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Why does my kitten suck on blankets and knead with his paws?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 23 days old | 9.2 lbs

Why does my kitten suck on my blanket? He lays on my blanket with his face down and he seems like he is repeatedly licking it. While he does this he is kneeding with his front paws above his head. He eats regularly

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on July 24th, 2018

Kittens, particularly those as young as Freddy, continue to emulate behaviors they performed on their mother's when they nursed. The kneading is the physical movement kittens must make on the teats of the queen in order to get the milk. The suckling on the blanket is the same in that they are emulating nursing behaviors. It is also possible there is something on the blanket that tastes good! There is nothing to worry about in my opinion so long as Freddy is a healthy, happy kitten otherwise.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on January 14th, 2018

    Ophelia is beautiful! Thank you for including a picture. Most cats will knead with their paws as a comforting behavior. It is a behavior that they learn when nursing as kittens. Some cats will drool while doing this behavior and some will even suckle. It sounds like this is what Ophelia is doing. Some cats will do it less as they get older and some will continue the behavior as frequently as they get older. But it is a normal cat behavior that does not cause any problems. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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