Obsessive-compulsive disorder, nutritional deficiencies and early weaning all are possible medical causes for chewing. Rule Out Problems That Can Cause Destructive Chewing 2008. Your cat chewing wires is one of the most dangerous (and yes, preventable) habits that must be avoided at all costs. Bitter apple spray! Kittens explore their world by mouthing objects with (OUCH!) She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. This article has been viewed 253,735 times. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Will my younger cat ever outgrow this? How can I stop my cat from doing this? Click on another answer to find the right one Why should you never give your cat a cooked chicken wing? Ssscat is a motion-activated device that squirts out an odorless, harmless spray if the cat passes a certain threshold. Bengals are like Abyssinian cats. Destructive chewing is usually an issue with dogs, but sometimes a cat is a chewer. 2012, Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists. Read on for another quiz question. Teething will stop by 6-7 months or so. However, the reason for a cat scratching the furniture, or performing other destructive behaviours, might be quite complex and may include anxiety about the environment. He is an indoor cat, and we have a little dog and a toddler who keep him busy and active. They are more of a wild, active type of cat than other types of cats, and some wild instinct will kick in. Can you help? Another option is to place the object on a scat mat, which is a product that delivers an electrical tingle into the cats paws when it steps on it. One theory is that the cord resembles another animal's tail and that basic feline instinct compels the cat to attack anything that looks like a tailalthough this reasoning doesn't address why the cat would continue to chew the cord once it discovers there's no animal attached. Correct! There are specific ways to control the chewing even when you're not around to see it. Dry treats hidden around your home. 2008. The first week I had Beau I noticed he Is she biting you in play, or chewing on things (teething)? Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists. If a cat has undergone a major life change, like moving into a new home or having a new baby brought into the house, they may experience stress. My cat destroys anything that is leather, vinyl, or plastic. There are 2 children in the Barbering and over grooming are behavior issues when the cat destructively chews and licks at itself. If you enjoy playing with your kitten, but dont like how rough they play back, try ending the session immediately after they bite too hard. You may also try limiting where he is allowed to wander in the house so that he doesn't encounter metal, plastic, or cardboard. Bella: If there are certain cords your cats cant resist chewing, consider getting a deterrent that gets them before they start chewing. Franny is an award-winning freelance writer who has been writing about cats since 1997. I gave my cat a drop of liquid minerals (trace minerals) in its wet food 3x/day for the first day and within 24 hours she wasnt chewing on a single thing. The good news is that, for many, its a stage that they will outgrow over time. We tried everything but nothing helps. Here's a TCS article with tips to discourage the chewing: Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Hiss at him every time he does it. Reasons for Chewing . Cats have a natural desire for greenery to chew, and your live houseplants might become a target. Keep in mind that your cat might be chewing because it's bored. There are some foods cats can't eat, like chocolate and coffee, so it's always wise to be careful. Many times, destructive chewing behavior such as this is rooted in anxiety and could be a comfort-seeking behavior. John Wiley & Sons. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. annfrau / Getty Images. It's potentially dangerous to the cat, not to mention damaging to your belongings. If its an older cat that is chewing on cords, there could be a combination of issues as to why theyre doing it. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. How can I keep my 8 month old kitten from chewing on my fingers, shoelaces, and desk chair? Our cat likes to chew hard metal, plastic, cardboard, or anything that is sticking out in his reach. Still, if your cat isn't picky, you won't move everything you own into the closet. I'm afraid deterrent will mess up my books. If she is playing too rough, make sure you are not using your hands to play with her - use a toy that gives plenty of distance between her mouth and your hands. Cat toys, a patch of grass inside, or a scratching post may all help. How to Stop Your Cat From Chewing Electrical Cords, The 13 Best Christmas Gifts for Your Dog in 2020, 15 Purrfect DIY Halloween Costumes for Your Cat, How to Stop Your Cat From Spilling the Water Dish, Kitten Development in the First Six Weeks of Life, How to Stop Your Cat From Pawing the Floor After Eating. The answers so far have focused on your use of the word punishment. If you give the cat a chicken wing, ensure that its uncooked since the cooked bones can splinter and cause complications if ingested. John Wiley & Sons. Kittens have no manners so you need to teach them good behavior while discouraging the bad ones. $29.99. In order for clicker training to be effective, the click must be immediately followed by a treat for the animal, so it learns to associate the action and the click with a positive experience. For young dogs, its a way to relieve pain that might be caused by incoming teeth. S. L. Crowell-Davis and T. Murray. That's right! There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. How do I stop my 9 month old kitten from chewing on electrical cords? Until then, make use of your dogs safe haven when you arent there to supervise, and youll set your pup up for success. So puppy-proof your home in the meantime, and focus on establishing your pack leadership so you can reign in chewing or any other unwanted behaviors over the long-term. It let me pinpoint the reason he was chewing on everything. How your vet treats a gastrointestinal ailment will depend on the severity and nature of the illnessa cat with a digestive problem will usually show more signs than just chewing that it is sick. There is another reason this might occur. While it's normal for cats to chew on thingseven things that aren't meant to be chewedsometimes, the behavior can get out of hand. They provide the crunchy contact kittens need, and they make agreat interactive toy. My cat is chewing on soft cloth and swallowing, he goes and my cat is chewing on soft cloth and swallowing, he goes and looks for socks, dish towels. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Accidents do happen, of course. R.B., Prescott, Arizona. She usually avoids thick cords, but she's destroyed computer cables, headphone wires, and game-console connectors. Start by providing your cat with other more acceptable items to chew, such as safe, dental chew toys or cat-safe chicken or turkey jerky. Because it can be difficult to diagnose flea infestation in cats, some veterinarians recommend trying reliable flea control products purchased from a veterinary office for six to eight weeks to see if it reduces the incidence of licking, scratching, or chewing. chewable soft toys. Read on for another quiz question. First things first: Chewing on a wire that's plugged into an electrical outlet can result in a burned tongue, missing teeth, even death. Eliminating parasites. How can I stop this? Chewing a power cord that is plugged in can burn your cat's tongue, break their teeth and electrocute them; leading to internal damage or even death. Cats that are experiencing stresssuch as moving to a new home or a new baby in the houseare also more at risk to develop a compulsive chewing problem. It's common for kittens to chew, and most outgrow it, but your cat may need to be redirected if you see them chewing on things like Be sure to pay enough attention to your cat in case he is doing this behavior simply to gain your attention. When puppies are teething, between the ages of 3 and 6 months of age, they are also chewing! Even a behavior like chewing on a plant can have an associated medical explanation. % of people told us that this article helped them. Vetsreet's Dr. Marty Becker offers tips for surviving the chewing years including teaching your dog what he can and cannot chew on. A cats teeth are much sharper than a dogs (or ours)like a scalpel compared to a butter knife, Jones says. Environmental enrichment will help divert your cat away from his chewing obsession as well. By using our site, you agree to our. The idea that training an animal (including humans) by teaching them to associate an unwanted behavior with an unpleasant consequence is a bad thing or does not work is silly. The cat should outgrow the behavior, though especially by the time it reaches double figures. From sitting in the bathtub to chewing on their owner's hair, cats exhibit many strange behaviors that often leave humans scratching their heads. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Close! Get him his own toys and play with him every day. "Adult catsmay remember their straws, so it's not unusual to see one of them batting one around the floor. Before settling on boredom as the reason for your cat's chewing habit, take it to the veterinarian to rule out a medical issue. "Realizing my cat Belair chews because he wants more attention helped me. I have tried everything, nothing works. Keep your sweaters hung or in drawers, as well as the socks; as for the bottle nipples, you can keep them in baggies in the silverware drawer until they're ready to be used! What Can I Give My Cat to Chew On And Things to Avoid. Simple traps, like sticky tape or gross scents, can distract your cat from chewing. But by understanding why your cat is chewing on cords, and taking the simple yet necessary steps to prevent this behavior, you can greatly reduce your cat's risk of injury. If you wonder, Why is my kitten biting me?you should know that kitten biting is a natural practice. What should we do? There are 27 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. A cat can also be nervous. It's specifically made to stop animals from chewing on cords. It most likely isn't compulsive, however, and there's a more universal reason a cat might begin chewing when you bring a new baby into the house. Try again! It's potentially dangerous to the cat, not to mention damaging to your belongings. Why might a cat suddenly start chewing after you bring a new baby home? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 253,735 times. 7. Labradors were bred to be retrievers things with their mouths, and this means that the chewing phase can last a long time in Lab puppies. Usually a small, hand-held device, the trainer or pet owner will make a clicking noise when the animal performs the desired behavior. Toys that dispense treats are a great way to satisfy their hunting instincts. Bored cat on your hands cat passes a certain threshold about what your cat away from chewing `` Adult cats may remember their straws, especially the large ones for 8 month old kitten to stop chewing on cords, Domestic animal behavior for Veterinarians and animal Scientists wild spent. Consider getting a deterrent that gets them before they start chewing a few possible medical that. 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