Consultations typically begin with a discussion of the feline’s symptoms, behaviors, and health history. Consult With a Vet and Animal Behaviorist for Treatment PlanĪ professional vet can help determine any underlying health or behavioral issues that may be causing a cat’s pica. Getting rid of toxic plants can protect felines who enjoy chewing on houseplants. For example, a pet parent may need to keep jackets hung in a closet, keep rubber bands in a drawer, or store yarn in a sealed bin. One of the easiest ways to curb pica behavior is for cat owners to move non-food items to inaccessible locations. With so many potential causes, many pet parents wonder, “how do you treat pica in cats?” Pet parents have a few options: Remove Non-Food Items From Your Pet’s Reach ![]() Generally, if a cat isn’t acting like their usual self, a pet parent should check in with a veterinary professional to get to the bottom of the issue. Stress or anxiety can trigger pica behavior as a way to self-soothe. For instance, a typically active or affectionate cat may become lethargic, listless, or withdrawn. Sudden changes in behavior can indicate a problem. An intestinal blockage may also cause appetite loss. Lack of appetite: A cat with a belly full of inedible objects may not eat a lot (or any) of their regular meals. In some cases, pet parents may find bits of the inedible object in their cat’s vomit.Ĭonstipation or diarrhea: A blockage in the intestines can make it difficult or impossible for a cat to defecate. Vomiting: Vomiting can occur for various reasons, including upset stomach, ingestion of toxic substances, and intestinal blockages. This can lead to a blockage or other harm that, without treatment, could be fatal. When cats eat fabrics, rubber bands, plastic, and other objects they shouldn’t, these items can get lodged in their digestive tracts. In addition to the frequent chewing on and eating of non-food items, pet parents may notice a few other symptoms that could point toward pica disorder in cats: Gastrointestinal Signs Pica behavior is also typically consistent and may even be compulsive. One of the first signs of pica a pet parent will notice is the eating of inedible objects, although cats with milder forms of pica may only lick or suck on their items of choice. Medical reasons: Feline leukemia, anemia, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, dental disease, brain tumor.īehavioral factors: Stress and anxiety (separation anxiety, fear-related, changes in the home such as a move or new pet).īoredom: Lack of mental or physical stimulation or attention-seeking behavior. Other reasons a cat may develop pica include: Eventually, sucking and chewing can lead to eating. While many outgrow the compulsion to suck and chew on fabrics or other objects, some don’t. It’s also possible the kittens may have weaned too soon. That’s around the age most kittens go to their new homes. Pica is also more common in younger cats, particularly those younger than three months of age. Additionally, these breeds tend toward wool products. ![]() It’s particularly common in Siamese, Burmese, and Oriental breeds (long-hair/short-hair). While any cat can develop pica, it’s more likely to occur in some breeds than in others. For instance, they might eat litter or soil for iron. A cat may start consuming a particular item to compensate for a vitamin or mineral deficiency, lack of fiber, or other missing nutrients. One of the common reasons believed to be behind the desire to eat unusual and inedible objects is nutritional deficiencies. While answering what causes pica in cats can be difficult, a few issues are frequently linked to it: Dietary Deficiencies Professionals link this obsessive/compulsive-type behavior to several potential underlying issues, which can make the condition more challenging to diagnose. The exact cause of pica disorder in cats is currently unknown. Tearing or puncturing of the digestive tract Wool is one of the most common materials cats with pica choose to eat, which has led to the condition being called “wool sucking” or “wool eating.” Other popular items include other natural and synthetic fibers, plastic bags, rubber bands, paper, plants, and electrical cords, with some cats preferring one particular texture over the rest.Ĭonsuming objects not meant to be eaten significantly increases a cat’s risk of harmful or life-threatening issues such as: What Is Pica in Cats?įeline pica is a behavioral condition in which a cat chews and eats non-edible items. This behavior could indicate pica, and pet parents shouldn’t ignore it. Some cats, however, don’t just chew inedible objects they eat them. Many cats enjoy playing with and tearing up random items around their homes, leaving a trail of shredded materials in their wake.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |