I have a young male cat that's grown into a nasty habit of eating clothing.
We have to put up the laundry basket every evening, hide our clothing well before we sleep.
We've tried buying him his own toys he can beat up, even let him have some old socks in hopes he'd leave ours alone.
He's in good health, very friendly and a big part of our family. I have no idea why he's doing this, or how to get him to stop.
Any Information would be greatly helpful.
Kathy
Cat Eating Clothing
Re: Cat Eating Clothing
This may not apply, but there is a condition known as Pica, which is usually behavioral, but could also be a result of a deficiency of vital minerals or vitamins in the diet. (what are you feeding him?)
He may also be suffering from boredom (is he your only kitty?)....if by chance you are gone for most of the day/evening, he may be chewing on your clothing items as a security issue (has your scent on them, or is getting your attention to another matter, when exactly was his last vet check-up?)
He may also be suffering from boredom (is he your only kitty?)....if by chance you are gone for most of the day/evening, he may be chewing on your clothing items as a security issue (has your scent on them, or is getting your attention to another matter, when exactly was his last vet check-up?)
..........Traci
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Guest
Re: Cat Eating Clothing
Hello Traci. 
Currently he's on science diet (dry) on an eat-when-hungry basis. There's 5 other cats in the house, two of them are his siblings so he has constant compaions around. I have noticed he prefers blankets, socks, my clothing and the clothing of most other females here.
If he didn't vomit what he ate up, I wouldn't be as worried. It will also show up in his bowel movements, the thing I worry about with that is him being able to pass the strings and such he's eating. His last vet visit was for shots, it wasn't terribly long ago.. can't quite recall the date at the moment.
It only concerns me because It's not a typical cat habit (that I've heard of). I've had cats all my life, and I've never seen chewing to this extent.
I'll look up Pica, see if the symptoms are similar and book him for a vet check-up just in case. Thanks for the response.
Currently he's on science diet (dry) on an eat-when-hungry basis. There's 5 other cats in the house, two of them are his siblings so he has constant compaions around. I have noticed he prefers blankets, socks, my clothing and the clothing of most other females here.
If he didn't vomit what he ate up, I wouldn't be as worried. It will also show up in his bowel movements, the thing I worry about with that is him being able to pass the strings and such he's eating. His last vet visit was for shots, it wasn't terribly long ago.. can't quite recall the date at the moment.
It only concerns me because It's not a typical cat habit (that I've heard of). I've had cats all my life, and I've never seen chewing to this extent.
I'll look up Pica, see if the symptoms are similar and book him for a vet check-up just in case.
Thanks for the response.Re: Cat Eating Clothing
Ok, I would guess stress or boredom. Stress as in any recent changes in the home/environment? Changes in your own routine? Boredom as in he could be a high-strung or spirited kitty, meaning the toys you get him might need to be more entertaining/interactive for him. (consider battery operated, or use those toys that encourage activity when you're home with him)....scratching posts, a perch or kitty-tree near a safe window, etc are also potentials.
Because he seems to be most attracted to clothes with your scent, this might indicate insecurity of some sort, or that he is demanding more of your immediate love and attention. Spend extra time with him when you are at home. Was he by chance weaned too early? Some kitties, if weaned too early will develop similar behavior simply because they missed their mother's/siblings' interactions during growth and development. You said he is young (didnt state his age), so if he's less than say, three years of age, it's never too late to get him interested in other forms of interaction and activity to keep him occupied and entertained, as mentioned above.
One idea might be to put ALL forms of clothing out of reach, and replace them with other items/toys that are not dangerous, and make them large/safe enough he cannot chew or ingest. Rubber toys made for dogs might be ideal in this case, or similar items. Catnip sprinkled onto toys or kitty trees/perches/posts might also be a diversion you could try to get him interested.
Again, if you feel he is suffering any stress in the environment, best to get a health check done for him just to play it safe.
Because he seems to be most attracted to clothes with your scent, this might indicate insecurity of some sort, or that he is demanding more of your immediate love and attention. Spend extra time with him when you are at home. Was he by chance weaned too early? Some kitties, if weaned too early will develop similar behavior simply because they missed their mother's/siblings' interactions during growth and development. You said he is young (didnt state his age), so if he's less than say, three years of age, it's never too late to get him interested in other forms of interaction and activity to keep him occupied and entertained, as mentioned above.
One idea might be to put ALL forms of clothing out of reach, and replace them with other items/toys that are not dangerous, and make them large/safe enough he cannot chew or ingest. Rubber toys made for dogs might be ideal in this case, or similar items. Catnip sprinkled onto toys or kitty trees/perches/posts might also be a diversion you could try to get him interested.
Again, if you feel he is suffering any stress in the environment, best to get a health check done for him just to play it safe.
..........Traci