My 1 yr old Maine Coone has started chewing on things?

Question

my watch band, my girlfriends purse, sandals guitar straps. Is he teething?? What should I get for him that would be a safe alternative from our valuable material things ???

Thanks,

Stray cat

Answer 1

Maine Coons are VERY smart, curious cats. They like to figure things out (I have 2 of them myself).

Make sure you play with him as much as you can to keep him active and his brain stimulated. Otherwise they will have destructive behavior like chewing.

You can buy all kinds of toys for him, but I have found they enjoy cheap things best. Wad up balls of aluminum foil and let him bat those around. Mine especially love the tops from milk jugs. These things are free since you usualy have them in the house in the first place.

There are plenty of interactive toys you can buy, but they are more expensive. Make sure he has scratch posts or boxes to exercise himself on.

Just keep  him entertained and he will be much less likely to chew and destroy. Also if possible, get him a friend. Maine Coons are very social and do better when they have another cat friend to play with.  

Answer 2

The young cat will have replaced its first set of 'milk' teeth by the age of six months.  The incisors are renewed first, followed by the canines and finally the premolars.  

Try providing him with suitable chewing blocks....the sole of an old shoe is ideal for the purpose, providing there is no risk of pieces being accidentally chewed off and swallowed.  Shin bones from cattle are another possible alternative, although these should be checked for any flaking pieces of bone, especially at the ends.  The thick chews marketed for dogs also prove acceptable to many kittens.

Your kitten's mouth may be getting overcrowded...a veterinary check may be necessary.  The vet will extract any remaining teeth which should have fallen out of their own accord.