Noticed your feline friend chewing electrical cords?
When your feline friend starts chewing electrical cords or other inedible things, it may be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or other related health problems.
The problems may be dental, stress or just a mistaken identity case. Whatever reason why your cat is chewing on cords, you should be on the lookout.
You cat may destroy your electrical appliances when she starts chewing cords or you may have to replace the cords. Fortunately for you, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent your cat from chewing cords.
Reasons for chewing on cords
There are a number of reasons that make cats to chew on cords. One reason is that cords resemble an animal’s tail and cats attack anything that look like a tail.
This however is not a reason enough to why the cat continues to chew on cords even after knowing it is not attached to an animal.
Here are some other reasons.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder abbreviated (OCD) is a condition that makes a cat to chew and gnaw.
This condition is common in oriental-heritage cats such as: Burmese and Oriental short hair cats. These cats have a tendency of developing a strong urge to chew, suck and even eat inedible objects.
Cord chewing is the primary behavior for cats with OCD. However, there are other observable behaviors or symptoms, which include:
- Self-mutilation on the tail and chasing the tail repetitively
- Over grooming, characterized by a cat licking and chewing its fur.
- Obsessive sucking, licking or chewing on fabric, a condition commonly known as wool sucking
- Feline hyperesthesia
Dental Issues
Cats that have mouth pains due to dental issues will also chew on cords to try and relieve the pain. Statistically, 7 out of every 10 cat have developed periodontal diseases before they reach 3 years old.
This explains why you need to visit the veterinary frequently for dental checkups and cleaning.
Boredom
Older cats may have a combination of issues that make them chew cords. Due to a drastic reduction of their activity level, they tend to develop some degree of arthritis. Due to boredom, cats tend to seek alternative outlets such as chewing cords when they are unable to move around, exercise and interact with the world.
Medical Issues
Hyperthyroidism is a metabolic issue that older cats may suffer from. Hyperthyroidism tend to increase the activity level of a cat and she may get the urge to chew on cords.
Blood screening may be helpful in determining the treatable conditions that your cat has and find a possible cure.
Pica
Pica is a nutritional deficiency that occurs in rare instances. Cats that have the deficiency tend to eat odd materials.
It is speculated that cats know when a certain nutrient is missing in their diet and will always want to replace it. Unfortunately, they opt to ingest inappropriate items.
Anemic cats may also target inedible items to ingest, in an attempt to replace the lack of iron.
Stress
Lastly, stress may cause a cat to chew on cords. Stress can prompt a number of other odd behaviors. Chewing on cords make cats to relieve anxiety and feel better emotionally.
How to Stop Cats From Chewing on Cords
Here are a number of ways to stop your cat from chewing on cords:
Related Posts: