Cat Eating Carpet!

[taichiperson]

My son's kitten has been very sick recently and has had to have an operation to remove foreign objects from his stomach. It looks like carpet fibres, and even after the operation he has been sick again. His bowel movements were sloppy which meant he tended to tread in it and spread it around. The vet is treating him, and it must be getting expensive despite them having pet insurance.

He's been spayed and so far has not been allowed outside, as he's not been well enough. In order to stop him eating things he shouldn't (I thought only dogs were daft enough to do this!) they have had to resort to keeping him in a cage when they are out.

My question is this - is there any way of stopping him from eating stupid things, or any ideas why he may be eating carpet? I thought perhaps when he's allowed out he might stop as it may be boredom - or he might come across worse stuff to eat. They live in town and there's not a lot of vegetation around - my though was maybe he needs to be eating grass as some cats do.

[murraymints]

most cats do eat grass in order to clear fluff/hair balls from cleaning..ie it makes them cough them up... so a wee bit time outdoors might be good for the wee thing... leave toys.. mobile hanging and things he can chase..a radio on for noise...

[waterboatman]

Sounds to me like the cat is bored, also could be hungry, does he leave a dish of dry food out all the time? Also some cat type toys to play with?

[waterboatman]

Snap minty! :o}

[taichiperson]

He is a very lively cat and I think he does get bored. They have plenty of toys for him, but he always goes for the newest thing about, and nibbles the houseplants too. My son and his partner both work, so he is alone for a while - though his partner has recently got a job that means they are up very early and the kitten is alone during the morning. Hopefully it will clear up soon, but I think it's getting a little wearing for them as they have to constantly be on their guard that he's not eating something he shouldn't.

[taichiperson]

Oh and yes, he is a hungry wee beastie, but at the moment they have to be careful, the vet has him on a carefully controlled diet.

[waterboatman]

That explains it. The young of any species need constant attention. That's the problem. Can't give you an answer I'm afraid.

[murraymints]

awww... if you lived here I could add him to my moggie motel of a morning...have 3 cats that have adopted me.. wonky has moved in full time... Mia and now Sooty a wee kitten..visit throughout the day..to play ..sleep and eat !! lol...

[waterboatman]

Just thought of something.

One possibility is another kitten for company.

[murraymints]

double trouble !! but nice for the kitten !

[taichiperson]

Haha, maybe - though when they went on holiday recently they sent him back to his mum and siblings for a few days - and he did NOT get on with his sister lol.

[Islay]

You can buy cat grass which grows in a little pot for him to chew on.
Unfortunately putting him in a cage may be adding to the problems as cats like to be free and roam.
Give him a room, loads of toys including hanging toys, a wee bit of music left on. I found a visit to a charity shop was useful as our kitten loved the baby activity centre I bought him.

[taichiperson]

Some nice ideas there Islay. The cage is only temporary until his digestive system has settled. Their downstairs floor is kind of open plan - the only room that's anywhere near practical to have as his own is the bedroom - and I suspect it would not be nice having the litter tray in there. When he's better they will let him outside, but for now it's worrying and wearing as they are constantly back and forth to the vet.

[taichiperson]

I forgot to mention, he's a spayed ginger tom - are gingers more inquisitive and lively?

[waterboatman]

All cats are inquisitive, some more lively than others.

[ladybirder]

My advice would be to do what Islay says and get him a pot of cat grass which should stop him eating the carpet. And a cat that's not going outdoors needs grass anyway. Good luck.

[Smowball]

I look after a cat for someone when they are on holiday and it’s a house cat - it’s never been outside and it sits on the windowsill looking longingly outside. They do need a tub of grass to chew, toys, radio, even a bit of tv as they just get bored.

[ladybirder]

Snow I think it's cruel to have a lone house cat. Poor thing, it should have a companion.

[mazie]

Cats are outdoor creatures. Why would you keep them to keep them in?