Chewing isn’t unique to dogs! Many cats enjoy nibbling or chewing and it can be a natural and fun activity. But for other cats and households, it can be a big problem!
What is the Behavior?
Chewing comes in many different forms, ranging from concerning and dangerous to normal.
- What are they chewing?
- Grass/plants
- Plastic
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Cords
- Toys
- Fabric
- Their own body
- Are they consuming pieces of the object?
- If they tear off small pieces, do they swallow them, either purposefully or accidentally?
- Is their chewing interfering with their interest in other activities?
- Do they seem fixated or “obsessed”, unable to be distracted? Do they become aggressive if you try to interrupt them?
Possible Causes for Chewing
Medical
While most people’s biggest concern about chewing is that it could cause a medical issue (if something is swallowed or the cat chews a hazardous item), chewing can also be a symptom of health concerns. This is particularly true if the cat is consuming non-food items, large volumes of grass/plant material, or if they have other GI or medical symptoms.
A medical cause is also a concern if your cat is chewing or licking their own body as this can be a response to pain.
Stress
Chewing, with or without consumption, can be a sign of stress. This could be from many sources, from lack of enrichment/boredom to conflict with other pets and beyond. Stress-based chewing may or may not include consumption and can be focused on a variety of objects. Punishing chewing can backfire and make the problem worse, especially if there is a stress component.
Comfort Seeking or Habitual
Some cats chew as an extension of nursing/suckling behaviors. Often this behavior is focused on fabrics, soft toys, or other pets/human family members and may include kneading with their paws. While typically less destructive, some cats will make holes or cause distress to other individuals who don’t want to be chewed on.
Fun!
Some cats chew because it feels or tastes good! Just like dogs, cats can enjoy getting their teeth into something and breaking or tearing it apart. In these cases, the cat is typically easily distracted from chewing and will engage in other play/enrichment activities.
What to Do
Schedule a Vet Visit
Particularly if your cat is consuming non-food items, chewing their own body, or if they seem “obsessive”, get a thorough vet check. You will likely need diagnostics beyond a routine physical exam.
We can’t rule out pain through any exam or medical test as it is a subjective experience. While an initial vet check may not find anything, as long as the behavior is continuing, medical factors cannot be fully ruled out. Ask for additional evaluation, second opinions, and specialty consultation as needed.
Safety and Management
Cover wires, remove toxic plants or chemicals, and put away items your cat tends to chew. This is particularly important if they are likely to consume the item.
Scolding your cat or trying to punish them isn’t an effective strategy to keep them safe or stop this behavior (read more about spray bottles). If they have access to the thing they want to chew while you aren’t there, the behavior could continue.
Chewing can also become a form of attention-seeking behavior: they chew, you pay attention. Proper management to prevent them from accessing things they shouldn’t chew will prevent this problem.
Stress Reduction
Increase enrichment, create a cat-friendly environment, and decrease conflict to reduce stress. Read more here.
Provide Appropriate Options
If your cat seems to enjoy chewing, provide them with appropriate options. Make sure whatever you offer is either safe to consume, unable to be broken into small pieces, or that your cat is not swallowing small pieces. Supervise closely!
Consider:
- Tendon chew or “no hide” chews
- Silvervine sticks
- Thick cardboard
- Paper with treats hidden inside
- Toys of different material or sizes (pay attention to what your cat has shown interest in)
Having safe outlets helps decrease the likelihood of chewing on objects you’d rather keep free of cat tooth marks.
Chewing can be a complex behavior. It can be a fun activity, a way of self-soothing, a risk to health, and/or a sign of a medical problem. Evaluate your cat’s behavior, take steps to keep them safe, and talk to your vet. Then, look for ways to reduce stress and provide appropriate outlets for this behavior. Happy chewing!
If your cat has a behavior problem that you need help solving, consider scheduling a private behavior consultation.