Chewed furniture legs, destroyed shoes, gnawed-on wires — if you’ve come home to scenes like these, you’re not alone. Destructive chewing is a common challenge, especially with puppies, energetic dogs, or bored indoor cats. But it’s not a hopeless habit — it’s often a sign your pet needs more direction, stimulation, or simple changes in their daily environment.

In this article, you’ll learn how to understand why pets chew, how to redirect that energy, and how to build habits that protect your home without punishment.

Why Pets Chew (It’s Not Just Bad Behavior)

Before fixing the behavior, it’s important to understand it.

Common reasons pets chew:

• Teething pain (puppies and kittens)
• Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
• Separation anxiety
• Hunger or lack of proper chewing outlets
• Exploring objects through the mouth (especially in young pets)
• Lack of exercise

Chewing satisfies instinctive needs — but we need to guide it to appropriate items.

Step-by-Step: How to Stop Destructive Chewing

Step 1: Identify the Triggers

Observe when and what your pet tends to chew.

• Is it during the day when they’re alone?
• After mealtime?
• At night?
• Is it specific items like shoes, cords, or wooden furniture?

Understanding patterns helps you target the cause, not just the result.

Step 2: Provide Safe Alternatives

Give your pet something better to chew.

For dogs:

• Tough rubber chew toys (e.g., KONG, Benebone)
• Rope toys
• Frozen carrot sticks (natural and safe)
• Stuffed toys with squeakers (if they don’t tear them apart)

For cats:

• Catnip chew toys
• Dental sticks
• Silvervine or matatabi wood
• Cardboard scratchers (cats sometimes chew as a play behavior)

Keep chew toys in multiple rooms where your pet spends time.

Step 3: Use Deterrent Sprays

Use a pet-safe bitter spray on furniture legs, shoes, cords, or baseboards.

• These taste unpleasant but are non-toxic.
• Reapply daily for best results.
• Always test on a small area first to avoid discoloration.

This helps break the habit by making the wrong object unappealing.

Step 4: Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation

Often, chewing is a symptom of boredom.

• Daily walks and play sessions are a must (for dogs)
• Rotate toys weekly to keep them interesting
• Use puzzle feeders and lick mats
• Teach new commands or tricks
• Schedule interactive play for cats (laser pointers, feather wands, etc.)

A tired pet is a well-behaved pet.

Step 5: Manage the Environment

If you can’t supervise, limit access.

• Crate-train dogs during your absence (as a positive, calm space)
• Use baby gates to restrict access to chewing zones
• Keep shoes, cords, and loose items off the floor
• Spray frequently targeted furniture with bitter deterrent
• Use protective covers or deterrent mats temporarily

Prevention reduces the opportunity to repeat the habit.

Step 6: Catch and Redirect (Without Punishment)

If you catch your pet chewing:

• Interrupt with a calm “no” or clap
• Immediately offer a chew toy and encourage interaction
• Praise when they chew the correct item

Never yell, hit, or rub noses in the object — this builds fear, not learning.

Consistency is key — every redirection teaches the correct habit.

Additional Tips for Puppies or Kittens

• Teething pets need cool, textured chew toys to soothe discomfort.
• Freeze toys or offer damp washcloths for puppies to chew.
• Massage kitten gums with your finger if they’re seeking pressure.
• Crate time, when used gently, gives them space to calm down and prevents mischief.

Expect some chewing — it’s part of growth. Guide it, don’t fight it.

When Chewing Signals a Bigger Issue

If chewing becomes excessive, it may indicate:

• Separation anxiety (only happens when you’re gone)
• Nutritional deficiency (eating non-food items)
• Lack of exercise or attention
• Compulsive behavior from stress or frustration

In these cases, consult a vet or pet behaviorist to identify root causes.

Final Words: Guide the Instinct, Don’t Fight It

Chewing isn’t bad — it’s natural. Your job is to channel that instinct safely and constructively. With a balance of redirection, enrichment, and environment control, your pet will learn what’s okay to chew — and your furniture will stay intact.

Chewing doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right routine, it becomes just another part of a happy, healthy pet life.