This post will show you why your cat paws at your blanket and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat paw at my blanket? The most likely reason why your cat paws at your blanket is that it is kneading. This is where it pats its paws up and down like it would have done as a kitten with its mother. Cats often knead as adults to show pleasure.
There are a number of possible causes. However, there are also some things you can consider when figuring out the main reason and there are some things you can do about it.
Reasons why your cat paws at your blanket
Below are a number of possible causes and what would make them more likely.
Kneading
Kneading is where your cat presses its paws into something and pats it with its paws and claws repeatedly. Cats normally knead to show pleasure and it might be why yours has been pawing at your blanket. This would be more likely if your cat does it when it is showing signs of being happy such as purring.
It likes the feeling
The cause could simply be that it likes the feeling. This would be more likely if your cat also presses its paws on other things in a similar way.
It needs to poop
Sometimes, cats will start digging when they need to poop. If your cat does it when it does not have access to the litter box, it might be the case that your cat actually needs to poop. In this case, it would help to ensure that your cat has access to the litter box whenever it might need it.
Security
If it is a blanket that you tend to use, it is likely that it has your scent on it. The reason why your cat does it could be that it makes your cat feel safer. This would be more likely if your cat does it more when you are not around.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider when figuring out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat has always pawed at your blanket
If your cat has always pawed at your blanket, it would be more likely that your cat is just kneading and it likes the feeling. If your cat has started doing it suddenly, it could be due to losing access to something else that it likes to scratch or because your cat learned that it likes the feeling.
What is different when your cat does not paw at your blanket
If your cat seems to do it more at a certain time, it would also help to consider what is different about the timing. For example, if your cat does it more when you are petting it and it is purring, it would be very likely that it is kneading and showing pleasure.
What to do about your cat pawing at the blanket
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Let it do it
If your cat seems to be doing it because it is happy, it would likely be ok to let your cat continue doing it.
Give it something else to scratch
If you do not want it to paw at the blanket, you could also try giving it other things to paw at, such as old blankets, or getting a scratch post.
Why does my cat paw at sheets?
Your cat could be scratching at your bed sheets because it is kneading which would be more likely if your cat shows signs of being happy when it does it. If it does it when it is locked in your bedroom, the cause might also be that it is anxious and wants to be able to get out.
Why does my cat paw at pillows?
The reason why your cat scratches at your pillows could also be that it is kneading which would be more likely if it showing signs of pleasure and if it does it when you are petting it.
Why does my cat paw at my bed?
The reason why your cat scratches at your bed is also likely that it is kneading which would also be more likely if it showing signs of pleasure and if it does it when you are petting it.