fabric and substitute it whenever you catch her munching on your favourite outfit.

For more on cat behaviour, see Treating Aggression in Cats and Why Cats Pull Out Their Fur.