Cat behavior is a complex world. On the one hand, cats are highly intelligent animals that seem to empathize with us; they reflect our need for both social and private time, and this is one of the reasons we love them as part of the family.
On the other hand, they sometimes exhibit strange behaviors that defy explanation. Some cats tend to chew, even when not eating. They may also spew while they do this. Below are four vet-verified reasons for cats “chewing on nothing”.
The 4 Reasons Why Cats Don’t Chew and Purr
1. Pain
The pain is usually caused by excessive chewing in cats, even when not eating. In fact, most cats will continue to eat food with a sore mouth. However, chew while no Eating can be a sign that there is discomfort in the mouth. Chewing behavior is a cat’s attempt to relieve pain—think of it as rubbing the sore spot.
Common causes of mouth pain in cats include dental disease, broken teeth, tumors, and ingestion of chemical substances.
2. Stress or Boredom
Some cats stop chewing as a result of anxiety or stress. Over the past few decades, veterinarians and cat owners have become more aware of cat stress. We know that cats are very sensitive creatures, often independent, with a desire for work. Some cats are stressed by the presence of other cats, small children, or excessive noise.
Other cats become anxious as a result of a past trauma or experience. Regardless, stress can result in chewing and growling, which can be considered the cat’s equivalent of nail biting.
3. Chattering
Chattering refers to the closing of the teeth, sometimes accompanied by vocalization. This behavior is completely normal, and nothing to worry about. We believe that cats chatter when they are watching a potential prey species such as a bird. Although it may be hard to imagine, your cat has hunting instincts somewhere within them.
One theory suggests that cats chatter to imitate the sound of a bird, which allows them to sneak past the bird (if there is no window in the way).
4. habit
Some cats chew and growl out of habit. In other words, there can be no pain, no stress, and no visible prey species—chewing and growling can be normal behavior, if it’s infrequent and short-lived. Additionally, if cats stop chewing as a result of pain or stress, it can be difficult to eliminate this behavior, even after the pain and stress have been corrected.
Conclusion
If your cat’s chewing is a new behavior, but he seems perfectly fine, it makes sense to use a “watch and wait” approach. If you notice any drooling, loss of appetite, or other signs of being unwell, it’s definitely worth a visit to your vet.
The vet will be able to check for any signs of illness or disease, as well as discuss the cat’s stress and behavior with you.
Featured Image Credit: Liz Creative Studios, Shutterstock
