Why Do Cats Bite Cardboard and How to Safely Satisfy Their Chewing Needs

If you've ever seen your cat chewing on a cardboard box, you may have wondered why they do this. Cardboard is a strange material for a cat to be interested in, but it's actually quite common for felines to enjoy chewing on it.

There are a few reasons why cats like to bite cardboard. Some cats enjoy the texture of cardboard, while others may be attracted to the smell of the glue or ink used in cardboard boxes. Additionally, cardboard can be a good way for cats to relieve stress or boredom, and it can also help to clean their teeth and gums.

While cardboard is generally safe for cats to chew on, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your cat's safety. First, make sure that the cardboard you give your cat is free of any sharp edges or staples. You should also avoid giving your cat cardboard that has been treated with chemicals, such as insecticides or herbicides.

Why Do Cats Bite Cardboard?

Cardboard is a common material for cats to chew on, and there are several reasons why they might do this.

Enjoy texture
Attracted to smell
Relieve stress
Satisfy chewing instinct
Clean teeth and gums
Explore their environment
Boredom
Pica (abnormal eating behavior)
Medical issues

While cardboard is generally safe for cats to chew on, it's important to make sure that it is free of sharp edges or staples, and that it has not been treated with chemicals.

Enjoy Texture

One reason why cats bite cardboard is because they enjoy the texture. Cardboard has a rough, fibrous texture that can be stimulating for cats' mouths. This is especially true for kittens, who are teething and exploring their environment with their mouths. Chewing on cardboard can help to soothe their gums and provide them with sensory stimulation.

Adult cats may also enjoy the texture of cardboard. Some cats like to chew on things that are soft and pliable, while others prefer things that are hard and crunchy. Cardboard can provide a good mix of both textures, which can be appealing to cats.

In addition, the texture of cardboard can help to clean cats' teeth and gums. The rough fibers of cardboard can help to remove plaque and tartar from cats' teeth, and the chewing action can help to massage their gums.

However, it is important to note that cardboard is not a substitute for regular dental care. Cats should still be taken to the veterinarian for regular checkups and cleanings.

Overall, cardboard can be a safe and enjoyable chew toy for cats. However, it is important to make sure that the cardboard is free of sharp edges or staples, and that it has not been treated with chemicals.

Attracted to Smell

Another reason why cats bite cardboard is because they are attracted to the smell. Cardboard is made from wood pulp, which has a natural scent that many cats find appealing. In addition, cardboard boxes are often used to transport food and other items, which can leave behind residual smells that cats find irresistible.

Wood pulp: The natural scent of wood pulp is appealing to many cats.
Food and other items: Cardboard boxes are often used to transport food and other items, which can leave behind residual smells that cats find irresistible.
Chemicals: Some types of cardboard are treated with chemicals, such as glue or ink. These chemicals can also give off a smell that cats find appealing.
Pheromones: Cardboard boxes can also pick up pheromones from other animals, which can be attractive to cats.

It is important to note that not all cats are attracted to the smell of cardboard. Some cats may find the smell of cardboard to be unpleasant. If your cat does not seem to be interested in cardboard, there are other types of chew toys that you can try.

Relieve Stress

Cats are creatures of habit and routine, and they can easily become stressed when their environment or routine is disrupted. Chewing on cardboard can be a way for cats to relieve stress and anxiety.

Displacement behavior: Chewing on cardboard can be a displacement behavior, which is a behavior that an animal performs when it is feeling stressed or anxious. Displacement behaviors are often repetitive and purposeless, and they can help to redirect the animal's attention away from the stressor.
Sensory stimulation: Chewing on cardboard can also provide cats with sensory stimulation, which can help to calm and relax them. The rough texture of cardboard can be stimulating for cats' mouths, and the act of chewing can help to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Comfort and security: Cardboard boxes can also provide cats with a sense of comfort and security. Cats are instinctively drawn to enclosed spaces, and cardboard boxes can provide them with a place to hide and feel safe.
Coping mechanism: Chewing on cardboard can also be a way for cats to cope with other stressors, such as boredom, loneliness, or illness.

If you notice that your cat is chewing on cardboard when they are feeling stressed or anxious, you can try to provide them with other outlets for their stress, such as interactive toys, a scratching post, or a catnip toy. You can also try to identify and remove the stressors from your cat's environment.

Satisfy Chewing Instinct

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they must eat meat to survive. In the wild, cats would spend a significant amount of time chewing on bones, fur, and other indigestible materials. This chewing behavior helps to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and it also provides them with essential nutrients.

Dental hygiene: Chewing on cardboard can help to clean cats' teeth and gums. The rough fibers of cardboard can help to remove plaque and tartar from cats' teeth, and the chewing action can help to massage their gums.
Nutritional needs: Cardboard can also provide cats with essential nutrients, such as fiber and minerals. Fiber is important for cats' digestive health, and minerals are essential for their overall health and well-being.
Boredom and stress relief: Chewing on cardboard can also help to relieve boredom and stress in cats. Chewing is a natural behavior for cats, and it can help to keep them occupied and entertained.
Pica: In some cases, cats may chew on cardboard due to a condition called pica, which is an abnormal eating behavior. Pica can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions, so it is important to take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice that they are chewing on cardboard excessively.

Overall, chewing on cardboard can be a normal and healthy behavior for cats. However, it is important to make sure that your cat is not chewing on cardboard excessively, as this could be a sign of a medical problem.

Clean Teeth and Gums

Cats are very good at taking care of their own teeth and gums. They use their tongues to brush their teeth and gums several times a day, and they also chew on things to help remove plaque and tartar.

Rough texture: The rough texture of cardboard can help to remove plaque and tartar from cats' teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth and can lead to cavities and gum disease. Tartar is a hard, mineralized deposit that can also lead to gum disease.
Chewing action: The act of chewing on cardboard can also help to massage cats' gums. This can help to improve blood circulation to the gums and prevent gum disease.
Dental floss: Cardboard can also act as dental floss, helping to remove food particles and debris from between cats' teeth.
Natural toothbrush: Cardboard can be a natural toothbrush for cats. The rough fibers of cardboard can help to remove plaque and tartar from cats' teeth, and the chewing action can help to massage their gums.

Chewing on cardboard can be a good way for cats to clean their teeth and gums. However, it is important to make sure that the cardboard is free of sharp edges or staples, and that it has not been treated with chemicals.

Explore Their Environment

Cats are curious creatures, and they love to explore their environment. Chewing on cardboard can be a way for cats to explore new textures, shapes, and smells.

New textures: The rough texture of cardboard is something that cats may not encounter in their everyday environment. Chewing on cardboard can help them to get used to new textures and sensations.
New shapes: Cardboard boxes and other cardboard objects come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Chewing on cardboard can help cats to learn about different shapes and how they fit together.
New smells: Cardboard has a unique smell that cats may find appealing. Chewing on cardboard can help cats to explore new smells and learn about their environment.
Mental stimulation: Chewing on cardboard can also provide cats with mental stimulation. Trying to figure out how to chew on a cardboard box or how to get to the food inside a cardboard box can be a challenging and rewarding experience for cats.

Overall, chewing on cardboard can be a fun and rewarding way for cats to explore their environment. It can help them to learn about new textures, shapes, smells, and mental stimulation.

Boredom

Cats are active and playful creatures, and they can easily become bored if they do not have enough to keep them occupied. Chewing on cardboard can be a way for cats to relieve boredom and entertain themselves.

Stimulating activity: Chewing on cardboard can be a stimulating activity for cats. The rough texture of cardboard can be stimulating for their mouths, and the act of chewing can help to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Interactive toy: Cardboard boxes and other cardboard objects can be used as interactive toys for cats. Cats can bat them around, climb on them, and hide inside them. This can provide them with hours of entertainment.
Hunting behavior: Chewing on cardboard can also be a way for cats to express their natural hunting behavior. Cardboard boxes and other cardboard objects can be seen as prey, and cats may enjoy chasing them and chewing on them.
Attention-seeking behavior: In some cases, cats may chew on cardboard to get attention from their owners. If your cat starts chewing on cardboard when you are around, it may be a sign that they are bored and want to play.

Overall, chewing on cardboard can be a way for cats to relieve boredom and entertain themselves. Providing your cat with plenty of toys and interactive activities can help to prevent them from chewing on cardboard out of boredom.

Pica (Abnormal Eating Behavior)

Pica is a condition in which animals eat non-food items. In cats, pica can manifest as chewing on cardboard, plastic, fabric, or other non-food items. While occasional pica behavior is not uncommon in cats, excessive pica can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

There are a number of possible causes of pica in cats, including:

Nutritional deficiencies: Cats who are deficient in certain nutrients, such as iron or zinc, may chew on non-food items in an attempt to satisfy their nutritional needs.
Gastrointestinal problems: Cats with gastrointestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis, may chew on non-food items to soothe their stomachs or to relieve nausea.
Dental problems: Cats with dental problems, such as tooth pain or gingivitis, may chew on non-food items to relieve their discomfort.
Stress and anxiety: Cats who are stressed or anxious may chew on non-food items as a way to cope with their emotions.
Boredom: Cats who are bored may chew on non-food items as a way to entertain themselves.

If you notice your cat chewing on non-food items, it is important to take them to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once any medical causes have been ruled out, you can work with your veterinarian to develop a plan to address the pica behavior.

In most cases, pica behavior can be managed by providing your cat with a healthy diet, plenty of toys and interactive activities, and a stress-free environment. However, in some cases, medication may be necessary to control the pica behavior.

Medical Issues

In some cases, excessive cardboard chewing can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. These conditions can include:

Dental problems: Cats with dental problems, such as tooth pain or gingivitis, may chew on cardboard to relieve their discomfort. Chewing on cardboard can help to massage the gums and remove plaque and tartar from the teeth.
Gastrointestinal problems: Cats with gastrointestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis, may chew on cardboard to soothe their stomachs or to relieve nausea. Cardboard can help to absorb stomach acids and toxins.
Nutritional deficiencies: Cats who are deficient in certain nutrients, such as iron or zinc, may chew on cardboard in an attempt to satisfy their nutritional needs. Cardboard contains small amounts of nutrients, such as fiber and minerals.
Stress and anxiety: Cats who are stressed or anxious may chew on cardboard as a way to cope with their emotions. Chewing on cardboard can help to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Pica: Pica is a condition in which animals eat non-food items. In cats, pica can manifest as chewing on cardboard, plastic, fabric, or other non-food items. Pica can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions, such as nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, or dental problems.

If you notice your cat chewing on cardboard excessively, it is important to take them to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Once any medical causes have been ruled out, you can work with your veterinarian to develop a plan to address the cardboard chewing behavior. This may involve providing your cat with a healthy diet, plenty of toys and interactive activities, and a stress-free environment.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about cats and cardboard chewing:

Question 1: Is it normal for cats to chew on cardboard?
Answer: Yes, it is normal for cats to chew on cardboard. Cardboard has a rough texture that can be stimulating for cats' mouths, and the act of chewing can help to satisfy their natural chewing instinct. Chewing on cardboard can also help to clean cats' teeth and gums, and it can provide them with essential nutrients, such as fiber and minerals. Question 2: Why does my cat chew on cardboard when they are stressed?
Answer: Chewing on cardboard can be a way for cats to relieve stress and anxiety. The rough texture of cardboard can help to massage their gums and release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Chewing on cardboard can also provide cats with a sense of comfort and security. Question 3: Is it safe for cats to chew on cardboard?
Answer: Cardboard is generally safe for cats to chew on. However, it is important to make sure that the cardboard is free of sharp edges or staples, and that it has not been treated with chemicals. You should also avoid giving your cat cardboard that is wet or moldy. Question 4: How can I stop my cat from chewing on cardboard?
Answer: There are a few things you can do to stop your cat from chewing on cardboard. First, try to identify and remove the stressors from your cat's environment. You can also provide your cat with plenty of toys and interactive activities to keep them occupied. If your cat is chewing on cardboard out of boredom, try to spend more time playing with them. You can also try providing your cat with a cardboard scratching post. Question 5: What are some signs that my cat's cardboard chewing is a problem?
Answer: If your cat is chewing on cardboard excessively, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Signs that your cat's cardboard chewing is a problem include: * Chewing on cardboard for more than a few minutes at a time * Chewing on cardboard that is wet or moldy * Chewing on cardboard that has been treated with chemicals * Vomiting or diarrhea * Weight loss * Loss of appetite If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your cat to the veterinarian right away. Question 6: What are some alternatives to cardboard that I can give my cat to chew on?
Answer: There are a number of alternatives to cardboard that you can give your cat to chew on, including: * Catnip toys * Rawhide chews * Dental chews * Bully sticks * Cardboard scratching posts

If you are concerned about your cat's cardboard chewing behavior, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing the behavior, and they can also recommend ways to stop the behavior.

In addition to answering your questions, here are a few tips for preventing your cat from chewing on cardboard:

Tips

Here are a few tips for preventing your cat from chewing on cardboard:

Tip 1: Provide your cat with plenty of toys and interactive activities.

Cats are curious and playful creatures, and they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Providing your cat with a variety of toys and interactive activities can help to keep them occupied and prevent them from chewing on cardboard out of boredom.

Tip 2: Make sure your cat's environment is free of stressors.

Stress can be a trigger for cardboard chewing in cats. If your cat is feeling stressed or anxious, they may be more likely to chew on cardboard as a way to cope. Try to identify and remove any stressors from your cat's environment, such as loud noises, changes in routine, or other animals.

Tip 3: Give your cat a cardboard scratching post.

If your cat is chewing on cardboard because they enjoy the texture, you can try providing them with a cardboard scratching post. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and it helps to keep their claws healthy. Providing your cat with a cardboard scratching post can help to redirect their chewing behavior and prevent them from chewing on other objects.

Tip 4: Trim your cat's nails regularly.

If your cat's nails are too long, they may be more likely to chew on cardboard to try to trim them down. Trimming your cat's nails regularly can help to prevent them from chewing on cardboard and other objects.

If you are having trouble preventing your cat from chewing on cardboard, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing the behavior, and they can also recommend other ways to stop the behavior.

Cardboard chewing is a common behavior in cats, and it is usually not a cause for concern. However, if your cat is chewing on cardboard excessively, it is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to take steps to prevent the behavior.

Conclusion

Here are some of the main points to remember about cardboard chewing in cats:

Cardboard chewing is a normal behavior for cats.
Cardboard can provide cats with sensory stimulation, help to clean their teeth and gums, and satisfy their natural chewing instinct.
Cardboard chewing can also be a sign of stress, anxiety, boredom, or pica.
If your cat is chewing on cardboard excessively, it is important to take them to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
There are a number of things you can do to prevent your cat from chewing on cardboard, such as providing them with plenty of toys and interactive activities, making sure their environment is free of stressors, and giving them a cardboard scratching post.

Remember, cardboard chewing is a normal behavior for cats, but it is important to make sure that your cat is not chewing on cardboard excessively. If you are concerned about your cat's cardboard chewing behavior, talk to your veterinarian.