Have you ever wondered why cats suckle, even after they’ve grown out of their kitten phase? Maybe you have a cat that suckles on his favorite blanket, or perhaps he even suckles you! Is this normal behavior, and should you do something about it?
In this guide, we’ll explain where the instinct of suckling comes from, the possible reasons for this behavior, and what you may need to do if it seems your cat has a related issue. 
Why Do Cats Suckle?
First, what is suckling, anyway? Suckling is when a kitten nurses from its mother before weaning (removing the mother’s milk) and is a natural instinct. It’s not unusual for a cat to suck on something like a piece of fabric or even your finger after the weaning process.
The 5 Reason Your Full-Grown Cat Suckle
It may seem odd for your adult cat to suckle because they’ve passed the kitten stage. If your adult cat still suckles, there is usually no cause for alarm. However, let’s dig into the possible causes of this behavior to determine if intervening is necessary.
1. Comfort
Suckling can be a sign that your cat or kitten is comfortable in their environment. It shows contentment and relaxation. If purring accompanies the behavior, your cat is happy.
2. Instinctive Behavior
All animals have natural tendencies, and suckling is one of them. Some kittens grow out of suckling as they age, but sometimes suckling lingers on into adulthood, which is no cause for worry unless it’s creating a health issue for your cat.
3. Stress
Stress can be the reason cats suckle, especially in adults. Stress can also cause behavioral problems and unwanted behaviors, such as scratching the furniture or relieving itself somewhere besides the litter box. Let’s examine stressors that may trigger unwanted behavior.
4. Early Weaning
Sometimes a kitten is weaned too early from the mother which can result in suckling. This reason ties in with instincts, as the kitten doesn’t understand that the soft, fuzzy blanket is not its mother. A kitten needs to stay with its mother until at least the first three months of life to avoid this possible reason for suckling.
5. Type of Breed
It appears that oriental cat breeds, such as Siamese, Tonkinese, and Balinese, are more prone to suckling because of genetics. They are also known as “wool-suckers.” If your cat falls into this category, then averting this behavior is warranted because wool can be harmful if ingested. If you can’t break your cat from this habit, try replacing wool fabrics with cat-safe toys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I let my cat suckle on my finger?
It’s probably best to avert this behavior while your cat is still a kitten to avoid a possible compulsive disorder down the road. Even though it’s a harmless activity, it can become a nuisance if you’re trying to watch television while your cat nurses on your finger. Averting the behavior toward a toy or playtime with you is a great way to create a distraction. Never yell at your cat or kitten, and avoid sudden jerks when doing this. You don’t want your feline friend to become afraid of you. Some cat owners bond with their cats by snuggling while they suckle their shirts or blankets. As long as it doesn’t lead to unwanted behaviors, then there’s no harm.
How do you stop a cat from suckling on blankets?
You can use the same type of distractions as mentioned above. Toys, playtime, or a simple “no” helps, but never scold your cat for this behavior by raising your voice. Try removing the blanket followed by playtime. If that doesn’t help, check your cat’s environment because the suckling may be stress-related.
Should I let my cat knead and suckle?
Cat kneading is one of many signs that show they are happy. Kittens knead their mother while they nurse. This neonatal behavior is normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Suckling mimics feeding. With that said, your cat may very well stop the behavior on its own as it gets older. If not, try averting your cat’s attention to more appropriate behavior, such as playing with a cat toy. Suckling should not be a problem, as long as your cat has something safe to knead and suckle on. Some people don’t mind it, while others state it drives them nuts. Long story short, it’s usually a harmless activity.
Related Reads:
- What Does it Mean When Your Cat Blinks at You?
- Can Cats Control Their Tails? What You Need To Know!
- Why Does My Cat Suck on Blankets? 6 Possible Reasons For This Behavior
Conclusion
Suckling is usually normal behavior with no intervention necessary. It’s a good idea to monitor what your cat is suckling to prevent possible digestive problems, such as swallowing a button from a shirt or a piece of wool. You can also remove whatever your cat is suckling if it’s a bother. If you feel the suckling is stress-related or a possible medical condition, a trip to your vet is a good idea.
Hopefully, this article has helped you determine if your cat’s suckling is safe or if you need to have your vet do a check-up. When in doubt, a trip to the vet is always a good idea.
You may also want to read:
- 4 Reasons Why Cats Roll Around in Litter Boxes (And How to Stop It)
- Do Cats Like to Be Kissed?
- Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?
Featured Image Credit: KanphotoSS. Shutterstock
