Pets health: Why is my cat chewing everything?
Q MY one-year-old ragdoll neutered male cat Beau came to us at four months with a habit of chewing wire. He also chews all fabrics such as wool and cotton. My vet said he would grow out of it but if anything it is worse.
A This is a common problem particularly in pedigree cats which has led to the suggestion that it may have a genetic basis.
Abnormal appetite such as this is called pica and an appropriate first step is to have a health check for Beau and assess his diet.
However many experts consider non-medical pica to be a behavioural problem.
You say he is fed exclusively on a dry diet. My preference for cats is a more natural meat-based diet found in good quality brand name tinned food or pouches. Any changes should be introduced gradually with the advice of your vet.
However many experts consider non-medical pica to be a behavioural problem
Be vigilant because if Beau swallows fabric it could cause an obstruction in the intestines.
The signs of this would be not eating, lethargy and vomiting, meaning a trip to the vet
without delay. Keep the items he likes to chew well out of his way.
If simple measures discussed here don’t work consult a trained behaviourist as recommended by your vet. You could also provide food-dispensing toys to occupy his time and offer other toys to stop him becoming bored.
Set aside a time each day to play with him.
David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Write to him at Express Yourself, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN. He is unable to enter into individual correspondence.