Why Does My Cat Eat Cobwebs? The Surprising Truth

If you’ve ever wondered why your cat eats cobwebs, you’re not alone. This article will explain the possible reasons behind this behavior.

Have you ever caught your cat munching on cobwebs or chasing spiders around the house? If so, you might be puzzled by this behavior.

Why would a cat want to eat something that seems so unappetizing and dusty?

Well, as it turns out, there are some possible explanations for why does my cat eat cobwebs.

And most of them are harmless and natural. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why cats eat cobwebs and whether you should worry about it or not.

Cats Eat Cobwebs for Protein

One of the main reasons why cats eat cobwebs is that they are looking for a source of protein.

Cobwebs are made of spider silk, which contains protein, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

These are essential nutrients for cats, who are obligate carnivores and need a high-protein diet to stay healthy.

Cats may eat cobwebs if they are not getting enough protein from their regular food, or if they have a nutritional deficiency that makes them crave certain amino acids.

Cobwebs can provide a small boost of protein for your cat, especially if they also catch and eat the spiders that made them.

Eating cobwebs is harmless and non-toxic to your cat, so you don’t have to worry about them getting sick from it.

However, you should make sure that your cat is getting a balanced and complete diet that meets their nutritional needs.

You can check the label of your cat’s food to see how much protein it contains, and consult your vet if you have any concerns.

Cats Eat Cobwebs for Fun or Boredom

Another reason why cats eat cobwebs is that they are simply having fun or trying to relieve boredom.

Cats are curious and playful animals, and they love to explore new things and textures. Cobwebs can be appealing to cats because they are soft, sticky, and move in the air.

Cats may also eat cobwebs as part of their hunting instinct. Cats are natural predators, and they enjoy chasing and catching anything that moves, including spiders.

Spiders can be a stimulating prey for cats, as they are fast, unpredictable, and sometimes venomous.

Cats may eat cobwebs to get closer to the spiders or to taste their prey.

Eating cobwebs for fun or boredom is also harmless to your cat, as long as they don’t ingest too much or get tangled in them.

However, you should make sure that your cat has enough toys and enrichment activities to keep them entertained and stimulated.

You can also play with your cat regularly to satisfy their hunting urge and bond with them.

Cats Eat Cobwebs Due to Pica

A less common but more serious reason why cats eat cobwebs is that they have a condition called pica.

Pica is a disorder that causes cats to eat non-food objects and substances, such as spider webs, wool, plastic, dirt, etc. Pica can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

• Medical issues, such as anemia, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, intestinal parasites, etc.
• Behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, boredom, compulsive disorder, etc.
• Genetic predisposition, especially in certain breeds like Siamese or Oriental.

Pica can be harmful to your cat’s health, as it can lead to dental problems, choking hazards, intestinal blockages, infections, poisoning, etc.

If you suspect that your cat has pica or is eating cobwebs excessively or obsessively, you should contact your vet immediately.

Your vet can diagnose the underlying cause of pica and provide the appropriate treatment.

How to Stop Your Cat from Eating Cobwebs?

If you want to stop your cat from eating cobwebs for any reason, here are some tips you can try:

• Remove the cobwebs from your house regularly using a broom, duster, or vacuum.
• Keep your cat away from areas where there are cobwebs or spiders.
• Provide your cat with a high-quality diet that meets their protein requirements.
• Offer your cat alternative treats or snacks that are healthy and tasty.
• Provide your cat with plenty of toys and enrichment activities that stimulate their senses and instincts.
• Play with your cat regularly and give them attention and affection.
• Consult your vet if you notice any signs of pica or other health issues in your cat.