Daily Kitten Chat Forum » General Chat

1. 

   Does anyone know why a cat who is 1 1/3rd years old might be doing this? He has all of his adult teeth in so I don't think it's teething because of that. He is still eating his food fine so I don't think anything is hurting him? He's been chewing on tables, cardboard boxes, his carrier, cabinets...whatever he can find. He is even pulling up the throw rug we have and chewing on the corner of that.

   Even a drumstick. Look closely; you can see all of the teeth marks on the drumstick. He just keeps chewing and chewing

   http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3546190131_f58951b17e_b.jpg

   Why would he be doing this and what should I do to help him? Are there any healthy/fun cat chew toys I could get him? I'm confused at this. It started about a week ago.

   He's also been more full of energy lately playing at least twice as much and going nuts over his toys. Could it just be part of a growing spurt?

   Posted 2 years ago by gini #

2. 

   He is REALLY enjoying that drumstick! It's been so long since I had a younger cat, I don't remember any chewing problems. Maybe someone else will know.

   Posted 2 years ago by NNGM #

3. 

   Perhaps Taco is a frustrated musician?

   Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

4. 

   Speaking of chewing issues, can anyone tell me how to obtain that bitter apple spray that some have recommended to keep kitties from chewing cords? I can't find it at petsmart or petco. Mia has taken to rubbing up against and possibly chewing on my TV cords. I have to keep chasing her way from the back of the TV. I am about ready to put up some sort of chicken wire around the back of it.

   Posted 2 years ago by SylMiaFelixMomma #

5. 

   Maybe he is a long distant relative to my Kara, she loves to chew!

   Posted 2 years ago by Tigerlilly #

6. 

   Odd that PetSmart and Petco don't have it--the ones near me carry it. If you Google "Bitter Apple Spray" it will list the websites that have it.

   Gini, have you checked his gums--are they red? He might need a dental cleaning. I don't know much about ragdolls but Balinese need frequent dentals. Something is bothering his mouth for him to suddenly do this.

   Posted 2 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Phoenix, AZ 10/8 #

7. 

   SM I just checked. They are not red but since Taco only eats wet food I wouldn't be surprised if he needed a cleaning. How often are they supposed to be done?

   Posted 2 years ago by gini #

8. 

   Sheba's Mom it is possible that they have it only in the dog section in the stores I visited in person. I assume that the kind I purchase doesn't matter if it is for dogs or cats? It is the same stuff?

   Posted 2 years ago by SylMiaFelixMomma #

9. 

   Awwww - maybe he's hungry? :)

   Actually, Gini, Milo is about 1 1/2 and he chews on everything, too. This is what I got for him:
   http://www.amazon.com/N-Bone-Cat-Chew-Treats-Chicken/dp/B0002ZFPIU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1242772588&sr=8-2

   I just got them today in the mail, but I opened the bag just before I left and gave him one. They're hard - sort of like a small dog chew - except for cats. He was funny - at first he kept licking it! He then finally figured out that he was supposed to chew on it and went to town!
   Maybe that would work for Taco, too?

   Posted 2 years ago by GreatDane #

10. 

    I get my babies teeth cleaned once a year. Between times, we are suppose to be brushing daily. The combination of their ability to become invisible when they hear me pick up the toothbrush, and my not remembering until I'm already in bed means they only get brushed a couple times a week. Still, that seems to be enough to keep the tartar away.

    Gini, try scraping one of Taco's teeth down by the gum with your fingernail. If you end up with gunk on your nail, it's time to brush and/or have his teeth professionally cleaned.

    There was an earlier post today about a kitten who had started biting. Her mum got her a ???? which she was happily chewing. Was it Ally?, or ???

    Posted 2 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

11. 

    I wonder if Taco might be bored. Sometimes this age is like a 10-year-old kid where they just have lots of energy. Maybe he needs a playmate (two cats are easier than one!), or a chew toy. I also think you might try some dry food to stimulate his gums. Cats are made to rip and tear meat with their jaws, and those muscles can atrophy if not used. Taco may be trying to prevent this. Try some dry food or some crunchy treats a few times a week to get those muscles going.

    Posted 2 years ago by FosterMom #

12. 

    Taco does have a brother - Feeny. I would have his teeth checked, Gini, but this may just be a phase (hopefully a short one).

    Posted 2 years ago by NNGM #

13. 

    Ruggles chews on wicker basket handles. Loves to bite down on the handles all the time. And the vet said his teeth are in great condition.

    BTW, Taco is adorable whatever he does!

    Posted 2 years ago by Emma #

14. 

    GD those look great! Did you order them off Amazon or find them in a pet store? If so, which one (just to save on shipping)?

    CBM there is a little bit of gunk when I do that. I think I'm going to look up how to clean them and give it a whirl myself before bringing him into the vet and if I try this and a few other things and he's still chewing, I'll bring him in.

    FM Taco has a big brother Feeny. I can't switch his food to hard food because he has a pancreatic disorder where he can only digest his prescription soft food with medicine or he gets sick. He also has a lot of toys around the house which he's been playing with too so I don't think it's boredom. That was a good idea, though! Thanks for thinking :)

    I am going to try looking for chew toys, cleaning his teeth, and give it a few days to see what happens. If nothing improves I'll head to the vet and see what's up. Hopefully the little guy is ok and it's just a phase. Thanks for the advice guys

    Posted 2 years ago by gini #

15. 

    Some cats just like to chew... one of my females adores chomping on cardboard, and I had a male that loved chewing cellophane and plastic bags. Neither had teeth issues, had lots of toys, and furry playmates. They just liked to chew.

    As for the cord protection... you can use tabasco sauce in the meantime... worked on my "cord - inspector" very effectively!

    Posted 2 years ago by nawlins catmom #

16. 

    Gini, I agree with other posters her who suggested a quick visit to the vet. He may have dental problems you cannot see. I would also recommend some tartar control treats. Best of luck. Please let us know how you made out at the vet's.

    Posted 2 years ago by purr4me #

17. 

    Gini - I ordered from Amazon. I haven't seen them at the petstore and I've certainly looked. I wasn't sure something like that existed, but I looked around online because Milo was chewing on everything, too.
    I got mine in just a few days, too!

    Posted 2 years ago by GreatDane #

18. 

    And as for teeth problems. Milo was at the vet for his annual check up and shots a week ago and his teeths were just fine so at least I know his chewing isn't related to any teeth problems.

    Scritches to Taco and Feeny!

    Posted 2 years ago by GreatDane #

19. 

    i was just thinking about the handsome taco !! i don't have advice but lydia is his biggest fan !!

    Posted 2 years ago by beth #

20. 

    he looks good even chompin on a stick !!

    Posted 2 years ago by beth #

21. 

    :)

    Posted 2 years ago by GreatDane #

22. 

    I have zero advice, but I wouldn't want to be the one that tried to take that drum stick away from him!

    Posted 2 years ago by lisaeylau #

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