Why does my cat chew paper and cardboard?
PetMD's answer is reassuringly boring: most of the time, cats chew inappropriate items out of curiosity or because it's comforting — to play, to investigate something new, or simply because they like the texture or smell. Cardboard boxes are the classic: a good chew, a good hide, and a good scratch, all in one.
Most kittens grow out of it. But two patterns persist: cats who chew fabric (a genetic predisposition similar to OCD has been found in Burmese and Siamese cats), and cats whose chewing gradually shifts from chewing to eating — which is where the risk starts.
When it's more than chewing: pica
When a cat consistently chews, sucks or swallows non-food items, vets call it pica. PetMD lists cardboard and paper right at the top of the usual targets, and the behavior gets dangerous fast: swallowed material can lodge in the gastrointestinal tract, and intestinal blockages can be life-threatening and often need surgery.
The trap is that pica is self-reinforcing — the more a cat does it, the more the behavior compounds (PetMD). So "he only chews the corner of the box" tends to become "he eats the corner of the box."
Red flags from PetMD: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or straining, loss of appetite, lethargy after chewing sessions — any of these means stop reading and call the vet.
Medical reasons to rule out first
Merck's behavior manual is direct: before treating oral chewing as a behavior problem, rule out disease — particularly GI disease. PetMD agrees a veterinary exam comes first, and the usual suspects include:
- Dental disease — sore gums make chewing feel good; look for bad breath, drooling, tartar.
- Anemia and parasites — iron deficiency from parasites is a classic driver of eating non-food items.
- Endocrine disease — hyperthyroidism and diabetes both appear on the pica list.
- Breed predisposition — Siamese and Burmese are over-represented, though any cat can be affected.
How to stop the chewing safely
- Remove the hazards. Cords and cables are the big one — chewing them risks shock and electrocution; strings and shoelaces risk obstruction (PetMD). Hide, cover or unplug.
- Vet visit if she's swallowing. Bloodwork, urine and stool tests check for anemia, GI disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and parasites (PetMD).
- Give the chew a legal target. Safe chew toys, cardboard scratchers she's allowed to destroy, treats that take time — redirect, don't scold.
- Fill the day. Enrichment — play sessions, perch time, food puzzles — addresses the boredom and anxiety behind most pica (PetMD).
- Ask about medication. For compulsive cases, vets can prescribe medication alongside a calm, predictable routine (PetMD).
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe for cats to chew on cardboard?
Chewing is mostly harmless, but swallowing isn't — cardboard is a leading pica target, and ingested pieces can obstruct the intestine (PetMD). If she chews but doesn't eat, you're usually fine; if pieces disappear, call your vet.
Why does my cat eat paper and plastic?
Same family of behavior: curiosity, comfort-seeking, or pica driven by anxiety, boredom, anemia, endocrine disease or genetics (PetMD). Plastic and strings are higher-risk than cardboard because of obstruction and strangulation — keep them out of reach.
Do certain cat breeds chew more?
Yes. PetMD and Merck both flag Siamese and Burmese as predisposed — research found a fabric-chewing pattern similar to OCD in these breeds. Any cat can do it, though.
When should I worry about my cat chewing things?
Worry when she swallows material, vomits, strains to defecate, or goes lethargic (PetMD), and when the target is dangerous — cords above all. Otherwise it's usually curiosity: redirect to safe toys and bring it up at the next vet visit.