Cat Chewing On Nothing and Purring: 6 Reasons

Cat chewing on nothing and purring is a curious and intriguing phenomenon that has long baffled scientists and pet owners alike. This behavior often occurs when cats are feeling content, relaxed, or playful, but the reasons behind it remain unclear.

Some experts believe that cat chewing on nothing and purring may be related to stress relief or pain relief. Cats may instinctively turn to this behavior when they are feeling anxious, distressed, or agitated, and the purring helps to calm and soothe them.

Others believe that cat chewing on nothing and purring could be a way for cats to release energy or express excitement.

Here in this blog post, I’ll try to explain briefly what is cat chewing on nothing and purring, why some cats do this 24/7 and how you can help your kitty deal with this behavior.

6 Possible Reasons Why Cats Chew on Nothing and Purr

As you already know, cat chewing on nothing and purring is a behavior that often occurs when cats are feeling relaxed and content. But what actually leads to this behavior, and why do some cats do it more than others?

1. Periodontal Disease (or other dental issues)

Cats are known for chewing on things they shouldn’t, but one habit that’s not so well known is that they sometimes chew on nothing at all.

While it’s not entirely clear why they do this, it’s thought that cats may chew on nothing as a way to soothe their gums if they’re suffering from dental issues like periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a serious problem for cats, and can lead to a number of health issues if left untreated. Symptoms of periodontal disease include bad breath, swollen gums, and loose teeth. In severe cases, the infection can even spread to the rest of the body.

If your cat is showing any of these signs, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up. Treatment for periodontal disease may include antibiotics, tooth cleaning, and in some cases, surgery.

So if your cat seems to be chewing on nothing at all, don’t worry – it may just be a sign that they’re having dental problems. Get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect something is wrong.

2. Stress and Anxiety

Another possible reason why cats may be chewing on nothing and purring is to reduce stress and anxiety.

Cats can be highly sensitive creatures, and many people don’t realize that their feline friends can be prone to various forms of anxiety. This anxiety can manifest itself in a number of ways, including excessive meowing, chewing on fabrics, and yes – chewing on nothing at all.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your cat feel less stressed and anxious. For example, providing them with plenty of toys and enrichment items can help keep their minds active and provide a distraction from stressful situations.

3. Physical or Emotional Discomfort

In some cases, cat chewing on nothing and purring may be a sign that something is physically or emotionally bothering your cat.

This could include issues like pain, joint problems, allergies, and more. If you notice that your cat seems to be chewing on nothing for no apparent reason, it’s best to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.

4. Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis

Cats with Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS) suffer from a painful, chronic inflammatory disease of the mouth. The condition is thought to be caused by an immune-mediated response to bacteria or foreign material in the mouth, which leads to inflammation and ulceration of the gums and mouth tissues.

FCGS can cause cats to chew on nothing and purr because of the pain. In addition to oral ulcers, cats with FCGS may also have swollen gums, bad breath, and drooling.

Treatment for FCGS includes antibiotics to treat any underlying infection, pain relief, and nutritional support. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove diseased tissue from the mouth.

With appropriate treatment, most cats with FCGS can lead relatively normal lives. However, the condition can be very frustrating for both pets and owners alike, as it can cause significant discomfort and ongoing health issues.

If your cat has been diagnosed with FCGS, be sure to work closely with your veterinarian to provide the best possible care.

5. Sign of Upper Respiratory Health Problems

If your cat is constantly chewing on nothing and purring for no reason, it might be a sign that they are experiencing some upper respiratory health problems. Cats are experts at hiding their illnesses, so you might not even realize that there is anything wrong until it’s too late.

One of the most common symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in cats is excessive sneezing. If your cat is sneezing all the time, it might be a sign that they are fighting off an infection.

Other symptoms of an upper respiratory infection can include watery eyes, a runny nose, and a hoarse voice.

If you think that your cat might be suffering from an upper respiratory infection, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

The veterinarian will be able to perform tests to determine if your cat is indeed sick and will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

6. Parasite Infestation

Finally, if your cat is chewing on nothing and purring for no apparent reason, it might be a sign that they are suffering from a parasite infestation.

Parasites like tapeworms and roundworms can cause significant irritation in the gut, which may lead to excessive meowing and chewing behaviors.

To help prevent parasite infestations, make sure to regularly clean and disinfect your cat’s litter box. You should also use flea and tick prevention products, as well as regular deworming treatments to keep your cat healthy and parasite-free.

Worrying about Your Cat Chewing on Nothing and Purring?

Overall, if your cat is chewing on nothing and purring, it is probably not something to worry about. In most cases, this behavior is simply a sign that your cat is feeling content and relaxed.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if your cat is chewing on nothing and purring for no apparent reason, it could be a sign that they are experiencing some health issues like an upper respiratory infection or parasite infestation.

If you notice this behavior in your cat, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian right away. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most cats will be able to recover and return to normal.

In the end, if your cat is chewing on nothing and purring, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate all of the wonderful things that they do for you! They are sure to bring you happiness and joy for many years to come.

My Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that cat chewing on nothing and purring is a natural and normal behavior.

And while there may be certain factors that can increase your cat’s likelihood of engaging in this behavior, there are things you can do to help manage it. By providing your cat with lots of love, attention, and care, you can help ensure that they lead a happy and healthy life.

So the next time your cat starts chewing on nothing and purring, just take a moment to appreciate them for all that they do! And if you suspect that they are experiencing any health issues, be sure to talk to your veterinarian right away.

With some proper diagnosis and treatment, your cat is sure to get back on the right track in no time.