Why Do Cats Chew on Things They Shouldn't?

Cats, as beloved and cuddly as they are, have a tendency to get into all sorts of mischief. One of their favorite things to do is chew on items that are off-limits. From remote controls to shoes, cats will chew on just about anything they can get their paws on. But why do they do this? Let’s explore the reasons why cats may feel compelled to chew on things they shouldn’t.

Kittens and Teething

One explanation for why cats may chew on things is because they are teething. Kittens start losing their baby teeth at around 4 weeks old, and by 7 months old, they should have all of their adult teeth in place. During this transition period, kittens often experience mild discomfort or pain due to the new teeth coming in. The act of chewing can provide relief from any discomfort associated with teething and can also be used as a way for a kitten to explore its world through its sense of touch and taste.

Curiosity & Exploration

Cats are curious creatures by nature and love exploring their environment with their five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. When it comes to exploration through taste, cats will often nibble or even full-on chew objects that catch their interest. This behavior likely originates from when cats were wild animals living in the outdoors; by tasting objects around them, cats could gain information about what those objects were made of and whether or not those objects posed any potential danger or harm to them. Although our pet cats no longer need to worry about survival in the wild like their ancestors did, this instinctual behavior still exists today!

Stress Relief & Boredom

Chewing can also become a habit for some cats if they don't receive adequate mental stimulation throughout the day or if they're feeling extra stressed out due to changes in routine or environment (like when people move into a new home). Just like humans find comfort in familiar activities during times of stress (baking cookies anyone?), cats may chew on stuff as an outlet to release pent up energy or tension caused by stressful stimuli in their environment. Similarly, boredom can be another factor driving cats toward chewing inappropriate items; if your cat lacks access to enough stimulating interactive toys or engaging playtime with you—or even other pets—they may take matters into their own paws by finding something else interesting (ahem…your shoe) that will keep them occupied while you’re away. 

In conclusion, there are many reasons why your feline friend might be drawn toward chewing on things that aren't meant for consumption! It could stem from teething discomfort during kittenhood or be a result of curiosity about its environment as an adult cat—or even boredom/stress relief when it needs something calming but stimulating at the same time! If your cat has been caught red-pawed more than once getting into trouble by gnawing on items it shouldn't be biting down on—don't fret! There are plenty of ways you can help redirect this behavior toward more appropriate options such as interactive puzzle toys filled with tasty treats or pet-safe chews which offer the same level satisfaction without risking damage to your belongings! With some patience and trial-and-error experimentation between you and your furry friend—you'll be able to find something both you AND your kitty enjoy together!

Related Articles:
Scratching the Furniture? Here’s How to Stop Your Cat
Keeping Your Cats off the Countertops 
Keep Your Cat from Scratching the Furniture: 4 Tips for a Peaceful Home