The second is to consult your veterinarian about pica. If you’re asking yourself, “Why does my cat eat plastic?” the first thing to do is to stop your cat from eating plastic, of course. Other times, treatment may require prescription medication. Sometimes natural remedies can be helpful. If you suspect your cat is displaying symptoms of OCD, contact your veterinarian for a formal diagnosis and a recommendation for treatment. This reinforces the importance of consulting with your veterinarian. These also can be signs of anxiety from a variety of causes-whether that be fear-based, separation, etc.Įxcessive grooming can also be due to flea allergy, atopy or food allergies. The cause of this disorder in cats is not fully understood, but some experts believe there may be a genetic component.Ĭommon signs of OCD in cats are repetitive tail chasing, constant pacing for no apparent reason, excessive grooming and/or an overabundance of chewing. This is when a cat engages in certain repetitive rituals that seem to lack any meaningful purpose. Just like people, cats can have a condition known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Let’s look at some potentially abnormal causes for cat chewing. There are a few reasons why cats may choose to chew on these items other than a natural desire to chew. Not-so Healthy ChewingĬat chewing can become worrisome for various reasons, one of which is they may decide it’s okay to chew on something of value to you, like a houseplant or a wool sweater.Ĭats may also chew on harmful or toxic items (certain houseplants or items with chemicals could harm their sensitive digestive systems) or things that can get caught in their digestive tract (string, yarn, tinsel). Cat dental treats are also a good option for boosting cat oral health. Chewing is mentally stimulating for cats and can help boost their dental health by removing tartar buildup and promoting blood flow to the gums. Kittens and adult cats love to chew on toys, of course, and this behavior should be encouraged with appropriate toys. If you find yourself asking, “Why is my cat chewing on non-food items?” it’s important to keep in mind that teething kittens will chew on anything they think looks chewable, which is completely normal.Īside from taking the critical step of making sure they aren’t chewing on potentially hazardous objects, like cell phone chargers, electrical wires or something like a plastic cord, chewing is a kitten’s way of easing the discomfort of having their baby teeth start to grow. Why Is My Cat Chewing on Non-Food Items?Ĭats’ food choices may sometimes surprise us, but when they start chewing on non-food items, it can get weird and, in some cases, become a cause for alarm. The likely reason for this is cats will eat foods that smell or taste pleasing to them or perhaps they enjoy the feel and texture of what they’re eating. Strange as it may seem, even corn on the cob can pique the interest of your cat, even though it has no dietary or health benefits for felines. Berries, carrots, spinach, rice and bananas, are all things many cats will eat. When it comes to non-meat food items, there are many things that might end up on your cat’s menu if it’s offered to them. Here are some answers when you find yourself asking, “why does my cat chew on everything?” Cat Eating HabitsĬats are obligate carnivores, which means they must have meat in their diet to survive, but that hardly means meat is the only thing they’ll eat. Whether it’s cat pica, an obsessive-compulsive disorder, or an indicator of periodontal disease, it’s good to know what to look for, so you can find answers, like contacting your veterinarian or introducing them to cat dental treats. These are normal, healthy behaviors for cats, but in some cases, chewing can be a sign of concern. Cats can be enthusiastic chewers throughout their lifespan, from when they’re teething as kittens to gnawing on a cat toy as an adult for mental stimulation.
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