Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/9/2009

Question
Hi Tabbi,
You have helped me with my past kitty issues before regarding his aggressive behavior to guests I have in the home. He is now neutered and has made a break through with his aggression towards people he does not know. He still hisses to warn strangers that they are too close but will also make the effort to sniff them and will accept very light petting. Now I have a second question for you. I am very curious as to a habit he has had since we got him. He was bottle fed and we have had him since 2 weeks of age. From 2 weeks of age till now he still uses his "blanky". It is just a black plushy throw blanket that he loves a lot. He will often knead and suckle his blanket. He will also purr. Most of the time he will suckle and knead his blanket when he is around me or my husband. There has also been times where I hop out of the shower with my towel wrapped on my head and he will try to knead and suckle the towel(while it is still on my head LOL). I was just curious to know what this behavior means so I have an understanding of why he suckles and knead the blanket.  

Answer
Nicole,

It is because he was weaned too early. That is a normal and harmless behavior. It is a sign of contentment and is a comfort to him. He is replicating the kneading and suckling of his mother's nipple. Sometimes they grow out of it, sometimes not.

I have a couple who do it before they go to sleep. I call it 'happy-footing'. I have gone to the fabric store and gotten a yard of very soft velour or other very soft fabric and put it on the floor or bed for them to nest in and knead away. I also have a cat who is 9 years old that kneads on anything soft. She doesn't suckle and wasn't weaned too early, she just loves the feel of something 'cushy' under her feet.

Tabbi