How do I get my cat to stop chewing on blankets? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

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How to Stop Your Cat from Chewing on Blankets

How do I get my cat to stop chewing on blankets? The key to preventing your cat from chewing on blankets lies in understanding the reasons behind the behavior and employing a combination of environmental enrichment, redirecting their chewing instincts, and making the blankets less appealing.

Understanding Why Cats Chew on Blankets

Blanket chewing, while often harmless, can be perplexing for cat owners. Several factors can contribute to this behavior, and understanding the root cause is the first step in addressing it effectively.

Weaning Issues: Kittens weaned too early may develop a comfort-seeking behavior, such as sucking and chewing on soft materials, mimicking nursing.
Anxiety and Stress: Chewing can be a coping mechanism for cats experiencing anxiety, boredom, or stress. Changes in their environment, lack of mental stimulation, or separation anxiety can all trigger this behavior.
Nutritional Deficiencies: In rare cases, pica (the consumption of non-food items) can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, although this is less common with blankets.
Dental Issues: Although less likely with soft blankets, dental problems like gum disease or tooth pain might cause a cat to seek relief through chewing. A vet check is warranted if this is suspected.
Breed Predisposition: Some breeds, particularly Oriental breeds like Siamese and Burmese, may be more prone to wool sucking and chewing behaviors.

Environmental Enrichment and Play

A bored cat is far more likely to engage in destructive behaviors. Therefore, providing ample opportunities for play and mental stimulation is crucial.

Interactive Play: Engage your cat in at least 15-20 minutes of interactive play each day, using toys that mimic hunting, such as feather wands, laser pointers, or toy mice.
Puzzle Feeders: Challenge your cat mentally and physically by using puzzle feeders, which require them to work for their food.
Scratching Posts: Provide a variety of scratching posts made of different materials (sisal, cardboard, carpet) to satisfy their natural scratching instincts.
Vertical Space: Cats love to climb and explore. Install cat trees, shelves, or window perches to give them vertical territory.

Redirection and Positive Reinforcement

Instead of simply punishing your cat, focus on redirecting their chewing behavior towards more appropriate outlets.

Chew Toys: Offer a selection of safe and appealing chew toys, such as catnip-filled toys, textured rubber toys, or even pieces of fleece fabric specifically designated as chew toys.
Positive Reinforcement: When you see your cat chewing on an approved toy, praise them and offer a treat. This will help them associate the toy with positive experiences.
Discourage Blanket Chewing: If you catch your cat chewing on a blanket, gently remove them from the area and redirect them to a chew toy. Avoid yelling or punishment, as this can create anxiety and worsen the problem.

Making Blankets Less Appealing

While addressing the underlying causes is important, you can also take steps to make your blankets less appealing to your cat.

Taste Deterrents: Apply a cat-safe taste deterrent spray to the blankets. These sprays usually have a bitter taste that cats find unpleasant. Always test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t stain the fabric.
Texture Deterrents: Some cats dislike certain textures. Try covering the blankets with a sheet or using a different type of fabric that your cat finds less appealing.
Remove Temptation: When not in use, store blankets in a closed cabinet or container where your cat cannot access them.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

In some cases, blanket chewing may be a sign of an underlying medical or behavioral issue that requires veterinary attention. Consult your veterinarian if:

The chewing behavior is sudden or excessive.
Your cat is showing other signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
You suspect that the chewing may be related to anxiety or stress.
You have tried the above strategies and the behavior persists.

Table of Deterrents and Their Uses

Deterrent	Description	How to Use	Cautions
———————-	——————————————————	——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-	———————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Bitter Apple Spray	A commercially available, cat-safe taste deterrent.	Spray lightly on blankets, testing on an inconspicuous area first. Reapply regularly as needed.	Some cats may not be deterred by the taste.
Citrus Scent	Cats generally dislike the smell of citrus.	Place orange peels or citrus-scented air fresheners near the blankets. Ensure that cats cannot ingest the peels.	Citrus oils can be toxic in high concentrations if ingested.
Aluminum Foil	The texture and sound can deter some cats.	Cover blankets with aluminum foil.	Ensure that the cat cannot ingest pieces of the foil. Remove when the cat is not present.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if my cat only chews on a specific type of blanket material?

If your cat consistently targets a particular material, it’s likely the texture or scent that appeals to them. Consider removing that type of blanket from their reach and offering chew toys made of similar materials. This can help redirect their chewing instincts.

Is it dangerous if my cat swallows pieces of blanket?

Swallowing small pieces of fabric is usually not a cause for immediate concern, as they may pass through the digestive system. However, ingesting large amounts of fabric can cause intestinal blockages, which can be life-threatening. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has swallowed a significant amount of blanket material.

Will punishing my cat stop the chewing behavior?

Punishment is generally not an effective way to address blanket chewing. It can create anxiety and fear, which may actually worsen the problem. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirecting their behavior.

How long does it take to stop a cat from chewing on blankets?

The time it takes to stop the behavior varies depending on the underlying cause and the consistency of your efforts. It can take several weeks or even months to see significant improvement. Patience and consistency are key.

Can anxiety medication help with blanket chewing?

If the chewing is determined to be caused by anxiety, your veterinarian may recommend anti-anxiety medication. This should be used in conjunction with environmental enrichment and behavioral modification techniques.

My cat only chews on blankets when I’m not home. What does this mean?

This suggests that the chewing may be related to separation anxiety or boredom. Ensure your cat has plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained while you are away. Consider leaving on a radio or TV to provide background noise.

Are certain cat breeds more prone to blanket chewing?

While any cat can develop the habit, certain breeds, particularly Oriental breeds like Siamese and Burmese, may be more prone to wool sucking and chewing behaviors due to genetic predispositions.

What kind of taste deterrent is safe for cats?

Look for commercially available taste deterrent sprays specifically formulated for cats. These sprays are typically made with bitter apple or other non-toxic ingredients. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first.

My cat started chewing on blankets after a recent move. What should I do?

The move is likely causing stress and anxiety. Provide your cat with a safe and comfortable space, such as a carrier or a quiet room. Maintain their routine as much as possible and offer extra attention and reassurance.

Does catnip help stop blanket chewing?

While catnip can be a useful tool for redirecting your cat’s attention, it’s not a direct solution to blanket chewing. You can use catnip-filled toys to encourage your cat to play and chew on appropriate items.

Why does my cat knead and then chew on blankets?

Kneading is often a sign of comfort and contentment, harking back to kittenhood when they kneaded their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. Combining kneading with chewing suggests a strong association with comfort and security. Focus on providing alternative comfort objects and ensure your cat receives plenty of affection and attention.

Is How do I get my cat to stop chewing on blankets? a sign of a serious medical problem?

While blanket chewing can sometimes be a sign of a medical problem, it is more often a behavioral issue. It is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions with your veterinarian, particularly if the behavior is sudden or accompanied by other symptoms. However, in most cases, addressing the underlying causes of boredom, anxiety, or weaning issues will resolve the problem.