Chewing can cause calamity for cats

We know felines chew and excessively groom themselves out of boredom and stress. Let us take this theory one step further to include chewing on inappropriate things.

Have you ever watched your cat and likened its conduct to that of a human baby because everything goes in the mouth? Our felines have a natural desire to play and put things in their mouths. Sometimes the things they choose to play with can cause an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

If you have a cat that likes to mouth things, notice if there is any consistency with the types of things he or she is helping themselves to. Some felines are fixated to a certain texture or noise an item makes when they chew on it. Some cats choose fabric because they like the crunchy texture. See if you can replace the compulsion with fabric by providing multiple crinkle balls. When they are in your cat’s mouth, the crunch stimulus is present.

Try coaxing your feline into a repetitive behavior of fetching the item to distract from chewing inappropriate items. You are refocusing your feline to be attracted to a more appropriate item.

Some items that are left about can cause intestinal blockages of a serious nature. Be aware of the items you and your family members leave unattended in the house. Before the item ends up in your cat’s mouth as entertainment, eliminate it.

You may have to make your home more feline friendly and safe. Plastic bags are a real culprit because we know the cat’s curious nature will cause it to crawl inside and become trapped or chew on it, neither of which will end in a desired result.

Plastic utensils, plastic pads, cellophane envelope windows and cellophane wrap are all dangerous to cats, and the common attraction here is the texture and noise they make. Remember, too, there is not a safe place to keep these items because our feline can jump wherever it pleases.

Rubber bands, yarn and string all can cause digestive problems. Maybe next time you leave a pair of sweatpants out for your cat to cuddle on, you will think twice. Ever wonder why you cannot find the waist string in the laundry?

For wood and artificial flowers, you can try applying a product that has a bitter taste to deter chewing. You may just have to give up the flowers.

Erasers, pencils, pens, Crayolas should not be left around the house. If you have small children who routinely leave these things out, Mom and Dad, you have just been awarded the additional job of “pet police.”

Adoptables

Jameson is a friendly, black feline that is about 5 years young. He had been front-paw declawed by his previous owner who abandoned him. He was left abandoned in an empty apartment with a note that his owner was leaving the country and did not want to take him or his sister, Jackie.

Jackie, who is Jameson’s sister, is also 5 years old and mostly black with some hint of white flecks on her chest. Jackie, too, was left in the tiny, dirty, empty apartment in Chicago. Neighbors complained of meowing. When the landlord came in, the two were begging for food. Jackie, like her brother, is declawed in the front. She is even more outgoing than Jameson, as she is the leader. She actively seeks attention and affection. Does someone have room for two?

Blessing of the Animals

We will have a blessing for our animal “Buddys” at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19. The Rev. Robert Hines will be officiating this interdenominational event. Please have your pets leashed or in appropriate housing that is safe so all can enjoy the event. Bring your own chairs. The event will be held by the gazebo in the back garden, weather permitting.

Ÿ Contact The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806; visit 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights; or online at thebuddyfoundation.org.