Why is my cat making chewing motions with nothing in his mouth lately?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 6 years old
My cat seems fine except that he's been making a chewing motion without anything in his mouth on and off for a few days. Are there any reasons for this behaviour?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 8th, 2018
Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Sam is making a rapid "chattering" movement, that could indicate pain, or less commonly stress. If it's a slower movement more like normal chewing, he may have something stuck in his mouth that he's trying to dislodge, or could have a tooth issue that is causing discomfort and giving him a sensation that there's something that doesn't belong in there. If he's acting otherwise completely normal with a normal appetite, you can watch him for a few more days, but if the behavior continues, (and certainly if you see anything else alarming), then I'd have a vet take a look in case there's something that should be addressed. Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 14th, 2019
This is abnormal behavior. It sounds like there could be something going on inside his mouth like an abscessed tooth, an exposed nerve root or something of that nature. I suggest you videotape the behavior and then get him to the vet for an examination. Showing the vet the video would be very helpful in case he’s not doing the behavior during the exam.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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