Also called · fabric sucking · cat chewing blankets · licking plastic
What it looks like
- Sucks or chews blankets, clothes and bedding
- Licks plastic and nylon
- Licks anything greasy
Why it happens
There is a breed pattern
A British survey suggested it is more common in Siamese and other Oriental breeds. Beyond wool they may ingest various fabrics, synthetics such as plastic and nylon, and even oils.
Not enough stimulation from the food
Stereotypy is possible, but the stronger view treats it as feeding-related behaviour — probably an attempt to make up for insufficient stimulation from the food.
What to do
Try a high-fibre therapeutic diet
A diet with more fibre is reported to be effective. The approach is to increase the act of chewing and digesting itself.
Give them safe grass to eat
Setting up a cat garden so they can eat grass freely is a recommended measure.
Offer dry food or firm jerky treats
Treats that provide chewing stimulation are reported to help.
Remove the dangerous items
Physically block access to thread, string and plastic, which can obstruct the gut if swallowed.
Watch out for
Linear foreign bodies such as fabric and thread can lodge in the intestine and cause serious damage. Once it moves from sucking to swallowing, the risk is a different order entirely.
See a vet if
Signs that fabric or thread has been swallowed
Repeated vomiting with no bowel movement
Common questions
The risk is low while it is only sucking, but once it becomes swallowing there is a real obstruction risk. It is worth meeting the need for stimulation before that point.
Related behaviors
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General behaviour and nutrition information. It does not replace diagnosis or prescription. Similar behaviour does not always have the same cause, and the cause is not necessarily diet or environment — have a vet rule out illness first, and consult a behaviour specialist where needed.