Does your Siamese love to lick and chew on blankets, clothing, string, even plastic bags? If so, she is definitely not alone! This behavior is commonly found in Siamese cats and is collectively known as pica. There is a whole range of non-food items that are irresistible to some cats: wool and other fabrics, human hair, elastic hair bands, plastic bags, cardboard, yarn, string, electric cords, etc. Each cat has her own particular favorites. While not necessarily dangerous, it varies in severity and should be monitored. The sucking can lead to eating, which leads to possible intestinal blockage and expensive surgery!

Causes

There are several possible causes–a genetic component is suspected as cats in all Oriental breeds, as well as their crosses, often do it. Early weaning may also contribute, and again Oriental breeds have special characteristics–they tend to have longer nursing periods than the normal 6 – 7 weeks, but may not have had the option to nurse longer. Other domestic kittens weaned at a very early age are also more prone to pica.

Physical issues such as dietary deficiency, hunger, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus are factors as well. So it is important to consult your veterinarian to rule these out.

What To Do

If your cat is eating a high-quality food, has good energy, healthy skin, a shiny coat, and has been checked out by a vet, it is time to look at behavioral factors. When our Gremlin was a kitten, we noticed that he wanted to suckle often, and it comforted him when he was feeling anxious. Not surprising, since he was getting used to a new home with new people and new cats. We taught him to use one particular blanket, so he could feel safe AND we could be spared soggy clothing!

Over time he largely outgrew this, though he still half-heartedly tries on occasion. And now it is mainly during cuddles when he feels loved and secure. Unfortunately, he also likes to chew on string and hair bands. Impossible to leave these things around where he can get to them unattended, and he is very sneaky! Knows all the hiding places and waits for his moment….

Siamese cats are high energy, so boredom may also trigger pica. Provide safer alternatives such as food-dispensing toys or small pots of organic wheatgrass. If you cannot keep your baby away from the things she wants to chew, and you consider these things to be a danger, make them unpleasant by applying bitter apple spray. You may even need physical deterrants like sticky tape or Ssscat.

Wool Sucking is Usually Harmless

Though pica can be worrisome, it is usually easy to make environmental changes and minimize it. Don’t punish; this can increase anxiety and create a situation where your cat will want to wool suck even more. Baby-proofing your home will generally be sufficient to keep it under control. However, if it is not, and you feel that this is a serious danger to her health, a veterinary behaviorist may be recommended if significant environmental and behavior modification plans, including medication, are required.

Not Just Curiosity, But Affection Too

But also, it is a sign of affection and closeness. Your cat not only wants to see the world on your level, he wants to communicate on your level. And that means being in your face, literally. This is not as distasteful as it sounds. There are lots of purrs, head bonks, nuzzles, and face touching. He wants to climb on your back, drape over your shoulder, and be carried around. It’s a bonding time, and the only reason to discourage it is if you are trying to manage allergies to cat dander. Otherwise, you will come to develop little routines and signals that make your relationship with your meezer extra-special.

This is How We Do It

Gremlin (who we almost named “Gibbon”) could not jump onto my shoulder when he was a baby, but that didn’t stop him from trying! He learned to maow and reach up for me to pcik him up. It was so endearing; the only down side was if I didn’t notice his cries, he would take matters into his own claws and climb up my leg. Now that he is bigger and stronger he can, for the most part, make a clean jump himself. This is good and bad. Even though his claws are out, I don’t get scratched as often, but it can still be a bit of a shock if I’m not expecting it. Fortunately Gremlin is apprehensive around strangers, so we are not worried that he will “surprise” our guests. But I am still trying to teach him to be more patient for me to understand his signals, and for my part I’m trying to be more observant.

When we are communicating well, it looks more like this: Gremlin races me down the stairs, jumps on top of the dryer, then waits for me to come along and sling him over my shoulder. We take a walk and he looks all around, grabbing for whatever strikes his fancy, until I put him down a few minutes later. Counter surfing is a big no-no, especially during meal prep, so instead Gremlin hops from windowsill, to refrigerator, to the top of the cabinets, where he can look down on me. If I pick him up and he doesn’t want it, I get face-touching that is more claws out and pushing away… But when he is feeling affectionate, he gives a little meow before jumping into my arms. That’s when I get nuzzles and soft face-touching.

Can You Teach Your Cat to Do It Too?

What if your Siamese is not a Monkey Cat, and moreover does not like to be held? You can teach him to enjoy it! Start by picking him up and gently placing his front paws on your shoulder. Don’t take him by surprise; find moments when he is already being affectionate. While he will be nervous, he will also be curious and will be looking at all the things higher up that he may not have noticed before! As soon as he is ready to get down, place him on the floor as smoothly as possible. Repeat until he is relaxed when you sling him over your shoulder. Then you can start walking around with him. Over time, you and your baby will enjoy this bit of bonding.