Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why does my cat lick blankets occasionally? Is this normal behavior?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 8 months and 16 days old | 5 lbs

Hi, just a silly question about Tom, every once in a while I notice her licking my blanket. Not always the same one. I don't eat with my blankets so there wouldn't be any food on them. I guess I just assumed that maybe she licked something she didn't like the taste of and so she's licking the blanket to try and get the taste off?? Why does she do this?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 12th, 2020

Not a silly question at all! It may be a comfort thing, but it can be a sign of pica. I'd be more concerned about pica if she was doing it all the time, but since Tom only does it once in a while, it's likely just for comfort. I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Hi! My cat does this thing where he is in mid-bath and he starts licking the bedsheet near the paw or whatever body part he was cleaning. He smells it and licks it for minutes on end until I kind of ask him to stop. lol. He's otherwise very healthy
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nico. This can be a common behavior in cats. It can be related to dental pain. I recommend checking his mouth for any bad breath, tartar or gingivitis or a broken tooth. This can also happen when a patient is nauseous. Has he recently vomited, been drooling or experienced a lack of appetite? If not, his behavior likely not concerning. Many cats will do this as an extension of grooming. It can be a compulsive habit or just a random behavior the cat will display from time to time. Assess him for the problems that I have mentioned. However, if he is otherwise healthy, then it shouldn't be a problem for him. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
So I have a female cat she’s about 1 year old. She licks and sucks on like every blanket and then when pulled from the blanket she won’t Stop making that same tongue motion . It’s creeping me out . She isn’t thirsty, tried giving her water . And she’
Many times cats that exhibit this behavior were taken from their mothers too early and were not properly weaned. It is generally a comforting behavior for Nova. There’s not much you can do to stop the behavior beyond removing the blankets. You may try a pheromone diffuser such as Feliway as it can also cause the pet to feel comfortable. Most cats seem to outgrow this behavior. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is it bad that my car is excessively licking a fur blanket?
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! Generally, licking something like a blanket is not necessarily a bad thing. However, my concern is more making sure that she is not swallowing the fur especially if it clumps as that could result in an obstruction. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Today i just saw my cat licking the bedsheet which seemed to be totally dry. I thought it was thirsty so i gave it some fresh water as her water bowl was almost empty. It did drink but after that it went back on the bed and started licking the bedshe
This does seem like a strange behavior but I wouldn’t be too overly concerned about it. Your cat may have smelled something on the sheet and she was just interested in it. As long as she isnotherwose acting normally, eating and drinking well, and usingnher litter box then I would not be to concerned.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my cat lick everything?
Licking can be a compulsive behavior in cats, but the answer to your question depends on whether you are talking about your cat licking himself or routine household objects. When cats lick themselves excessively, that's often referred to as "over-grooming," and it's usually in response to itchiness or pain. When cats lick objects, like the floor or furniture, it's often a sign of gastrointestinal disease, and I would look for intestinal parasites or other problems, like inflammatory bowel disease.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
It’s been nearly 9 months since adopting Gabbana. I’ve notice ever since adopting her that she always nibbles on blankets, pillows and even the clothes I have on. I’ve never really given it much thought but I’m just curious as to why she might be doi
Many times this is a sign of contentment or self soothing. It can also be an attempt at mutual grooming. In general, as long as she is not being destructive, the behavior is nothing to worry about. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
Why does my cat keep licking the road?
Licking walls and floors can also be a form of pica, as the cat is probably ingesting at least a small amount of material. One of the more serious problems that could be behind your cat's odd habit is a nutritional deficiency. Anaemia is a very common issue with cats and is often the underlying cause of pica. Have Chester seen by a vet for this.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my cat bite and pull the blanket with her nails?
Suckling/biting and kneading a blanket can be a stress-relief response or natural soothing response in some cats. It often looks like and mimics suckling behavior seen by kittens nursing their mothers. It is possible that Kittu is feeling a bit stressed out by something (new pets, new people, new things in the home, etc), or is just doing it because it is enjoyable. If you are worried about the blanket being ruined, you can try to divert her attention with a comforting petting or brushing session, or even have some fun with a toy as a distraction instead. If Kittu seems stressed out, pheromone diffusers/collars can also help reduce stress and tension.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
My cat has this habit of licking me (any uncovered skin he finds^^) when he's sleepy or about to sleep. Our other cat does not have this habit for example. Why does he do that?
It sounds like this may be a soothing technique that he continued from kitten hood. The comfort he obtains may be similar to nursing. If you don’t want this behavior to continue then every time he starts I would remove yourself from the situation. Overtime it will become less and less. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
my kittens knead and lick a blanket every night for a long period of time, is that normal?
Yes, this sounds like normal behaviors, especially given their young age. While I can’t see them to be sure, your kittens are likely soothing themselves and performing behaviors similar to what they would do while nursing from their mother.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Cat Supplies Cat Food Wet Cat Food Cat Toys Puree & Lickable Cat Treats Cat Slow Feeders & Licking Mats Cat Treats Cat Potty Training Cat Training & Behavior Cat Blankets & Throws Lickable Spoons Cat Supplies Tomlyn Cat Treats Tomlyn Cat Supplies Lickable Spoons Cat Treats Tomlyn Cat Health & Wellness Kitty City Cat Slow Feeders & Licking Mats Tomlyn Cat Hairball Control Sticky Paws Cat Training & Behavior Tomlyn Skin & Coat Supplements for Cats Tomlyn Cat Vitamins & Supplements
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored