Help! My cat is CHEWING me out of house and home.
Question:
My Maine Coon, Sylvester, was a terror until I got him a companion cat from the shelter (Tweety, a calico). He chewed everything; my wrist, extension cords, etc. He also used to get on his back and drag himself around the bottom of my boxspring; needless to say, he ruined it. Personally, I think you ought to get her a companion cat, preferably a male Maine Coon kitten, so she’ll chomp on the kitty instead of your belongings. Maine Coons are not exactly loners, and trying to discipline one is an exercise in futility.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in > every regard except her fetish for chewing: > shoe laces > plastic bags > rubber bands > wool socks > carpets > towels > and the list goes on. > She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her > destroying > my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I > am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my > vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water > bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. > I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in > a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest > of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that > entangles in her stomache. > I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these > individuals useful, anyone had experience? > Help, I love her to bits. > Thanks in advance, > Paul
Response:
My cat Anastasia chewed on everything. We tried bitter apple, it didn’t bother her. When I first got her we had another cat. After the two were separated, the chewing increased. We have been through numerous irons, phone cords, stereo wires etc. She seems to have a real taste for anything electric. She also has always had the run of the house and if we tried to shut her out of certain rooms, she would cry and scratch at the door. She is still an only cat but her chewing has decreased to my watch and photographs. I now try to let her out on the porch everyday for at least an hour. She can run in and out as much as she pleases. I think her chewing was mostly from boredom but now this seems to appease her. I would love to get another cat, but it’s just not possible right now. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
>I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in >every regard except her fetish for chewing:
First take her to a vet to check that she has no problems with her teeth or gums. If she checks out ok, then ask the vet for recommendations for someone to help with the behaviour. Regards Nick CancerLink: http://www.njh.u-net.com/cancer.html Anti-Spam: Please delete "puthere" in the "Reply-to" address.
Response:
A behaviorist could be a good way to go, or at least start with your vet. It might be diet (not enough fiber?) or some sort of anxiety. I’ve been reading "The Cat Who Cried For Help", written by a behaviorist/vet (i forget his name). The author addresses this and many other cat behavior issues. Good luck — Caroline Swindell – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in > every regard except her fetish for chewing: > shoe laces > plastic bags > rubber bands > wool socks > carpets > towels > and the list goes on. > She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her > destroying > my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I > am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my > vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water > bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. > I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in > a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest > of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that > entangles in her stomache. > I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these > individuals useful, anyone had experience? > Help, I love her to bits. > Thanks in advance, > Paul
Response:
I received an email from an angel answering my cry for help. Unfortunately I lost her return adress and can’t thank her directly. The reason she is an angel is that she pointed me to "The Cat Who Cried For Help" by Dr. Nicholas Dodman. I purchased the book yesterday and didn’t put it down until I had finished it. A must for anyone with a cat, and certainly for anyone with a "challenging" cat. Near the end of the book the author, a behaviourist, described Maddi and her fetish completely. Apparently the affliction is called "whool sucking" and is typically focused on whool and hair, but in advanced cases can include many other materials, including Maddi’s favourites: plastic and shoe laces. It would appear that this is the result of early withdrawal from the mother and what is expected to be a form of kitty OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). Dr. Dodman has successfuly, and quickly treated this behaviour, even in cats that have had the problem for as much as ten years, by putting them on a special high fibre diet and in certain cases supplementing the diet with Prozac. I am excited as all hell by this find and will be seeing my vet with the book this weekend. Just wanted let people know about this in case they have the same issue, and to indirectly thank my angel. Thank you, I’ll let people know how it goes if anyone is interested. Regards, Paul "There May Be a Light At The End of the Tunnel" Scott
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in >every regard except her fetish for chewing: > First take her to a vet to check that she has no problems with her teeth or > gums. If she checks out ok, then ask the vet for recommendations for someone > to help with the behaviour. > Regards > Nick > CancerLink: http://www.njh.u-net.com/cancer.html > Anti-Spam: Please delete "puthere" in the "Reply-to" address.
Response:
Dr. Nicholss Dodman. I have a copy of that book and it’s a keeper. Eric and Artemis *meow* * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
Is she an only cat? Could she be bored? I’d say try the behaviorist – try everything! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in > every regard except her fetish for chewing: > shoe laces > plastic bags > rubber bands > wool socks > carpets > towels > and the list goes on. > She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her > destroying > my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I > am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my > vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water > bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. > I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in > a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest > of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that > entangles in her stomache. > I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these > individuals useful, anyone had experience? > Help, I love her to bits. > Thanks in advance, > Paul
Response:
I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in every regard except her fetish for chewing: shoe laces plastic bags rubber bands wool socks carpets towels and the list goes on. She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her destroying my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that entangles in her stomache. I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these individuals useful, anyone had experience? Help, I love her to bits. Thanks in advance, Paul
Response:
My Maine Coon, Sylvester, was a terror until I got him a companion cat from the shelter (Tweety, a calico). He chewed everything; my wrist, extension cords, etc. He also used to get on his back and drag himself around the bottom of my boxspring; needless to say, he ruined it. Personally, I think you ought to get her a companion cat, preferably a male Maine Coon kitten, so she’ll chomp on the kitty instead of your belongings. Maine Coons are not exactly loners, and trying to discipline one is an exercise in futility.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in > every regard except her fetish for chewing: > shoe laces > plastic bags > rubber bands > wool socks > carpets > towels > and the list goes on. > She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her > destroying > my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I > am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my > vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water > bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. > I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in > a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest > of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that > entangles in her stomache. > I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these > individuals useful, anyone had experience? > Help, I love her to bits. > Thanks in advance, > Paul
Response:
My cat Anastasia chewed on everything. We tried bitter apple, it didn’t bother her. When I first got her we had another cat. After the two were separated, the chewing increased. We have been through numerous irons, phone cords, stereo wires etc. She seems to have a real taste for anything electric. She also has always had the run of the house and if we tried to shut her out of certain rooms, she would cry and scratch at the door. She is still an only cat but her chewing has decreased to my watch and photographs. I now try to let her out on the porch everyday for at least an hour. She can run in and out as much as she pleases. I think her chewing was mostly from boredom but now this seems to appease her. I would love to get another cat, but it’s just not possible right now. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
>I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in >every regard except her fetish for chewing:
First take her to a vet to check that she has no problems with her teeth or gums. If she checks out ok, then ask the vet for recommendations for someone to help with the behaviour. Regards Nick CancerLink: http://www.njh.u-net.com/cancer.html Anti-Spam: Please delete "puthere" in the "Reply-to" address.
Response:
A behaviorist could be a good way to go, or at least start with your vet. It might be diet (not enough fiber?) or some sort of anxiety. I’ve been reading "The Cat Who Cried For Help", written by a behaviorist/vet (i forget his name). The author addresses this and many other cat behavior issues. Good luck — Caroline Swindell – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in > every regard except her fetish for chewing: > shoe laces > plastic bags > rubber bands > wool socks > carpets > towels > and the list goes on. > She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her > destroying > my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I > am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my > vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water > bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. > I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in > a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest > of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that > entangles in her stomache. > I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these > individuals useful, anyone had experience? > Help, I love her to bits. > Thanks in advance, > Paul
Response:
I received an email from an angel answering my cry for help. Unfortunately I lost her return adress and can’t thank her directly. The reason she is an angel is that she pointed me to "The Cat Who Cried For Help" by Dr. Nicholas Dodman. I purchased the book yesterday and didn’t put it down until I had finished it. A must for anyone with a cat, and certainly for anyone with a "challenging" cat. Near the end of the book the author, a behaviourist, described Maddi and her fetish completely. Apparently the affliction is called "whool sucking" and is typically focused on whool and hair, but in advanced cases can include many other materials, including Maddi’s favourites: plastic and shoe laces. It would appear that this is the result of early withdrawal from the mother and what is expected to be a form of kitty OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). Dr. Dodman has successfuly, and quickly treated this behaviour, even in cats that have had the problem for as much as ten years, by putting them on a special high fibre diet and in certain cases supplementing the diet with Prozac. I am excited as all hell by this find and will be seeing my vet with the book this weekend. Just wanted let people know about this in case they have the same issue, and to indirectly thank my angel. Thank you, I’ll let people know how it goes if anyone is interested. Regards, Paul "There May Be a Light At The End of the Tunnel" Scott
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in >every regard except her fetish for chewing: > First take her to a vet to check that she has no problems with her teeth or > gums. If she checks out ok, then ask the vet for recommendations for someone > to help with the behaviour. > Regards > Nick > CancerLink: http://www.njh.u-net.com/cancer.html > Anti-Spam: Please delete "puthere" in the "Reply-to" address.
Response:
Dr. Nicholss Dodman. I have a copy of that book and it’s a keeper. Eric and Artemis *meow* * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
Is she an only cat? Could she be bored? I’d say try the behaviorist – try everything! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in > every regard except her fetish for chewing: > shoe laces > plastic bags > rubber bands > wool socks > carpets > towels > and the list goes on. > She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her > destroying > my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I > am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my > vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water > bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. > I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in > a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest > of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that > entangles in her stomache. > I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these > individuals useful, anyone had experience? > Help, I love her to bits. > Thanks in advance, > Paul
Response:
I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in every regard except her fetish for chewing: shoe laces plastic bags rubber bands wool socks carpets towels and the list goes on. She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her destroying my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that entangles in her stomache. I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these individuals useful, anyone had experience? Help, I love her to bits. Thanks in advance, Paul
Response:
My Maine Coon, Sylvester, was a terror until I got him a companion cat from the shelter (Tweety, a calico). He chewed everything; my wrist, extension cords, etc. He also used to get on his back and drag himself around the bottom of my boxspring; needless to say, he ruined it. Personally, I think you ought to get her a companion cat, preferably a male Maine Coon kitten, so she’ll chomp on the kitty instead of your belongings. Maine Coons are not exactly loners, and trying to discipline one is an exercise in futility.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in > every regard except her fetish for chewing: > shoe laces > plastic bags > rubber bands > wool socks > carpets > towels > and the list goes on. > She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her > destroying > my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I > am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my > vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water > bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. > I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in > a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest > of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that > entangles in her stomache. > I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these > individuals useful, anyone had experience? > Help, I love her to bits. > Thanks in advance, > Paul
Response:
My cat Anastasia chewed on everything. We tried bitter apple, it didn’t bother her. When I first got her we had another cat. After the two were separated, the chewing increased. We have been through numerous irons, phone cords, stereo wires etc. She seems to have a real taste for anything electric. She also has always had the run of the house and if we tried to shut her out of certain rooms, she would cry and scratch at the door. She is still an only cat but her chewing has decreased to my watch and photographs. I now try to let her out on the porch everyday for at least an hour. She can run in and out as much as she pleases. I think her chewing was mostly from boredom but now this seems to appease her. I would love to get another cat, but it’s just not possible right now. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
>I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in >every regard except her fetish for chewing:
First take her to a vet to check that she has no problems with her teeth or gums. If she checks out ok, then ask the vet for recommendations for someone to help with the behaviour. Regards Nick CancerLink: http://www.njh.u-net.com/cancer.html Anti-Spam: Please delete "puthere" in the "Reply-to" address.
Response:
A behaviorist could be a good way to go, or at least start with your vet. It might be diet (not enough fiber?) or some sort of anxiety. I’ve been reading "The Cat Who Cried For Help", written by a behaviorist/vet (i forget his name). The author addresses this and many other cat behavior issues. Good luck — Caroline Swindell – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in > every regard except her fetish for chewing: > shoe laces > plastic bags > rubber bands > wool socks > carpets > towels > and the list goes on. > She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her > destroying > my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I > am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my > vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water > bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. > I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in > a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest > of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that > entangles in her stomache. > I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these > individuals useful, anyone had experience? > Help, I love her to bits. > Thanks in advance, > Paul
Response:
I received an email from an angel answering my cry for help. Unfortunately I lost her return adress and can’t thank her directly. The reason she is an angel is that she pointed me to "The Cat Who Cried For Help" by Dr. Nicholas Dodman. I purchased the book yesterday and didn’t put it down until I had finished it. A must for anyone with a cat, and certainly for anyone with a "challenging" cat. Near the end of the book the author, a behaviourist, described Maddi and her fetish completely. Apparently the affliction is called "whool sucking" and is typically focused on whool and hair, but in advanced cases can include many other materials, including Maddi’s favourites: plastic and shoe laces. It would appear that this is the result of early withdrawal from the mother and what is expected to be a form of kitty OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). Dr. Dodman has successfuly, and quickly treated this behaviour, even in cats that have had the problem for as much as ten years, by putting them on a special high fibre diet and in certain cases supplementing the diet with Prozac. I am excited as all hell by this find and will be seeing my vet with the book this weekend. Just wanted let people know about this in case they have the same issue, and to indirectly thank my angel. Thank you, I’ll let people know how it goes if anyone is interested. Regards, Paul "There May Be a Light At The End of the Tunnel" Scott
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in >every regard except her fetish for chewing: > First take her to a vet to check that she has no problems with her teeth or > gums. If she checks out ok, then ask the vet for recommendations for someone > to help with the behaviour. > Regards > Nick > CancerLink: http://www.njh.u-net.com/cancer.html > Anti-Spam: Please delete "puthere" in the "Reply-to" address.
Response:
Dr. Nicholss Dodman. I have a copy of that book and it’s a keeper. Eric and Artemis *meow* * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
Is she an only cat? Could she be bored? I’d say try the behaviorist – try everything! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in > every regard except her fetish for chewing: > shoe laces > plastic bags > rubber bands > wool socks > carpets > towels > and the list goes on. > She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her > destroying > my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I > am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my > vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water > bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. > I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in > a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest > of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that > entangles in her stomache. > I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these > individuals useful, anyone had experience? > Help, I love her to bits. > Thanks in advance, > Paul
Response:
I own a three year old, female Maine Coon named Maddi who is beatiful in every regard except her fetish for chewing: shoe laces plastic bags rubber bands wool socks carpets towels and the list goes on. She lives in a big house that she has the run of and other than her destroying my house by chewing she is a sweet heart. I have tried bitter apple and I am sure she quite likes it, it certainly is no deterrent. I have asked my vet whether she has seen this before and she doesn’t understand it. Water bottles don’t work as she is quite gifted at chewing when I’m not looking. I am honestly at my wits end. Not only am I worried about having to live in a spotless environment with everything put behind closed doors for the rest of my life, but of more concern is having her swallow something that entangles in her stomache. I have been thinking of finding an animal behaviourist, are these individuals useful, anyone had experience? Help, I love her to bits. Thanks in advance, Paul
Response:
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