Wool-sucking- healthy?

[lady_zana]

I have a cat who occasionally wool-sucks on my blankets. Her name is Grey Girl and when I adopted her, she was about 1 year to 1 1/2 years old so I don't know anything about her kittenhood. (She was a shelter-save.) I also don't know anything about her breeding but I suspect she's just a 'mutt' cat, typical barn cat.

Anyway, she wool-sucks on my blankets and I don't know if this is healthy for her. I've looked at vet sites online and they say to make them stop because they can suck holes into things. I don't care about the blanket; if they get a hole in them, I can replace them. I just want Grey Girl to be as happy as she can be. I'm just afraid wool-sucking might be unhealthy for my cat.

I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about wool-sucking or if I should take her into her vet soon and ask about the problem.

Thank you for your help!

[AmberLee]

??? From what I've read it's only unhealthy for the cat if he/she chews holes and swallows the wool and it causes blockages in the tum. If she sucks only, if should be safe. (But I admit I'm no expert...) :o

[leslie]

My vet at The Feline Hospital in Salem MA told me several years ago to put all wool toys away! they were popular a while back. cats swallow them and yes, I suppose, are unable to digest them. I felt saddish because they love the real wool so much! But they do swallow pieces for sure! Wierd but true! (Wonder why cats never became sheep herders like dogs?). Anyway- I'm sure you're vet or any website you go to will tell you the same- all wool toys now are synthetic- cats are not excited by them and not inclined to eat them!