Do Cats Have Chewing Needs Too?
Dog owners are surely familiar with the phrase "the need to chew." It's easy to picture a dog happily gnawing on a toy, wearing a deeply satisfied expression. But did you know that cats have a chewing need as well?
In fact, quite a few cats love to bite and chew! Chewing helps them relieve stress, exercise their jaw muscles, and even maintain dental health. Providing safe and appropriate chew toys for cats not only protects your furniture but also keeps your feline friend mentally and physically satisfied.
The Natural Instinct Behind a Cat's Love for Biting
Biting is part of a cat's natural behavior—an instinct that deserves understanding, satisfaction, and healthy expression. As members of the order *Carnivora*, cats have evolved sharp teeth capable of hunting small animals, tearing meat, and gnawing flesh off bones. These traits are not merely physical; they define how cats interact with the world around them.
In the comparison below, bite marks tell a fascinating story. A pink KONG toy shows the work of a domestic cat, while a black one bears the marks left by a large wild feline. Though their size and strength differ, the damage patterns look strikingly similar. This similarity highlights a deep evolutionary continuity shared across all cat species.
When a cat handles prey parts such as fur, feathers, or bones—materials difficult to consume in large quantities—it instinctively employs tearing and biting skills. These behaviors are tightly bound to survival and feeding, written deep into a cat's genetic code. To cats, biting is far more than play; it is a vital expression of who they are as hunters and survivors.
Encouraging safe outlets for these instincts, such as sturdy chew toys, lets cats express their natural behaviors while protecting household items—and fingers!
Understanding Your Cat's Chewing Behavior
In a typical household setting, cats rarely have many things suitable for chewing. As a result, some cats develop the habit of gnawing on various unusual objects such as wooden furniture, slippers, strings, or combs. The line between chewing and accidental ingestion can be very thin. For cats with a strong urge to chew, their behavior is often misunderstood by owners as pica.
Of course, there are also cats whose main goal is actually to eat the objects they chew on—this would indeed qualify as true pica. However, when a cat bites its owner during play or displays playful aggression through chewing, it's important to view this as a natural chewing need rather than simply labeling the cat as naughty or uncontrollable.
Providing cats with safe, appropriate chew toys or play opportunities can help satisfy these natural urges and prevent destructive or risky behaviors. Understanding this need helps build healthier, more trusting relationships between cats and their owners.
Chew Toys for Cats: Enrichment and Play
Cats, like dogs, can benefit from having safe and appropriate items to chew on. Providing suitable chew toys not only supports dental health but also helps reduce boredom, stress, and unwanted behaviors. For cats raised at home, selecting the right type of chew toy is an easy yet effective way to add enrichment to their daily lives.
Recommended Chew Toys
We recommend offering your cat durable chew toys that can also be filled with treats or food. Our favorite brand is Kong, known for its quality and pet-safe materials. Two of their product lines are especially good choices for cats that enjoy chewing:
- Kong Classic (Chew Gourd) – We suggest getting size XS in pink or light blue. This toy can be filled with snacks or wet food for extra engagement.
- Kong Quest Series – Available in multiple shapes, these flexible toys are great for filling with treats or mousse-like foods such as meat paste. We recommend getting one of each shape in size S to offer more variety.
How Cats Interact with Chew Toys
Based on our experience, about half of cats learn to chew appropriately on these toys with proper guidance. Some may not develop the habit of chewing but still enjoy holding, pawing, or licking the toy while eating from it. Even in these cases, the activity provides valuable enrichment and mental stimulation.
Tips for Encouraging Use
- Start by filling the toy with your cat's favorite treat or food.
- Encourage exploration by playing or tapping the toy gently to attract attention.
- Ensure the toy is clean after each use, especially when using moist foods like meat paste.
- Rotate toys periodically to maintain novelty and interest.
By offering appropriate chew toys and some encouragement, you can help your cat enjoy a richer, more satisfying environment while supporting healthy behaviors.
Are Cat Toys Safe?
Many cat owners wonder: Will my cat swallow its toys? Even if a toy claims to be durable or bite-resistant, it's still a consumable item that can wear down over time.
If you notice any damage—such as cracks, missing parts, or signs that the toy might break apart—it's best to replace it promptly. A broken toy could pose a choking or ingestion risk to your cat.
When introducing a new toy, take time to observe how your cat interacts with it. Every cat has different play habits, even with the same type of toy.
For cats that tend to bite or chew toys aggressively, it's recommended to let them play only under your supervision. This helps ensure both fun and safety during playtime.
