“They could be trying to relieve themselves of pain or discomfort, or they’re calling to you, trying to bring your attention to problems like these,” she says. It’s important to rule out an underlying medical problem, such as gum disease or gastrointestinal problems, that could be causing your cat’s chewing, Jones adds.
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“It becomes excessive when it interferes with other activities or is self-injurious.” “Whether chewing is normal is all relative to the cat, his health, and his level of activity,” Gouge says.
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Is Chewing Normal for Cats?Ĭhewing is a common behavior in cats, but that doesn’t mean it’s something that can or should be ignored. We asked the experts to break down why cats chew things, when it becomes destructive, and what you can do to prevent or control this behavior. “For them, it’s a tactile and enriching activity.” “Cats chew for the enjoyment of it,” she says. “In that way, they see chewing as fun-almost like a form of play.”Įlise Gouge, a certified pet behavior consultant and trainer based in Massachusetts, agrees.
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“Some cats also use their mouths to explore the world around them,” says Katenna Jones, a Rhode Island-based certified cat behavior consultant. There are many reasons why cats chew on things they shouldn’t, from wanting to soothe their gums during teething to exercising their natural instinct to slice and dice with their sharp back teeth. Do you sometimes see her chewing things until they’re unrecognizable? Do many of your belongings look like the gnarled pencils you used in fourth grade? If you answered “yes” to either question, you’ve come to the right place. It’s not hard to tell if your cat is a destructive chewer.