Why Do Cats Like To Eat Paper?

If you’ve ever caught your cat shredding or chewing on paper, you’ve probably wondered why your cat enjoys eating paper. It’s one of those quirky feline habits that can be both amusing and a little concerning, especially when your cat seems fixated on napkins, receipts, or even cardboard boxes. While this behavior might seem harmless at first, eating paper can sometimes indicate an underlying issue that’s worth paying attention to.

There are many reasons why your cat might like to chew on paper. Sometimes it can be just harmless fun and other times it could indicate something more serious.

The Simple Explanations: Play, Texture, and Curiosity

Cats are naturally curious animals, and paper offers cats plenty of sensory appeal. The rustling sound, crinkly texture, and movement when batted around make paper irresistibly fun. Many cats chew or tear paper as part of play behavior as it mimics the sound and feel of prey rustling in the grass. 

Some cats also enjoy the texture of paper between their teeth or find comfort in shredding it. It can serve as a form of stress relief or a way to channel excess energy. This can be even true for toilet paper, as some cats love to shred it apart and along the floor!

For kittens especially, chewing paper could simply be part of kittenhood as they like to explore their environment, similar to how human babies put things in their mouths to learn about the world.

In these cases, the behavior is generally harmless as long as your cat isn’t actually swallowing large amounts of paper.

When Paper Eating Might Signal a Problem: Cat Pica

If your cat seems to be eating paper regularly, not just playing with it, this may be a sign of a condition called pica which is a behavioral disorder where cats eat non-food items such as paper, plastic, fabric, or cardboard. While it can start as a harmless habit, true pica often points to something deeper. Cats with pica may be trying to satisfy a nutritional need, relieve stress, or cope with an underlying medical issue.

Sometimes, nutritional deficiencies play a role. If your cat’s diet lacks certain vitamins, minerals, or fiber, they may seek out non-food materials in an attempt to make up for what’s missing.

In other cases, boredom or stress is to blame. Cats that don’t get enough stimulation or interaction may chew on odd objects like paper or cardboard as a form of self-soothing.

Medical issues such as anemia, gastrointestinal problems, or dental pain can also lead to strange chewing behaviors, as discomfort or nausea can drive cats to mouth unusual textures. Finally, genetics can make a difference. Certain breeds, including Siamese and Burmese cats, are more prone to pica-related behaviors than others.

If your cat is actually swallowing paper rather than just shredding it, it’s important to take the behavior seriously. Eating non-digestible materials can lead to intestinal blockages, digestive upset, or choking, all of which require immediate veterinary attention.

Why Some Cats Like to Chew Plastic

If your cat’s fascination extends beyond paper to things like plastic bags, straws, or wrappers, the underlying reasons are often quite similar. Many cats are drawn to the sound, texture, and even the scent of plastic. Some plastics are coated with cornstarch or animal-based gelatin, which can make them smell or taste appealing to cats with a sensitive nose.

Cats who chew on plastic may also be experiencing pica, boredom, or stress-related behaviors, just like those who eat paper. However, plastic poses an even greater risk because it’s completely indigestible and can easily cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed. Thin plastic bags, in particular, can be deadly if they obstruct the airway or become lodged in your cat’s digestive tract.

If your cat frequently chews on plastic, it’s important to remove access to tempting items and provide safer alternatives, such as soft, cat-safe chew toys or crinkle balls designed for play.

Signs Your Cat’s Paper Eating May Be Dangerous

A cat who simply tears or crumples paper isn’t usually at risk, but if they’re eating or swallowing it, watch your cat closely for signs of distress. These may include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal discomfort. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.

Your vet can perform an exam and possibly imaging tests to make sure that there isn’t any paper or foreign objects that are lodged in your cat’s digestive tract.

How to Stop Your Cat from Eating Paper

The best way to stop your cat from eating paper is to try to identify the root cause. If boredom is the culprit, provide more mental and physical stimulation. Interactive play sessions with wand toys, puzzle feeders, and treat-dispensing games can give your cat an outlet for their energy and curiosity. Cats who have outlets for their natural hunting instincts are less likely to seek entertainment from your paper towels.

It can also help to enrich your cat’s environment with cat trees, window perches, tunnels, and scratching posts to keep them engaged. If your cat spends time alone, consider leaving a TV or white noise machine on, or offer cat-safe chew toys made from rubber or soft silicone.

Keep paper products stored securely. Trash cans should have lids, paper towels, tissues, and receipts should be kept in drawers or cabinets. The fewer opportunities your cat has to indulge the habit, the faster it may fade.

If the behavior persists despite your best efforts, schedule a vet visit. Your vet may recommend bloodwork or a dietary adjustment to rule out nutritional imbalances or underlying health conditions. In some cases, a referral to a veterinary behaviorist can help identify anxiety triggers contributing to pica.

Is Your Cat’s Eating Paper Ever Okay?

A little harmless shredding is part of normal cat behavior. If your cat occasionally bats around a paper bag or lightly chews on a cardboard box without actually swallowing pieces, it’s nothing to worry about. However, persistent or compulsive paper eating should never be ignored. Over time, ingesting paper can cause digestive blockages or lead to choking. Even “safe” items like tissue paper can pose risks if consumed in quantity.

The Bottom Line

Your cat’s paper eating habit is generally a mix of curiosity, texture, and play. But for others, it may point to boredom, nutritional needs, or even cat pica. By paying attention to the behavior’s frequency and intensity, and by making sure your cat’s health and environment are in good shape, you can help ensure their paper obsession stays harmless. However, if it becomes frequent, it’s time to schedule a vet appointment.