• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Vetted PetCare Blog

Advice and stories for pet owners and animal lovers

  • Preventative Health
  • Urgent Care
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Lifestyle & Local
  • Disease, Diet & Exercise
  • Common Questions
You are here: Home / Pet Care / How to Stop Your Cat from Chewing All Your Stuff

How to Stop Your Cat from Chewing All Your Stuff

October 7, 2019 By Heather

How to Stop Your Cat from Chewing All Your Stuff

Does your cat chew on your stuff? Not only can this behavior be annoying, it can actually be pretty dangerous. Is there anything you can do to stop your cat – your stubborn, I’ll-do-what-I-want cat – from chewing?

Why Do Cats Chew?

Stopping chewing starts with understanding why cats chew in the first place. The most common cause of feline chewing is boredom; for a lot of cats, it provides the stimulation they crave. For some cats, chewing is compulsive; it’s a way to provide themselves comfort and can even be an expression of OCD.

Remember, chewing is an instinctive habit in cats. It’s in their DNA! That doesn’t mean you have to live with incessant nibbling, though.

How to Stop Chewing

Starting with what you should try first, let’s look at a few of the things you can do to curb feline chewing.

Remove Temptations: First things first: Hide the goods! Some cats are just so darn attracted to things like cords, shoelaces, and those lace curtains your grandma made to resist the urge to chew.

More Playtime: Playing with your cat provides them exercise, stimulation, and engagement. In short, it tuckers them out so they have less time (and desire) to chew!

 

Pet news, updates, and special offers
from your friends at Vetted.

Please fill out all required fields.


More Stimulation: Bored cats are nibbly cats. Not only does your cat need physical stimulation, they need plenty of mental engagement to stave off anxiety and depression, both of which can be brought on by boredom.

Change Your Toys: If your cat’s still chewing, try training them to chew only specific toys in their arsenal. And don’t forget to change out toys often to keep your cat from growing bored.

Get an Exam: Did you know chewing in cats can be a sign of periodontal or digestive disease? And that some chewy cats are trying to replace a specific nutrient their body is deficient in? If nothing you do is relieving the behavior, it’s time for some diagnostic tests.

Discuss OCD with Your Vet: Cats can and do suffer from compulsive behaviors. In some severe cases, daily anxiety medications can help soothe your cat’s anxiety and relieve their symptoms of OCD, like chewing.

Need help figuring out how to stop your cat from chewing?

Make an In-Home Vet Appointment

 


Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Pet Care Tagged With: behavior, cat, chew

Before Footer

  • This isn't a competition. It's a wholesome celebration of goofiness. 
With that out of the way, let's hear it! 🤣
  • You've passed the first hurdle by securing a plus one for your pet during your holiday homecoming. 
But if you want your pet to be invited back again next year, you'll need to follow our tips.
🔗 Tap the link in our bio to learn how to be a good houseguest with a pet in tow
  • We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Kelly Fishman to the Vetted PetCare Family! If you live in San Francisco, keep an eye out for Dr. Fishman and be sure to give her a warm welcome.

After receiving her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University, Dr. Fishman continued her education with an internship in Integrative Medicine where she was mentored by a veterinary nutritionist. As a result, Dr. Fishman has expertise in formulating specialty diets and advising on supplements.

In her free time, Dr. Fishman enjoys cooking, yoga, and spending time with her three cats.

Welcome to the team, Dr. Fishman!
  • ☔️ Some dogs are simply not fans of the rain. But what can you do when you need to get your dog to brave the weather so they can do their business?⁣
⁣
When begging your dog for the 395487th time doesn't work, try these tips:⁣
🌧Practice “On-Demand” Potty Breaks⁣
🌧 Get Geared Up⁣
🌧 Create a Dry Spot⁣
⁣
🔗 Tap the link in our bio to learn more.
  • Today is #GivingTuesday. 
Tap the link in our bio discover 5 ways to give back to your local animal shelter.

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Find a Mobile Vet
  • Tel: (833) 228-8122
  • hello@vettedpetcare.com
vetted logo

© 2019 Vetted PetCare Inc.

Privacy Policy