Cats love to chew on things. Chewing on things gives them something to focus on, and helps them relieve anxiety.
They also like to chew on metal because it’s stabilizing and gives them something to hold on to.
On the other hand, chewing on metal can be dangerous to your cat. The sharp edges of metal can cause injury.
Swallowing metal fragments can cause internal bleeding, vomiting, and more.
Here are some common reasons that your cat may be chewing on metal and what you can do about it.
Let’s start now.
Why Does My Cat Chew On Metal?
Predatory Instinct
Cats have a strange instinct to chew on metal objects.
They usually do this out of boredom or hunger. This behavior can be dangerous for cats, as chewing on metals can be toxic.
However, cats can chew on objects like keys and coins without causing any negative effects. In fact, some cats even love chewing on metal objects.
If your cat loves chewing on metal objects, you can encourage this behavior by providing toys that are safe to chew on.
Some cat owners even choose to purchase special cat treats made from metal.
However, if your cat is chewing on metal objects out of boredom or hunger, you should provide it with enough food.
Behavioral Issues
Cats chew on metal items for various reasons.
First, chewing on metal items allows them to sharpen their teeth. Second, chewing on metal items can sometimes relieve anxiety or stress.
Lastly, chewing on metal items can sometimes help them pass time. However, chewing on metal items can have negative effects on cats’ health, such as stomach ulcers or kidney damage.
The best way to stop cats from chewing on metal items is to give them toys made of other materials, such as wood or plush.
Your metal-obsessed cat may also have a behavioral issue that needs to be treated, such as excessive meowing or urinating outside of the litter box.
Talk to a vet if this is the case so that you can determine the best treatment plan for your furry friend!
A Lack Of Nutrients
Cats love to chew on metal objects, such as keys, nails, and screws.
They’re also attracted to butterflies and birds. However, this is a problem because metal objects can get stuck in their throats.
This can lead to severe medical problems and even death. Furthermore, this behavior is triggered by a lack of nutrients in the cat’s diet.
Cats that eat dry food instead of canned food are more likely to chew on objects.
The best way to stop this behavior is to feed your cat canned food and to regularly check their fur for objects they’ve swallowed.
Even though cat food normally has a comprehensive variety of nutrients for a feline diet, it may not contain enough iron and other minerals in a cat’s body that causes them to crave more substance than their food can provide them.
Therefore, the urge for the extra substance causes them to “hunt” for it by biting and eating whatever they can find, including objects that can harm them.
If you notice that your cat has ingested an object that is sharp-edged or otherwise dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take them to an emergency veterinary clinic.
Feline Pica
Pica is an eating disorder that causes cats to crave non-food items, such as electrical wires and aluminum foil.
Cats with pica often chew on these objects and swallow them or vomit them up later. Pica can be caused by a variety of factors, such as boredom or a lack of nutrition.
It can also be associated with other illnesses, such as dental and digestive issues. Fortunately, pica can be treated.
If your cat has pica, you should first visit a veterinarian to rule out other illnesses.
If your cat doesn’t have an underlying illness, your vet may recommend feed your cat a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice and avoid offering them other enticing objects.
How To Stop A Cat From Chewing Metal
Test for Missing Nutrients
Cats often chew on metal objects.
This can cause health problems, so it’s important to find possible causes. A cat’s diet may be a factor.
Cats need certain nutrients in their diet to stay healthy and prevent conditions like hairballs and anemia.
A cat may also chew on metal objects due to stress or obsessive behavior.
If a cat is sick or injured, this could be another cause. A cat may also chew on metal objects if it’s bored and needs something to do.
A cat may also chew on metal objects if it’s in pain. It’s important to get your cat examined by a vet to make sure it isn’t sick or injured.
After a diagnosis, a vet may recommend a cat food with added nutrients, calming medications, or behavior training.
Buy Cat Toys
If your cat is chewing on things around the house, it may be bored or frustrated.
To stop her from chewing, you should provide her with cat toys to play with and occupy her mind. Cat toys can come in all shapes and sizes.
You should buy toys in different shapes and textures, such as feathers and balls. You should choose toys that are suitable for your cat’s size to avoid choking hazards and injuries.
Cat toys can also be designed to appeal to your cat’s natural instincts, such as water to hunt, or food to catch.
You can also buy interactive cat toys, which require your cat to rise to a challenge by batting at toys or playing fetch.
This can help your cat burn off energy and prevent her from chewing on household items.
Increase Caloric Intake
Cats may have a reputation for being aloof and catty, but they can also be destructive.
Cats chew on socks, shoes, and anything else they can get their paws on. This is a common trait among cats, but it can result in them swallowing something dangerous.
Cats often swallow rocks, coins, and other metal objects.
When this happens, it can result in an obstruction of their intestines, which can lead to death.
To prevent this, make sure your cat gets plenty of exercise and eats enough calories.
Also Read: Does Canned Cat Food Go Bad In Heat?
Conclusion
If you notice your cat chewing on metal objects around your house or if you notice any symptoms of poisoning from ingesting a metal object, contact your veterinarian immediately for professional help.
Cats may chew on metal or other non-food objects if bored and looking for entertainment or if they’ve ingested a toxic substance and need to eliminate it from the body.
To prevent your cat from chewing on metal, you can either train him using positive reinforcement techniques or play with him frequently and provide him with toys that he’s allowed to chew on.
If you think there is an underlying medical problem causing your cat to ingest metals, take him to the vet as soon as possible for a complete physical examination and possible X-rays.
The safety of your cat must be of utmost priority; therefore, you must be careful when handling wires and metal items at home.
Correcting this habit may take a long time, but it is possible with proper training and patience.