How To Stop Cat Chewing

Some cats have destructive chewing habits. Cats have been known to chew on electrical cords and furniture. The cat chewing behavior can cause problems for the cat owner and health problems for the cat. A cat could get shocked while chewing on a cord or swallow something it is chewing.

A veterinarian should be consulted to check for any medical condition that may be encouraging chewing. Cat chewing has been linked to vitamin deficiencies. Cat chewing could be due to a dental problem. Normal teething or inflammation of the gums could be causing the chewing. A veterinarian can treat any underlying conditions and give tips for discouraging the destructive chewing.

Some cat owners use a bitter or hot substance to stop cat chewing. If a cat chews on electrical wires, spraying the cords with bitter apple spray or a homemade repellent may stop the behavior. Cats do not like hot tastes. Some cat owners will spray a cayenne pepper and water mixture or Tabasco sauce on cords. Electrical cords could also be covered with a cord protector.

Odors that are offensive to cats may deter cat chewing. Many cats dislike perfume. Some cat owners repel cats from areas where they chew by spraying the area or item with cheap perfume.

If there is a particular item that the cat seems to target, the cat owner may want to remove that item from the cat’s accessible area. A cat owner may have success with giving the cat an acceptable target for chewing. A new cat toy or a cat-safe plant such as catnip may direct the cat’s chewing away from undesirable areas and towards the acceptable target.

Giving a cat dry food may help reduce the need to chew outside of eating. A veterinarian may provide dietary advice for the cat. Some cat owners add pieces of carrot to the cat food. A cat may be chewing out of boredom. Providing a cat with a hunting simulation may distract a bored cat from chewing. Food-dispensing toys may entertain the cat and give the cat some satisfaction from having to work for its food.