Why do cats eat paper and cardboard?

Why do cats chew on paper and cardboard?

There are several reasons why a cat might chew on paper or cardboard, including health reasons as well as behavioral and emotional issues. While it isn’t a cause for concern if your feline friend eats a small amount, it can be a major concern if they are regularly munching large volumes of the material.

Can cats eat paper and cardboard?

Your cat may find it difficult to chew and swallow larger pieces of these materials. Paper is very dry and cardboard can be stiff with sharp corners. It is quite conceivable that your cat’s non-edible habit could lead to such products getting stuck in their throat. Is It Safe?

Why is my cat biting and eating paper?

One reason your cat may be shredding, biting and eating paper is because she is simply bored. Maybe you have not been giving her more time lately and haven’t got the time to play with her.

Why does my Siamese cat eat cardboard?

Your cat may be suffering from pica. Pica is a behavioral urge among some cats to eat non-edible things like fabric, cardboard, plastic or paper. Some breeds such as the Tonkinese, Siamese and other Oriental manifest this behavior more than others.

How to stop a cat from chewing on paper?

Deter the habit – Use unpleasant or bitter sprays to deter them from eating cardboard or paper. The use of Hot pepper, citrus air fresheners, SssCat! cannister by Multivet, Bitter Apple or Band guard may help. Alternative safe chew items – Look for other things that these pets may enjoy eating or chewing. Catnip is one such good alternative.

Do cats eat toilet paper?

Watching your kitty eating paper including toilet paper or cardboard box including paperback books, paper towels, diaper boxes, et cetera may seem so unorthodox to these obligate carnivores. Believe it or not, it does happen.

Why does my cat chew on cardboard?

Expect the behavior during teething. However, it should stop once they finish teething. If not teething, irritated gums may be a reason why an adult cat may seem to eat or rub against cardboard or even paper. 3. Nutritional deficiencies Nutritional deficiencies have been associated with these pets chewing various items.

Why do cats eat cardboard and paper?

Clothes are another common material that cats will eat, and as well as the same reasons as we listed for eating cardboard and paper, your cat could be eating clothes because they used to eat, chew, or mother blankets and other similar fibers when they were young and they still find it comforting now. Why Do Cats Eat And Chew On Paper?

What happens if a cat eats a piece of paper?

If you suspect that your cat is eating paper and other non-edible items because of medical and health-related problems like pica and hyperthyroidism, always consult your vet. Also, the eating of paper may result in intestinal blockage and may put your cat’s life at risk.

Is it dangerous for a cat to eat cardboard?

Ingested non-food items can cause dangerous intestinal blockages, so keep paper and cardboard away from cats with a tendency to consume. 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 do cats like paper and cardboard?

Some cats simply like the feeling or even the flavor of paper and cardboard, and there may not be any underlying cause or reason for the habit. If they are shredding the material and leaving it on the floor, rather than eating it, they could just enjoy the game.

Why does my cat rip up paper?

It may be natural behavior While in the wild, once they have caught their prey, they tear and disassemble their prey’s body. Therefore, the chewing, ripping and tearing of paper may be instinctively present even in domesticated cats. 2. Teething kittens

What to do if your cat eats paper or cardboard?

Consider professional help – Talk to your animal behaviorist to help manage, change, and reinforce positive eating behaviors. These are some of the ways to handle your cat that eats paper or cardboard, whether it only chews it or swallows it.

Why does my cat eat paper?

Cats, like humans, also undergo a teething period when adult teeth start to erupt. Your little kitten may be chewing and eating paper because her gums are swollen and its feel and texture are comforting for her. Adult cats with thyroid problems may also chew and eat non-food items like paper.

How do I get my Cat to stop eating paper?

Get enough cats in a room with some paper or cardboard and somebody is bound to start munching away.

How to stop a cat from chewing on things?

Always spot test the object you want to spray to make certain the spray doesn’t damage it. Use a spray bottle or small squirt gun with water in it to deter the cat. If you catch your cat chewing an object, immediately spritz the cat. Your cat will only associate the act with the negative consequence if you spritz the cat as it chews the object.

How do I Stop my Cat from eating paper?

Place deterrents on items that your cat may be inclined to eat. If your cat loves to eat paper or other non-food items like cords, fabric or plastic try to place strong-smelling scents like citrus that cats hate. 5. Consult a cat behaviorist.

What to do if your cat chews on a spray bottle?

Your cat will only associate the act with the negative consequence if you spritz the cat as it chews the object. If you can’t reach the spray bottle before the cat stops chewing, keep it next to you and wait until the next time the cat exhibits the behavior.

Why does my cat eat toilet paper?

Not all cats that eat toilet paper do it because they are playing with it, that’s not alway a precursor. My cat eats toilet paper whenever she can get it. She never plays with it, her sole intent is to consume it. If I forget to shut the bathroom door she’ll consume a quarter of a roll. She eats kleenex too. Would really love to know why.

Is it okay for cats to play with toilet paper?

Though it’s completely fine for cats to play with toilet paper as it is not toxic to them if they ingest it, the habit can be annoying and it costs money. So what can cat owners do to make your cat stop this behavior? Here are some tips: 1. Keep Your Bathroom Door Closed