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the cat only seems interested in polar fleece or sometimes flannel shirts

2006-12-11 02:53:20 · 7 answers · asked by Katze 1 in Pets Cats

7 answers

Forget getting her to stop by using some of these answers. No offense people. My Stimpy has taken my Eider-down vest as her own....I've actually seen her stick her head through the armhole and JUMP up on the dresser and put it across her cat-basket. Hey she's clever and choosey , she wants the best. Hey it could be worse; she COULD be human; wanting new high-tops, a laptop, and the car keys.

2006-12-11 03:19:23 · answer #1 · answered by renhoez 5 · 0 0

Your cat was probably weened too early. When this happens, they tend to develop strange behaviors like this. Unfortunatly, there is really no way make them stop. My best suggestion is to keep your flannel and polar fleece things in a closet or a drawer out of Kittie's reach, and get it thier own blanket or pet bed. If it is something they identify as thiers, hey, it's better that your flannel shirt, right?

2006-12-11 05:10:57 · answer #2 · answered by rowan8286 2 · 0 0

Take her to the pet store and they have flannel like toys and buy her some. You might want to play with her more because she's bored, that's why she's chewing up your stuff. You could also put your blankets away or close the door to the rooms the blankets and shirts are in.

2006-12-11 02:55:35 · answer #3 · answered by bridetobebrandie 4 · 0 0

A squirt bottle and a stern "NO" does wonders. Never
hit the cat. Kitties do not like to be squirted in
the face with water and after a few times your kitty will stop chewing.

2006-12-11 03:02:54 · answer #4 · answered by Precious Gem 7 · 0 0

They seem to like certin items to chew. You need to get a spray from the pet store and spray the items and see if that will help.
toys help also

2006-12-11 03:21:06 · answer #5 · answered by Wicked 7 · 0 0

Put a paper bag on it's head.

2006-12-11 03:01:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 2

Hi there...consider using a product by Grannick's called Bitter Apple http://www.grannicks.com/ . It's a non-toxic product which deters cats from undesired chewing, sucking, biting, licking behaviours. Cats who generally develop this habit known as PICA may have been weaned early, however this is more commonly witnessed with asian breeds such as the siamese.

Here's more on PICA and how to manage it:
http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html

Pica: The Un-finicky Feline
Chewing or eating cords, fabric, houseplants, etc.


What is Pica?
Pica is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, cats may chew or suck on objects, but not actually swallow them. Common targets include yarn or string, fabric, wool, phone or electric cords, and plants. Any object may be a potential target, however.

Why is Pica Dangerous?
Other than its destructive potential, pica can be extremely hazardous to your cat's health if non-food items are consumed. Ingested fabric, string, or other materials can lodge in your cat's stomach or intestine. The blockage prevents the passage of food and may cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions. Cat's that chew on power cords may be electrocuted. Additionally, many common houseplants are toxic to cats; chewing or eating these plants can cause a wide range of symptoms from drooling to death. If your cat has a history of ingesting non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or displays other concerning behavior, take them to your veterinarian immediately.

Why Does My Cat Eat/Chew on Non-food Items?
No one knows exactly why some cats exhibit pica behavior. Because pica has been associated with a variety of diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, a veterinarian should examine any cat with pica. A genetic component is also suspected since wool or fabric sucking/chewing is more commonly found in Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats. Although it is normal for cats to eat small amounts of grass, consumption of large amounts of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness. Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons for pica can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior.

Treatment:

To rule out medical causes, a veterinarian should examine all cats displaying pica. Once your veterinarian gives your cat a clean bill of health, discuss with them what steps you can take to modify your cat's behavior. These may include the following:


1) Remove targeted items - Placing clothing, blankets, houseplants and electric cords out of the reach of your cat is often the easiest solution. Storage containers, electric cord guards, and other useful items are available at most home supply stores.

2) Provide alternative items to chew or eat - Food-dispensing toys, durable cat toys, or pieces of rawhide can be used to redirect your cat's chewing behavior to more appropriate and safe items (see handout). For cats attracted to houseplants, small flowerpots of grass or catnip can be planted and kept indoors. Birdfeed can be used as a safe source of plant seed.

3) Provide lots of structured play - Many cats chew on household items out of boredom. Provide interactive toys and set aside time each day to play with your cat.

4) Increase dietary fiber - It may help to increase the amount of fiber in your cat's diet. Besides providing more dietary fiber, high fiber foods usually contain fewer calories. Your cat may be able to satisfy their craving to eat more while still maintaining their weight. Consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat's diet.

5) Make targeted items aversive - Occasionally, applying aversive substances (e.g. hot sauce, Bitter Apple®, Bandguard®) to an item may deter a cat from chewing it. If this is not possible, spraying strong smelling substances (e.g. citrus air freshener, potpourri) or using physical deterrents (e.g. upside down carpet runner, Ssscat®, Snappy Trainers®) around an object may prevent cats from approaching.

6) Consult with a veterinary behaviorist - If your cat continues to ingest non-food items, referral to a veterinary behaviorist is recommended. Further environmental and behavior modification plans, specifically tailored to your pet, may be needed. In some cases, medication may be helpful.

2006-12-11 17:42:31 · answer #7 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 1 1

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