My Cat Likes to Bite Plush Toys and Puke: Why and What to Do?

Does your cat love to bite their plush toys? And do they puke soon after? You’re not alone! A lot of cats do this. But even though it might seem like a funny or cute cat thing, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. This article will explain why your cat acts this way and give you tips on how to deal with it.

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Why Does My Cat Bite Plush Toys?

Cats chew on things for lots of reasons. It’s usually a natural instinct. It’s in their blood to be hunters! Here are some reasons why your cat might like to bite plush toys:

Curiosity and Fun: Especially when they’re kittens, cats use their mouths to figure out what things are. The soft feel of a plush toy can be fun for them.
Sore Gums: Kittens’ gums can hurt when their teeth are growing in, just like babies! Plush toys can feel good on their sore gums.
Practice Hunting: Chewing and biting on toys can be a way for cats to pretend they’re hunting. The toy is like their prey, even if it’s just a cuddly plush one!
I’m Bored! If your cat doesn’t have enough fun things to do, they might start chewing on anything they can find. That includes plush toys! They chew because they’re bored.
It Feels Good: Some cats suckle or knead on plush toys. It makes them feel safe and happy, like when they were kittens drinking milk from their mom.

Why Does My Cat Puke After Biting Plush Toys?

There are a few reasons why your cat might puke after biting plush toys:

Eating Toy Pieces: Plush toys are usually safe. But cats can sometimes rip off pieces of fabric or stuffing and swallow them. This can make their tummy upset and make them puke.
Medical Problem: Sometimes, medical problems can make a cat chew on things and throw up. For example, pica is when a cat eats things that aren’t food. Problems with their digestion could also be the reason.
Stressed Out: Cats might do strange things when they’re stressed out or scared. This can include chewing and puking.

What Should I Do If My Cat Bites Plush Toys and Pukes?

If your cat does this a lot, it’s important to take them to the vet. The vet can check if your cat has any medical problems. They can also give you advice on how to help your cat.

Here are some tips you can try:

Safe Toys: Choose strong plush toys that don’t have small parts that can come off. You could also get toys made for chewing, like dental toys.
Watch Them Play: Keep an eye on your cat when they’re playing with their toys. Take away any toys that are ripped or broken.
Other Toys: Give your cat lots of different kinds of toys to chew on. Try toys made of rubber or other safe things.
Keep Them Busy: Make sure your cat has fun things to do so they don’t get bored. You can play with them, give them puzzle feeders, and make sure they have scratching posts.
No More Stress: If you think your cat is stressed or scared, try to figure out why and fix it. You could give them more places to hide, use a spray that makes them feel calm, or ask the vet about medicine for anxiety.

When to Call the Vet

If your cat keeps chewing and puking even after you try these tips, or if you see something else that worries you (like blood in their puke, not wanting to eat, or being sleepy all the time), take them to the vet right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Conclusion

It’s normal for cats to chew on things sometimes. But if they’re always biting plush toys and then puking, there might be something wrong. By understanding why they do this and what you can do about it, you can help your cat stay healthy and happy!