There are many reasons why a cat can make a wonderful pet. They’re cute, cuddly, and can keep you entertained for hours. Toys aren’t the only thing cats like to gnaw on. A bit of chewed-up cardboard is something of a household fixture.
You can’t blame it all on Fluffy. Cats are known to enjoy chewing on cardboard boxes and other household cardboard. In this article, we’ll look at some of the possible causes of this, as well as some solutions to the problem.
Is It Normal For Cats To Chew Cardboard?
Cardboard is an unusual item for a cat to chew on, especially if the cat is also licking its paws while it chews.
Cats find it interesting because the textures feel good in their mouths and make pleasing noises when they chew. The cat enjoys this behavior, so it is consistent with its nature.
Why Does My Cat Chew On Cardboard?
Some of the most frequent ones include:
1. Natural Predatory Instinct
Cats are naturally inquisitive and drawn to new environments due to their acute sense of smell. It’s common for cats to use cardboard as a hunting toy.
Your pet may still be exhibiting kitten-like behaviors, such as scratching, chewing, or licking on a cardboard surface.
It is in a cat’s nature to investigate new objects in its environment by biting, clawing, and scratching at them before moving on to something else, thanks to its predatory instincts.
2. Teething And Health Concerns
Chewing on cardboard and other items may be therapeutic for cats because they use their teeth for eating and drinking.
Kittens, like humans, have milk teeth, but they erupt much sooner. If your cat is experiencing pain while her adult tooth is erupting, you may find relief if you give her cardboard to chew on.
When the cat’s thyroid hormones are out of whack, the cat may start nibbling on non-food items, which can lead to inflammation of the gum tissues. If you are worried, you should make an appointment with your vet right away.
3. Marking Habits
Cats’ marking behaviors may explain why they gnaw on cardboard. Cats use their specialized rubbing behavior to mark their territory. As a term, this is written as marking. ”
Cats often mark their territory by biting or chewing on household items like furniture or paper towel tubes. In a similar vein, your cat may chew on cardboard.
Although your cat may not be particularly fond of cardboard, it serves an important purpose: marking territory.
However, not all cats will play with it after they’ve finished chewing it. When you are nearby, however, your cat may rub its face against the nearest surface.
While it’s not always a good idea, don’t worry if your cat starts scratching and marking up any old box that happens to be lying around the house.
Why not consider a cat-safe and adorable cardboard cat home if you don’t want your cats marking random boxes around the house?
They are a vast improvement over strewing your home with old cardboard and are perfectly safe for cats.
4. To Relieve Boredom
Cats have complex instincts, and understanding their mental processes can be challenging. Even if your cat isn’t keen on cardboard, they can still enjoy playing with it.
They will probably enjoy the sensation of paper beneath their paws and will have a blast discovering its various sounds. It’s possible, though, that your cat will make a huge mess.
Your cat may resort to destructive behavior, such as biting furniture or tearing paper products, if it suffers from anxiety or experiences stress at home. This sort of behavior may appear to be completely at random, but it is usually the result of something going on in the cat’s environment that is causing it.
Cats are naturally inquisitive and playful creatures; if there isn’t enough to keep them occupied, they will find it elsewhere. Change up your cat’s routine by giving them some new toys if you notice they’re getting bored at home or not feeling well.
If you want to keep your cat entertained for hours, try out our Puzzle Feeder. Put out food scraps or the cardboard toys provided and watch them have fun.
Chewing Versus Eating Cardboard
Those who are new to cat ownership quickly learn what those who have had cats for years have known: a cat that wants to eat something will eat it if given the chance.
Some of the cats I’ve taken care of over the years have had a habit of chewing on random objects they find, including plastic bags, wooden furniture, and cardboard.
My cats were strictly prohibited from plastic bags and wooden furniture. Some felines enjoy the taste of corrugated paper. Why do cats enjoy cardboard so much?
It’s possible that a good number of the cardboard toys I find in the pet store’s cat toy section are made in China. Not all cats like to chew on cardboard, let alone ingest and digest the cardboard pieces.
Just because the cat is chewing on cardboard doesn’t mean I have to assume it is eating it. Corrugated cardboard cat scratchers housed in cardboard frames are notorious for having their corners chewed off by cats.
My cat really enjoys cardboard and it won’t hurt her if she chews on it. When my cat does this, you can bet that I’ll be pulling out the vacuum cleaner. As long as my cat continues to show interest and enjoys it, I know it is safe.
Keep an eye on your cat to make sure he doesn’t eat any of the cardboard because doing so could cause an obstruction in his intestines.
Is Chewing Cardboard Boxes Safe for Cats?
There are a few things to remember if you’re wondering if it’s the same as eating paper.
Some adhesives can cause vomiting or intestinal blockages, so make sure your cat is only biting and not swallowing any pieces. Second, it’s best to play it safe and not use anything with pointed or poisonous parts.
1. Ensure That Your Cat Don’t Swallow cardboard
You have a problem if your cat is snacking on cardboard. Paper and cardboard boxes are popular cat toys. Both the animals and their human caretakers can have fun with some discarded cardboard. But suppose they begin devouring those leftovers.
Cat owners, take note: excessive cardboard consumption is cause for concern. The excessive eating that may result from pica could be harmful to their digestive system. So, observe this behavior closely to find out what’s going on.
2. Avoid Chemicals And Sharp Ends
Keep your cat away from cardboard that may contain harmful chemicals. Those designed to make it more durable or impervious to water are the most common.
Cats shouldn’t eat any kind of cat food, even if it’s clean and untreated, because it can cause stomach problems. Also, check that the cardboard has no jagged edges.
Cat Eating Carboard Cat Scratcher
There are two factors that must be taken into account. Get the cat into the vet ASAP. A clog on the inside should be avoided at all costs. These notes provide more information about the warning signs of an internal blockage.
Take away any cardboard scratchers you may have lying around. It seems like your cat shouldn’t eat them.
Why Do Cats Like Eating Cardboard So Much?
Why do cats enjoy cardboard so much?
This behavior is completely typical of cats and not at all abnormal.
Even when kept inside, a cat will retain its predatory drive. They get a lot of pleasure from hunting, killing, and devouring their prey. Researchers and cat owners have discovered a number of possible explanations for why felines enjoy cardboard so much.
- Does my cat need food? The mystery of why cats enjoy cardboard boxes has been solved.
In the case of some pet owners, their feline friend simply won’t eat anything but cardboard. This behavior is frustrating for cat owners who have exceptionally finicky felines when trying to find a brand and texture of food that their cats will eat.
Even cats can get tired of eating the same flavor and brand of cat food day in and day out. This is why I give my cats a wide selection of grain-free dry and wet cat foods.
- Researchers have discovered that all cats experience painful gums at some point, and that having a cat chew on cardboard helps reduce inflammation and pain in the mouth. Is this the explanation for why some cats enjoy the taste of cardboard?
- Teething kittens will chew on anything they can get their paws on, and cardboard is no exception.
- Lack of stimulating playthings makes it easy for cats to become bored. In my opinion, cats need company and cannot live alone. I have six cats right now, so there’s no time for me to be bored with them.
- Cats can use their nails and teeth to release pent-up energy by chewing on cardboard.
- Is there a possibility that the cat is malnourished?
- Boxes provide a modicum of coziness.
- Chewing on the litter box can serve as a territorial marking mechanism for some cats.
- Compared to cats who are completely at ease in their environments, anxious, stressed, or scared cats are more likely to chew on cardboard.
- It’s not uncommon for angry cats to gnaw on cardboard. The cat’s guardians should investigate the source of their pet’s rage and remove it.
The answer to the question “Why is my cat eating cardboard?” can be found if a cat’s owner can rule out some of the aforementioned possibilities.
What Happens If My Cat Eats Cardboard?
I’m not too worried if I come home to find my cat gnawing on a piece of cardboard.
However, I would worry that one of my cats would get an intestinal obstruction if it ate and swallowed a piece of cardboard. Has the cat been sneaking cardboard?
Intestinal blockage in cats can cause a variety of symptoms.
Loss of appetite and vomiting are two possible indicators.
Another sign of an intestinal blockage is if the cat is having trouble defecating or is straining more than usual when using the litter box.
In addition, unusual lethargy or difficulty walking are signs that the cat may be in pain and suffering from an intestinal blockage.
If you see any of these symptoms, get your cat to the vet right away so they can get treated. A blockage in the digestive tract can be fatal if not treated. I have to clean up the packaging and take the cat in for medical attention.
If one of my cats had a penchant for cardboard chewing, I’d keep a close eye on it to see if it was actually ingesting the material.
If I were unable to tell, I would take my cat to the vet for an examination to rule out the possibility of an intestinal obstruction caused by the cardboard.
How To Prevent Your Cat From Chewing Cardboard?
The following are some suggestions for distracting your cat from the cardboard and keeping them away from it.
1. Redirect The Behavior
You probably already knew this, but reprimanding your cat when it chews on cardboard isn’t enough. Changing their behavior can be done in a lot more efficient ways.
To break the habit, you must first identify the underlying cause of the cardboard chewing and then redirect your cat’s chewing behavior onto something more appropriate.
It can be difficult to change your cat’s behavior if you don’t understand what’s causing it. Consider the motivations behind their actions, and redirect their focus to something else if you want to keep them out of trouble.
2. Remove The Boxes
Your cat should be treated like the aristocrat that he is. Don’t let your pet near any cardboard boxes.
This prevents them from utilizing it as a litter box or scratching post. You should put these things somewhere your cat can’t get to until you’re ready to break them down and recycle them. It will help maintain a tidy environment as an added bonus.
3. Behavior Deterrence
If your cat continues to chew on inappropriate items, try spraying them with a bitter spray. This should deter them from acting inappropriately and get them back to doing things like playing with their toys or cuddling up next to you for some affection.
Water could be used as a deterrent as well. Every time you catch them in the act of chewing cardboard, spray them lightly.
The majority of felines dislike the rain. If you use this method excessively, your cat will soon learn that she should only chew on the toys in her own box.
Summing Up
You should investigate why your cat is doing this if you find it chewing on cardboard. Whether your cat pal is stressed or simply bored, there are many ways to stop this action.
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, including excessive cardboard chewing, it’s best to have them checked out by a vet.
We trust that this article was informative and entertaining to you. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, please do so in the comments section below.