Why Do Pets Suck? Dog & Cat Nursing Behavior

by Amy Shojai | Jan 27, 2023 | Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care | 6 comments

Do your pets suck? I mean, do your cats nurse on your clothes, or dogs suck toys?

Now you negative-thinking folks out there, just STOP IT! I’m not talking about anything negative about cats, just that some like to–well–use fuzzies as pacifiers. Dogs do it, too, and I’ve addressed that before in a second Ask Amy video, below.

WHY CATS SUCK

Suckling is natural for kittens. Learn more about how cats eat in this post.

Kittens taken too early from their mom sometimes develop these behaviors and will suck on their own tails or a litter mate’s toes, for example. That can develop into a grooming behavior later in life.

Others target fabric which may develop into a behavior described as “wool sucking” that seems most common in Oriental-heritage cats (Siamese, Burmese, etc) as a part of pica behavior–eating inedible objects. That can lead to choking dangers or swallowed objects blocking the digestive track.

Many plastic bags are made from petroleum based products. In other words, this oil-derived material tastes good to cats! So when your cat decides to graze on plastic, we must, in turn, become much better housekeepers and pick up and dispose of the dangerous sacks before kitty can get a taste.

Why Cats Suck on Objects; Why Dogs Suck Blankets

The sucking behavior seems to be accompanied by kneading, which makes sense. Kittens knead against the mom-cat’s breasts to stimulate the milk to be released. So in adult cats, the kneading behavior hearkens back to this feeling of safety and well-being, and some cats simply take it a paw-step further and suckle on something at the same time.

Do your cats suck? How do you handle the behavior? Is it a problem for you, or an endearing foible? Does the suck-isity turn you into a better housekeeper to keep woolies out of your cat’s paw-reach?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

6 Comments

Rick Shaw on February 25, 2025 at 7:40 am

I have an 8 lb 11 month old Chihuahua he sowolled something . I took him to the vet the X-rays show a object in his stomach the doctor not doing surgery on the Sunday sent him home with me with nasua medication and gut sprinkles . Told me to come back Monday I did and not feeling comfortable I decided to take him to a nother vet . It’s now Tuesday morning he has pooped 3 times since sat he has been eating lightly and drinking water he has been playing .yet his is also showing signs of discomfort the vet bill was 600 dollarsfortbeone visit and a 3000 dollar estimate for surgery I’m lost he is my emotional support animal and frankly I love him with all my heart of tomention 1.5 yrs ago my two Chawauau s salt and pepper were both killed
Reply
- Amy Shojai on February 25, 2025 at 10:01 am
  
  I’m sorry you’re having this issue. While encouraging that your dog continues to eat, play, and eliminate, I understand your concern. You might check with https://www.waggle.org/ that may help with vet expenses in some cases. Good luck!
  Reply
Patricia H. on April 26, 2017 at 3:37 pm

Yes my Thomas is a sucker and kneader sometimes. He seems to prefer nylon or rayon material. I know he’s remembering his mommy. Lol
Reply
Karyl on April 23, 2017 at 6:49 am

Night doesn’t suck on blankets, but he… um… does something else with them. Which is also accompanied by kneading. We just kinda live with it and hope he doesn’t do it in front of company. LOL
Reply
- Amy Shojai on April 26, 2017 at 1:59 pm
  
  LOL! Yes, the boys (and sometimes the girls) can enjoy such recreational past times. It’s normal!
  Reply
  - Karyl on April 26, 2017 at 3:50 pm
    
    J actually ran interference the other day when my mom was over. LOL He decided it was blankie time while she was standing there and J wasn’t sure how she would take that. Must distract with pets instead.
    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

Dog Choking & Cat Choking: First Aid & Pet Heimlich HelpAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] Also refer to this post on why cats and dogs suckle on objects. […]
Why Cats Drool: Why Does My Cat Drool During Petting & Ask Amy VideoAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] (and dogs) do sometimes suck on weird objects, though. And when a cat feels stressed, excessive grooming may be…
Swallowed Objects & Dogs: Symptoms & First Aid for Dogs Eating ObjectsAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] Swallowed objects kill dogs and puppies every day. Eating foreign objects often causes only minor problems in dogs and…

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