Cat Chewing Everything? How to Stop Destructive Biting

Is your cat chewing on wires, shoes, or furniture legs? If so, you’re not alone. Many cat owners deal with this frustrating habit, and while it may look harmless, cat chewing can actually put your pet at risk. Electrical cords can shock, toxic materials can poison, and constant chewing may point to underlying health or behavioral issues.

So, why do cats chew—and more importantly, how can you stop it?

Why Do Cats Chew Everything?

Chewing is an instinctive habit in cats. It’s in their DNA! The most common causes of feline chewing include:

• Boredom or lack of stimulation: Indoor cats, especially, may chew when they have excess energy or not enough to do.
• Comfort or anxiety relief: Just like some people bite their nails, cats may chew to self-soothe.
• Teething in kittens: Young cats often chew while their adult teeth are coming in.
• Medical issues: Dental pain, gum disease, or nutritional deficiencies can drive chewing.
• Compulsive behavior (OCD): In rare cases, cats may develop repetitive chewing habits that require veterinary support.

If your cat suddenly starts chewing obsessively, it’s not just a “bad habit”—it may be their way of telling you something is wrong.

How to Stop Your Cat From Chewing

Here are strategies that cat owners can put into practice right away:

1. Remove Temptations

If your cat loves chewing on electrical cords, use cord covers or double-sided tape to make them less appealing. Keep shoes, fabric ties, and plastic bags stored out of reach.

Bitter-tasting sprays designed for pets can deter chewing, but always choose a cat-safe brand recommended by your vet.

2. Provide Daily Play Sessions

A tired cat is less likely to chew. Two to three play sessions a day (10–15 minutes each) with wand toys, lasers, or even homemade crinkle balls can mimic hunting behavior and release pent-up energy.

3. Offer Mental Enrichment

Chewing often comes from boredom. Try:

• Food puzzle toys that make cats “work” for treats
• Window perches to watch birds and outdoor activity
• Cat trees and scratching posts to redirect energy

4. Rotate Safe Chew Toys

Not all chewing is bad—your cat just needs the right outlet. Try catnip toys, rubber chew sticks, or silvervine toys. Rotate them weekly so your cat stays interested.

5. Schedule a Vet Checkup

If chewing is new or extreme, schedule a veterinary exam. Dental pain, digestive issues, or dietary deficiencies can all make cats chew more. Addressing the root cause can stop the behavior.

One condition worth mentioning is feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a painful inflammatory disease of the mouth. Cats with FCGS may drool, paw at their face, refuse food, or chew on objects in an effort to cope with their discomfort. Traditional treatments like extractions or medications don’t always bring lasting relief, which is why new options are being studied.

At Gallant, we are developing an off-the-shelf stem cell therapy for cats with FCGS. This investigational therapy is currently being evaluated under an FDA-authorized clinical trial. It’s part of a new class of veterinary care called regenerative medicine—designed to help restore function and support the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

6. Consider Anxiety Support

For cats with compulsive chewing (often seen as wool-sucking or nonstop cord biting), your vet may suggest:

• Environmental changes (quiet resting spaces, pheromone diffusers)
• Behavioral therapy
• Anti-anxiety medication in severe cases

What Cat Owners Should Remember

Chewing may look like a quirky habit, but for many cats it’s a way of communicating stress, boredom, or even hidden health problems. Redirecting your cat with play, safe toys, and enrichment is an important first step, but don’t overlook the medical side—especially if chewing is sudden or severe. Your veterinarian can help rule out dental disease, nutritional deficiencies, or conditions like gingivostomatitis that may require more advanced care. By combining environmental support with veterinary guidance, you can help protect both your cat’s health and your home while giving them a safe, happy outlet for their natural behaviors.