Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why does my cat steal clothes and meow? Is it stress or attention?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

My Cat keeps stealing pants and socks off our washing line and clothes horses and carries them around meowing. Why is she doing this?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 3, 2016

There are a couple of reasons behind why she may be doing this. One reason cats steal is for attention. When she takes the clothes, see gets attention from you for doing it. Even if the attention is negative, she still gets what she wants, and it reinforces the behavior. In addition, your cat may be stealing particular objects because they provide some comfort to her if she’s feeling stressed. Some cats engage in wool sucking behavior as a self-soothing mechanism so the objects stolen may include socks or other cloth items. Your cat may also steal an object that contains a family member’s scent as a way to self soothe. If you suspect the behavior is stress related, talk to your veterinarian to first make sure there isn’t an underlying medical condition, especially if your cat is engaging in wool sucking behavior. You can also speak to your vet about tips to stop her from engaging in this behavior.

7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Many cats display this behavior at times - personally, I find it very endearing! :) Most of the time, it seems as though they want to show the objects to their owners; she may just want you to admire the objects and tell her she's a good girl. Some behaviorists theorize that this behavior is a variation on cats catching mice, birds, etc. and proudly presenting them to their owners - if Cassie doesn't hunt much, she may be using your pants and socks as a substitute for her "kills". Just admire them and tell her how wonderful she is, and she should be satisfied.
7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my cat eating clothes and plants? Is it pica? How to stop it?

If she actually ingesting the non food items, this condition is indeed called feline pica. If she is sucking or nursing on them, this is an entirely different behavior. Ideally, she should be physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose any underlying medical causes. Once those have been ruled out you can focus on behavioral causes. Many times, stress or boredom can cause aberrant behavior. Consider a pheromone product such as Feliway Spray or plug in diffuser to decrease any stress or anxiety. Keep Maui engaged and distracted using a variety of toys and exercise. Restrict access to those items she eats or sucks on, stopping and correcting the behavior when observed. Be consistent and be patient.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why does my cat suck on blankets and eat fabric? Is it wool sucking?

There is a condition we see in cats commonly called wool sucking. It is an OCD type of behavior, so treatment involves behavioral modification (environmental enrichment and providing alternative outlets), but often also includes medications from your veterinarian. I have attached a link below with additional ideas for environmental enrichment. It should also include alternative items to chew and suck, multiple small meals with treat balls and puzzles as feeders (https://docandphoebe.com), and increased social enrichment (play, reward training), combined with an environment where she can be housed comfortably in an enriched and comfortable space (e.g. room, pen) within the home away from potential targets. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats I hope that was helpful and gives you some ideas. Good luck! Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat meows non-stop when I leave the bed. Is she seeking attention?

Cats will meow for many reasons but it may be difficult to know why: https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-6-reasons-why-cats-meow/ It's possible she is bored or anxious. There are a few things you can do which may help. Try enriching her environment. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play and/or switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. You may also try feeding Juju Bean from a food puzzle and/or hiding food around the house for her to find. Most cats response best to combination therapy. The veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help with behavior. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my 11-month-old cat eating clothes and blankets? Stop her!

This is likely behavioral. I would recommend providing her with plenty of toys that will keep her occupied. You can also consider using a bitter spray to apply to the things she chews on most to try and deter her from continuing this behavior. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat steals and hides everything. Is this normal hoarding behavior?

Every animal is different and this can be the case for Annie. I would try to see where the items were originally to try to stop her from getting to those locations. I would also try to get toys she can "hoard" that are more appropriate for her. My concern is one day she eats one of these objects and it becomes surgical. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat suckles and kneads people when I'm gone. Why does she do that?

This is likely an anxiety behavior. She is likely "pacifying" herself when you aren't home. You could try to get some feliway diffusers and spray and use that for when you are gone. Feliway is a cat pheromone that is used for calming. It doesn't work on all cats but it may help. If not, you can talk to your vet about starting her on a anti-anxiety medicine when you leave town. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why does my cat bite and knead blankets? Is this normal behavior?

Suckling/biting and kneading a blanket can be a stress-relief response or natural soothing response in some cats. It often looks like and mimics suckling behavior seen by kittens nursing their mothers. It is possible that Kittu is feeling a bit stressed out by something (new pets, new people, new things in the home, etc), or is just doing it because it is enjoyable. If you are worried about the blanket being ruined, you can try to divert her attention with a comforting petting or brushing session, or even have some fun with a toy as a distraction instead. If Kittu seems stressed out, pheromone diffusers/collars can also help reduce stress and tension.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share