Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/27/2008

Question
Hello,

My 3-year old Siamese started eating the shoelaces and little wires when he was about one. He already had to undergo surgery to remove a foreign body from his stomach and almost died. The past 4 months he started to chew and swallow pieces of plastic, blankets, polar jackets. He would vomit and be OK afterwards. Two days ago, he vomited large pieces of fabric, a piece of a shoelace and piece of other stuff, but did not get back to normal. After a day without eating, drinking or playing we took him to the vet and he had to stay there for intravenous hydration and ultrasound (already 1000 dollars). We tried buying toys, but he destroys those with feathers very quickly and he is not interested in plastic animals (although he likes one with a long wire, but we have to play with him).
Any suggestions?

Answer
Marcelo,

Poor kitty....poor you! Perhaps you should get a kitty friend for your cat to keep him occupied. A kitty about your cat's age and temperment would be good for your cat to play kitty games with and for companionship. You can also get regular 'almost indestructable cat toys at PetSmart/Petco/etc. If the toy looks like it has some 'wear' on it, throw it away and get another. I would't get him plastic toys, they are too easy to chew.

You are going to need to be one-step ahead of your cat. Put out of reach ANYTHING that the cat starts to, or may chew on. It is inconvenient, but necessary.

I also asked a friend who has worked for a vet for 17 years about your cat's problem and this is what she sent to forward to you:

"Although they do need to really put up the shoes with laces..the cat is going to go after fabric and anything else that appeals..Its  a serious innate problem in both Siamese and Burmese. These cats do bore easily and thats a complication. It might help to provide this cat with play and climbing towers and cat interactive games that he has to stick his feet in if they leave him alone a lot...they can find cat games at pet stores and online. they going to have to work at stimulating this cats brain and keeping him occupied  and hopefully that will work but medication helps if they need that as well. But it doesn't work alone..its the whole package..But that is better then the big medical bills or dying of being impacted with a foreign object he chews because he can't stop himself.

The following information is from an article at
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/DestructiveBehavior.html

"Fabric Chewing and Sucking
Fabric chewing and sucking is relatively rare in cats. Some speculate that it is a comfort-seeking behavior, or that it fulfills a desire to play and investigate. It is perfectly normal for kittens to chew as they explore, and although many grow out of this behavior, some exhibit it for life. Fabric chewing and sucking—wool often being the fabric of choice—is most commonly seen in Burmese and Siamese cats. This suggests a genetic predisposition comparable to obsessive-compulsive disorders in humans.

A cat with a serious chewing habit can destroy sweaters, socks, blankets, pillows, and other valuable items. But this behavior is even more important to recognize because it can be harmful to your cat's health. Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract with bits of swallowed fabric can be life threatening. In addition, cats that chew on fabric may also chew on dangerous items like electrical cords, twist ties, or even pins and needles.

How do I get my cat to stop chewing on fabrics?
You may have to simply hide all valuable and/or dangerous chewable objects, and leave out a few non-valuable fabrics for your cat to chew on—so long as he does not swallow too much of it. You can also try offering your cat alternative items to chew on. Rubber dog toys spread with fish oil, a well-cooked chicken wing or other bone with some meat on it, or even dry cat food can safely satisfy the need to chew.

A cat that habitually chews on inappropriate objects like fabric may need other outlets in order to fulfill unmet needs. A home-built or purchased "kitty condo" with crawl spaces, perches, hanging catnip toys, and other diversions will help occupy your cat's time. Additionally, try to increase the amount of time you spend playing with him. Dangling ribbons, or tossing walnuts or ping-pong balls for your cat to chase are great ways to engage him and provide him with some exercise. You can help meet your cat's need to forage by putting a large ball in the food bowl, or by providing toys that deliver treats when moved or scratched.

Spraying bad-tasting commercial pet repellents on preferred fabrics can also deter chewing. It is best to rotate the positions and types of items sprayed so your cat learns that all fabric tastes bad. Because your cat should not be able to predict by smelling which items are sprayed, the repellent you use should not have a foul odor. Finally, in severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe medications that decrease your cat's desire to chew or suck. However, the medicine will not affect your cat's ability to do so."

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I hope this is helpful and I sincerely hope your kitty is going to be OK.

Tabbi