Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. When eaten, however, catnip tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out. And finally, give some thought to the kinds of materials your cat puts in her mouth, even if she’s not actually eating it. Why does my cat eat paper and cardboard?Ĭats Can Chew Cardboard and Paper Out of Boredom or Anxiety Perhaps, when she’s shredding up today’s mail she’s bored, or nervous, or looking for a way to expend some of that excess energy. Eating small bits of shredded paper occasionally does not pose any real harm to cats. It is likely the smell or texture or the sound paper makes that appeal to their senses. Many cats love to shred, nibble and eat paper. Another reason that cats will chew bags can be related to their dental health. Cats can also enjoy the crinkly noises that a plastic bag makes. Plastic bags that come from a grocery or other food store can carry the lingering scent and even taste of food, which makes chewing them a pleasant experience.
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Why do cats chew paper and cardboard?Ĭats Can Chew Cardboard and Paper Out of Boredom or Anxiety Perhaps, when she’s shredding up today’s mail she’s bored, or nervous, or looking for a way to expend some of that excess energy. The easiest solution may be simply to hide the clothes, plants, or other items your cat loves to chew on. And they carry diseases they can pass on to your mouth. No, do not eat or share your food mouth to mouth with your cat. Is there a cure for pica in cats? Is it OK to eat something your cat licked? Is pica dangerous for my cat? Unfortunately, many of the substances chosen cannot be digested in the same way as food and there is a risk that it will cause an obstruction in the intestines and require surgery (called a laparotomy) to remove the material (referred to as a ‘foreign body’). Some are craving the feel of the wood fibers in the paper. Some cats just simply like the way paper sounds when it is crunched or ripped and they like the way it feels to rip and chew it. Why do cats like to chew paper? This is a typical hunting and prey ritual.
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Do you have a very spirited cat or an anxious one?Ĭan cats eat shredded paper? Many cats love to shred, nibble and eat paper. Biting or chewing an object might be a way that a cat says, “This box (or paper towel tube, or magazine) is mine. Why do cats bite things? Cats deliberately leave their scent on objects and humans, often by rubbing against the things they are claiming as their own. Medical problems – diseases such as leukaemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and brain tumours can cause cats to eat paper and other inanimate objects, though nobody seems to be quite sure why. Why is my cat eating paper? Attention seeking is also a common cause of strange or undesirable behaviours in cats. It is relatively common when kittens are first weaned and toilet trained for them to eat cat litter. As there is some evidence to suggest that pica may be genetic it is important for any breeder to be aware of this problem to take the necessary steps if your pedigree cat has this problem it would be wise to inform the breeder. Your vet may prescribe an antidepressant drug if your cat is highly motivated to consume non-edible material that will work alongside the behaviour therapy that is put into place. What should I do if my cat eats wool or other material? Pica can be very difficult to manage so it’s wise to consult a behaviour specialist, who will visit your home, assess your cat’s lifestyle and give you suggestions to stimulate your cat and reduce any relevant stressful situations. What signs should I look for if my cat has a blockage? If you know your cat suffers from pica, it is important to be vigilant and monitor for signs of a blockage in the intestines. Other medical problems, such as thyroid issues, can also lead a cat to eat a non-food item.
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Or perhaps your adult cat’s diet is lacking in some crucial nutrient. Perhaps he has irritated gums and rubbing them against cardboard feels good. How do I get my cat to stop chewing on paper?Ĭardboard and Paper Shredding Could be Related to Teething or Health Concerns.Why does my cat chew cardboard and paper?.Why does my cat eat paper and cardboard?.
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Is it OK to eat something your cat licked?.