Why is my cat chewing metal?

Question

He is orange and white. About 2 years old, Chews the faucet-in the bathtub and the sink, door stop, eye glasses pretty much anything metal he can get his mouth on.

Answer 1

Hi Jenn...Cats who chew, lick, suck non-edibles are known to have a condition called PICA. Here's an article about PICA and how it's treated: http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html

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.

...please consider visiting the website to learn more about PICA and how it's treated.

Answer 2

We all need some metal in our diet. Most humans get it through vitamin pills, or the food we usually eat. Not cats, though -- they need way more than we do. You shouldn't deprive your cat of the precious nutritional value he derives from chewing on metal.

Answer 3

That is weird. Maybe he just wants something to chew on to clean his teeth or he's curious and wants to see what it tastes like. Get him more cat toys to distract him and keep him from chewing things he shouldn't be chewing on.

Answer 4

cats have a mind of their own. they like to chew on very weird things. so we can never determine the reasons why they chew on metal, and couches and computer keyboards.

Answer 5

LOL at the first answer...how hysterical. Sorry I don't know, but my cat loves chewing on all sorts of weird things, including my husband's ear.

Answer 6

Hes probably laking sothing in his diet and this is the only way he knows to get it. I would try changing his food to somthing with more iron than in his current one and if he still is chewing then take him to the vet

Answer 7

I am convinced that your cat swallowed a giant magnet and cant avoid metal meals. Try buying a magnet and seeing if it polarizes your cat

Answer 8

Is the metal heavy? If it is maybe she chews it because she likes its sound.

Answer 9

he knows it has minrals in the medal, or if you what a joke maybe he what,s to join a heavy medal rock bank. now phone the vet and ask if it,s gives a cat poison.

Answer 10

it can be an iron or any other metal sort of deficiency, I would take him to the vet. best of luck