If your cat’s breath makes you swoon, it’s definitely time to see the vet for a dental exam and cleaning. Bad breath is an indicator of loose or disintegrating teeth, tartar, or plaque. Older cats may be prone to periodontal or gum disease and turn to cardboard in an attempt to sooth their sore mouth.It’s important to note that the suckling behavior of kittens, in which nothing is ingested, is not pica. There are some with a woven mesh exterior that are filled with catnip and specifically made for dental purposes. You can distract them with chew toys as a healthy alternative. Your cat’s mouth hurts: When kittens are teething, it’s normal for them to want to chew on something.Cutler suggests, “Your veterinarian can rule out these medical conditions before assuming that this is behavioral in nature.” It can also be connected to diabetes, brain tumors, hyperthyroidism, and anemia. Serious underlying medical issues: In rare cases, pica could signal a serious medical condition: Pica has been associated with feline leukemia and the feline immunodeficiency virus.Pica can occur for a number of different reasons. So what could be causing Pica in your cats? Intense focus on cardboard and continuously trying to get to it could be a sign of this.” Although rare, pica and other compulsive disorders (ingesting non-food objects) can happen in cats. Cutler explains: “New chewing could be a sign of many different problems, such as pain (including gastrointestinal), nutritional deficiency, and other conditions. Pica is an eating disorder that can be seen in animals as well as humans: cats typically chew, and sometimes ingest, non-food items, including fabric (wool), plastic, paper, and plants. Your cat may have Pica Syndrome (Cats chewing on non-food items).Most likely reasons your cat is chewing on cardboard , our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, to explain why. Some cats, however, have the odd habit of chewing on, or actually eating, the box. What is it with cats and boxes?įirst off, cats love enclosed spaces, and cardboard can keep them warm. Before that cardboard even hits the floor, your cat is already rolling around in it. The package you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! You rip it open, seize the contents, and toss the box aside.
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