Cats are known for being curious creatures. They often explore their surroundings by chewing on things. While this may seem cute, it can also be quite destructive. If your cat is constantly chewing on your furniture, plants, or other belongings, you may be wondering what to do about it. In this article, we will discuss some tips for preventing your cat from chewing on everything in sight!
When Is My Cat’s Chewing Considered Normal?
Owning a cat can be both delightful and challenging; cats are typically active, vocal and curious creatures. While some behaviors which cats exhibit are typical, others could indicate an underlying issue – including their chewing.
Although chewing is more common in kittens, cats of any age can engage in this behavior. Normal chewing behavior such as lightly nibbling on objects may suggest the animal is teething or exploring its environment, but sustained bouts of strong gnawing or attempts to break or damage items could warrant further investigation.
Consulting with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist can ensure your cat’s chewing does not progress beyond what is considered normal. In any case, providing suitable and safe chew toys for your cat can help keep their teeth clean, satisfy teething needs and promote positive mental stimulation.
Why Is My Cat Chewing Everything?
If you own a cat, chances are that you’ve noticed certain things around your home disappearing — or at least growing alertly smaller. If this is the case for you, then it’s likely that your feline friend has developed an obsession with chewing on almost everything in sight!
Trying to figure out why cats chew can be confusing and frustrating, but understanding what drives their behavior can help put an end to those destructive habits. Now we’re going to look at the top factors why cats turn to mouthing objects around our homes.
#1 – Boredom
Cat owners know that their cats can become bored quite easily without stimulation, and when this happens it’s often reflected in destructive behavior. Cat chewing everything becomes a way for cats to release energy and get themselves out of boredom. This can extend to couches, pillows, blankets – even your favorite shoes!
Cat parents must find ways to cater to their cat’s needs or else they could soon find them turning a beloved living room set into their own personal playground. To avoid this happening, finding ways to incentivize play and provide interesting toys is the key to preventing cats from becoming bored in the first place.
#2 – Anxiety
Cat owners around the world know how anxiety can drive their felines to destructive behaviors; from endless yelling, to cat chewing everything in sight. Cat chewing is often caused by environmental stressors such as loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, or moving house.
To combat these issues, consider giving your cat a safe place away from the source of their stress which can help to soothe them. Providing activities like puzzles and interactive toy can also help to reduce stress and redirect that energy into positive behaviors.
Taking care with diet and exercise can also help cats become calmer; premium food with tuna, salmon, or trout provides essential fatty acid that helps enhance brain development while scratching posts and playing sessions keep them entertained and provide an outlet for mental stimulation. For extreme cases of anxiety medication may the only solution but should always be used with caution and discussion with your vet.
#3 – Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a common condition in cats that may cause painful inflammation of the gums. Cat owners should be particularly aware of periodontal disease due to symptoms, such as persistent bad breath, redness and swelling of the gums, and, in some cases, excessive chewing behavior.
Cat owners should carefully monitor their beloved pet’s mouth health looking for signs of excessive buildup on or around their teeth or even the development of gaps between the gum line and teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to more serious health risks including an increased risk of dental infections and other systemic problems that can affect your cat’s quality of life.
Cat owners should recognize that if they notice their pet excessively chewing on objects around the house this may be a sign of the onset of periodontal disease and immediate steps should be taken to address it before it becomes a larger problem.
#4 – Pica
Pica is a condition that can be seen in cats where they compulsively chew on items around them. Cat owners will often observe their pet gnawing on cords, furniture, and other household items – likely due to its instinctual need to hunt and catch prey.
While it may seem strange if you’re unaware of this particular condition, looking into more details about pica can help to provide a better understanding of the behavior and guide owners in finding safe solutions to satisfy their cat’s cravings. It’s important for both the safety of the cat and the owner’s property that this compulsive behavior is addressed before more serious issues arise.
#5 – Nausea
Nausea is a feeling of uneasiness in the stomach accompanied by an urge to vomit. For some, it may be triggered by motion sickness, pungent smells, food poisoning or medication side effects. Cat owners can relate as their furry lucky charms often enact mischievous behavior such as chewing on anything and everything they can find.
Cat owners need not worry if they see their pet nibbling on plants around the house; it is usually just a simple case of cat nausea caused by eating foods that upset the stomach. Fortunately, this type of nausea can be treated with diet changes and vet prescribed medicine, allowing cats to continue being the beloved creatures we have grown to know and love.
What Kinds Of Things Do Cats Chew On?
Cats have been known to chew on almost anything, the list is almost endless! Here are a few of the more common household items that your cat may be chewing on:
#1 – Houseplants
Houseplants can be a great addition to any home. They add color, freshness and life to the atmosphere, and even help clean the air we breathe. For those who own cats, however, they can also become a source of frustration. Things like cat grass, chew sticks, and other safe items for cats to chomp on are recommended for when houseplants are accessable; this prevents them from trying to nibble – or even eat! – your delicate foliage.
If it’s not possible to keep these things around, then your houseplants will have to be placed in out-of-reach locations where curious kitties won’t be able to interact with them. That doesn’t mean that cats have to miss out, though – many owners find creative ways for cats and plants alike to coexist peacefully!
#2 – Wires And Electrical Cables
Wires and electrical cables are meant to be kept away from animals, especially cats that like to chew on things. Wires and electrical cables can present a huge safety hazard if they are chewed or damaged by cats. Pets should be monitored if they start exhibiting chewing behavior on wires and cables in the home.
Cats can receive severe shocks or other injuries if they were to chew on live electrical wiring, so it is important to make sure they are unplugged while supervising pet activity near them to prevent serious incidents. It’s also necessary to keep electric cables nicely tucked away in places that cats cannot access them, such as behind furniture or inside walls where tapping into the wiring won’t cause an issue with pets.
#3 – Clothes And Other Fabrics
Furry and feisty, cats are known for making a game out of chewing on things, especially clothes and other fabrics. Often times these fabrics provide a much-needed distraction from their day to day activities and give them an outlet to chew on something soft. Whether it is a favorite t-shirt or the corner of a cozy blanket, cats often find comfort in gnawing on their choice fabrics.
Even stray threads poking out of clothing items can spark curiosity among cats and become something they obsessively nibble on. While it may be cute to watch sometimes it is important to keep track of what fabrics around the house your cat might have access to so that you avoid any possible damage to materials that are expensive or irreplaceable.
How Can I Stop My Cat From Chewing On Things?
An interesting challenge for cat owners is finding ways to keep their cats from chewing on forbidden items like furniture, rugs, and shoes. Although some cats chew more than others, there are ways to reduce the behavior so that all cats can be happy and healthy in their homes.
The best way to do this is to provide plenty of other items that they are allowed to paw and chew. One option is offering up a variety of cat-friendly toys and changing them out regularly so they don’t get bored with the same ones.
Also consider putting a pot of catnip in safe spots around the house, which can act as a distraction and provide stimulating playtime activities. Finally, make sure your kitty gets regular exercise and attention — as cats often resort to these behaviors when they’re feeling lonely or restless. With patience and dedication, you’ll be able to guide your cat away from objects that are off-limits!
When To Seek Help With My Cat’s Chewing?
If you are concerned that your cat is unwell, or has a behavioral issue, then you should take your cat to the veterinarian to get him checked. The vet may be able to provide a prescription or suggest treatments that can help your cat become less destructive. You should also contact a qualified animal behaviorist or trainer, who can help you teach your cat appropriate behaviors and give advice on how to modify the problem if necessary. By working together with both medical professionals and behavior experts, you can create an environment where your cat feels safe, secure, and healthy.
You may also need to consider if there are any environmental changes you can make to help reduce your cat’s destructive behavior. Cats are naturally curious creatures, so be sure that all items in your home are securely stored away or out of reach – that way they won’t be tempted to chew on cords or scratch furniture. You can also provide your cat with plenty of appropriate toys and scratching posts, so they have something else to focus their attention on instead of your belongings.
Finally, make sure you’re providing your cat with plenty of love and affection. A happy and contented cat is far less likely to engage in destructive behavior than one who feels neglected and is searching for attention. Spend quality time with your cat, playing with them, brushing their fur and giving them treats. This will help create a sense of trust between you and your cat, making it more likely they’ll listen to you when you tell them off for misbehaving. If you’re consistent and patient, you can successfully curb your cat’s destructive behavior and create a calmer, more enjoyable home environment for both of you.
Conclusion
If your cat is chewing on everything, there are a few things you can do to try to stop the behavior. You can provide your cat with chew toys, remove items from your home that are tempting for your cat to chew on, and give them plenty of attention and love. If these methods don’t work, you should consult with your veterinarian to see if there is an underlying medical condition causing the excessive chewing.
