If your cat chews on other materials without the grinding or chewing action reminiscent of pica, there may be other factors contributing to this behavior and it is important to mention this to your vet. Also note that if the chewing is obsessive, it could be due to anxiety. Even minimal contact with a bare wire can cause harm to your cat. Boredom is another reason cats may chew. "Knowing it could be from boredom helped a lot. When cats are surprised or startled, they could also develop a chewing habit. "Realizing my cat Belair chews because he wants more attention helped me. This behavioral issue can be challenging to correct. Cats chew for a variety of reasons; they chew when they are playing with their toys and sometimes chew when they are grooming their fur. Just needs more attention. Cats love to attack plants, but not all of them are safe to feline creatures. Veterinary Psychopharmacology. It often starts when theyre kittens. The simplest way to prevent your cat from chewing on cords and to keep them safe from electrical injuries is to keep them away from your cords. One day I came home for lunch and noticed she didnt eat her morning meal and had no interest in eating, which was alarming for a cat that never misses a meal. Whether its cat pica, an obsessive-compulsive disorder, or an indicator of periodontal disease, its good to know what to look for, so you can find answers, like contacting your veterinarian or introducing them to cat dental treats. Grand Forks, ND 58201, Saturday, Sunday & Special Holidays Closed Cats suffering from this syndrome need to be closely monitored to prevent serious illness. From training tips to special offers, get the tools you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. The skin may even be raw and red and loss of hair may occur. Aside from taking the critical step of making sure they arent chewing on potentially hazardous objects, like cell phone chargers, electrical wires or something like a plastic cord, chewing is a kittens way of easing the discomfort of having their baby teeth start to grow. The first thing we want to find out is the cause of this destructive chewing behavior: Chewing furniture, your favorite clothing or shoes can be a hassle to you, but if your cats start chewing electric cords, it can pose potential danger to them. Find an appropriate toy for your cat to chew on that also has a wood base, like a silvervine stick. John Wiley & Sons. Some items can cause harm to your pet. Picaor any behaviors that seem consistent with itshould be immediately brought to your veterinarians attention. This can be dangerous to them and your household. Keep in mind that your cat might be chewing because it's bored. Cats experiencing periodontal disease may chew on objects to soothe pain from swollen gums. Cat chewing can happen because of the following reasons: An overly anxious cat may find solace in chewing things. She is 2 years old now and has ingested many blankets and clothing items over that time. 2011, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Stop-a-Cat-from-Chewing-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-a-Cat-from-Chewing-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Stop-a-Cat-from-Chewing-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid20674-v4-728px-Stop-a-Cat-from-Chewing-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"