Watching everything your cat does is surely one of your favorite things to do. However, there are behaviors that more than being funny, intrigue us because we find them inexplicable, so knowing what causes them is crucial to understand 100% everything that your feline wants to tell you.
If you've ever wondered why your cat chews on clothes, then this article on our site is for you.
What things can a cat bite and when should we worry?
As you know, cats are very curious animals, so many times that same desire to explore leads them to nibble on some things they find just to get a better perspective on what kind of object it is. If it is an occasional behavior, when the kitty discovers something new, you have nothing to worry about. However, some felines become obsessed with nibbling on certain materials, including clothing. Most clothes-chewing cats begin this habit by chewing or sucking on woolen garments, but over time it spreads to other types of textile fibers.
Other felines prefer to bite different objects, such as plastics, bags, cables, cardboard, among many other materials. Some cats just bite or suck on these objects, while others swallow them; when this is the case, it is called pica syndrome
Does your cat suffer from pica syndrome?
Knowing whether or not your cat suffers from pica syndrome is very easy. Pica is a disorder that consists of the need to ingest non-edible substances. Usually, the cat is obsessed with a specific material, and it has to do with a type of nutritional deficiency, so the consumption of the chosen substance is directed, unconsciously, to try to make up for this lack.
If your cat is only limited to biting and sucking on clothes, then it is not pica syndrome, but a behavior that can be caused by different causes that we detail below.
Reasons that lead a cat to lick clothes and bite them
The causes that drive your cat to lick your clothes or bite them are varied, but they have not really been studied very thoroughly. It is known that there are certain chemical reactions produced by the act of chewing and licking that generate pleasure and even tranquility in the feline, leading it to repeat the behavior. What is confirmed is that this type of behavior affects felines of any age, males and females alike; however, in most cases it occurs before 8 months of life, and may cease in a short time or, on the contrary, become a problem that the feline drags during its adulthood.
Now, the most common reasons a cat bites clothes are as follows:
Premature weaning
It occurs in kittens that have been separated from their mother before their time Felines, like children, need not only of breast milk to develop in its fullness, but also of the warmth and tranquility that the act of suckling represents. That is why in felines that have been prematurely weaned, the habit of sucking fabrics, especially if they are made of wool, is a way to emulate the sensation that the breasts gave them. This behavior can extend beyond childhood.
Nutrient deficiency or anemia
Related to pica disorder, but without becoming it because the cat doesn't eat the fabric, it just sucks on it and bites it. As with said syndrome, it is possible that the cat begins to chew your clothes because he feels that some nutrient or vitamin is missing in the food you give him. Check out our article on proper cat nutrition and see if this is the cause that explains why your cat bites your clothes.
Stress
It's a general rule: stress hurts cats, and a lot. What things can cause stress in a home feline? Basically those that represent a change in your routine, such as the arrival of a new member to the family, be it a baby or another pet, a drastic change in diet, a move, among other situations. Your cat may also show stress when he's hindered in his opportunities to develop his natural instincts, such as when he doesn't have a scratching post and you scold him for scratching furniture, instead of giving him a he althy outlet.
As a result of stress, the cat will look for outlets to try to calm his nerves and get some peace of mind. This can be manifested in different ways, and one of them can be biting clothes or any fabric that is placed within reach.
Boredom
The lack of adequate stimuli is detrimental to cats. Boredom turns a cat into a destructive little feline, prompting him to engage in behaviors that are not normal in order to distract himself a bit. This may be the reason why your cat licks your clothes or bites them. This tends to be more common in felines that do not have access to the outside or to toys.
Genetic predisposition
Some breeds have been shown to have a biological predisposition to enjoy biting and sucking on textiles, in which case there is nothing to worry about if the kitty just sticks to these actions, and doesn't swallow them. These breeds are the oriental ones, such as the Siamese and the Burmese
Sign of illness
Some serious diseases cause unusual behavior in felines, as a way to reassure themselves and perhaps distract from the pain or discomfort they may be suffering, as in the case of cancer, or as a product of alterations in behavior due to neurological disorders. Check the 10 most common signs of pain in cats and find out if your cat has any he alth problems.
How to prevent the cat from biting your clothes?
If your kitty bites clothes only once in a while there is no problem; however, when it becomes a recurrent and even obsessive behavior, it is time to take action on the matter. The first step is to detect the cause that leads the cat to lick the clothes or bite them, only then can you choose the way to solve it. In principle, it will be necessary to rule out if it is a disease, so you should consult a veterinarian for this.
If it is not a he alth problem, it is time to detect the cause in the environment. In kittens, weaning should be done after 12 weeks, never before. If it is an orphaned feline, it will be necessary to look for alternatives to avoid this behavior in the future.
Check the diet you feed your cat to find out if there are any nutritional deficiencies. Remember to vary dry food with wet food, and add raw or semi-cooked food sporadically to complement the menu. If necessary, change the feed to a better quality one or add vitamin supplements, this with the recommendation of a veterinarian.
Never punish him when you catch him chewing on clothes. The best thing is to remove all the clothes from his reach, tell him no and put the piece aside when you find him biting something. Replace it with a toy for cats, and enrich the environment with different accessories intended for fun, purchased or homemade, as well as playtime shared with you.
Some felines may require medication with drugs similar to those prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans. This, of course, if recommended by the vet. In these cases, do not rule out the possibility of also using natural therapies, such as homeopathy, as long as the specialist advises it.
