PDA

View Full Version : Chewing on Boxes


kzcatwoman
May 25, 2007, 08:18 AM
I have been the happy Mom to a 10 year old neutered male with a gimpy paw (surgical revision). He has been with me since he was a feral foundling, approx 8 weeks old. He chews cardboard. He doesn't swallow, just chews.

Boxes don't stand a chance. Anybody had experience? The vet says he is healthy and happy and to just live with. There are box shreds all over my house. Input?:confused:

froggy7
May 25, 2007, 04:59 PM
My Rana-cat will sometimes bite cardboard, and she will happily shred paper. I think that it tends to happen more when she is bored, so maybe bringing out some toys when he does it will help?

DocWill
May 25, 2007, 05:36 PM
This cracks me up, OK I have to share this little story with you. Before I started my teaching new vets surgical studies. I had a great job working with old ladies in a clinic that only had clients of old ladies. Because old ladies gather, the owner of the practice said this clinic is not for everyone but he loved my accent and willingness to try. When I came from a high volume, young staff practice, believe me when I say, NOTHING in this job was fast hurried or 2 word answers. These old ladies taught me so much. Ok back to the cat, This old lady brought in her cat because it chewed up cardboard, an where else do you get to see your old lady friends and get good cat advise but at the vets office right? I look over the cat he is a monster very fit, great oral, and 200mph. I use a product called "bitter apple" it's a spray on liquid that detours chewing via taste. I use it on all the casts and bandages I send home so they don't show up at 5 till closing to have it replacd. I sit down with coffee and explain to the old lady how to use it, where to get it and after a record breaking hour of apple talk she leaves. She returns the following week to say Doc I know they all say you are very good and they love you to death but, I have to tell you, that bitter apple is crap. She proceeded to show how much this cat of crazy loves the cardboard soaked bitter apple. I have actually tasted the stuff, and bitter candy isn't even close to how nasty this stuff is. With my own eyes Iwtched him lick the stuff soon as she showed him the cardboard. So I can say there maybe one cat that likes it, but so far he is the only one I have met. If you can't find it at a pet store or petsmart ask your vet they can get you some.
CHOMP CHOMP!