It’s not uncommon for dogs to end up at the vet after eating something they shouldn’t, but cats can also swallow string or string and end up on the operating table. In some animals, ingesting non-food items such as fabric or cardboard is a regular habit. This is called pika.
Pica can range from relatively harmless habits to dangerous compulsions. Therefore, it is important to understand why pica occurs and what to do about it. There are many factors that can lead to the development of pica in cats. So, to find a solution, you need to find out what your cat is eating and why.
What is pika?
Pica refers to the habitual consumption of non-foods that have no nutritional value. In humans, pica is usually associated with a mental health condition or eating disorder, but in pets, pica usually reflects nutritional imbalance, health conditions, inappropriate behavior, or stress. I’m doing it. It is relatively well known that domestic animals, and even dogs, ingest soil and other environmental substances in an attempt to correct mineral deficiencies. In cats, pica is usually limited to items such as fabrics and wool, but can also include items such as plastic, rubber, paper, cardboard, plants, string, and soil.
The challenge in dealing with pica in cats is that the condition is thought to have a variety of underlying causes, which often influences what types of substances are targeted. That’s it. Additionally, pica in cats can be divided into chewing, sucking, and ingesting, with the latter being the least common of the three.
bite
Cats have been known to chop up kitchen sponges, kill houseplants, and turn cardboard boxes into confetti. In some cases, the result is just visible, like teeth marks left on plastic or wood. This type of destructive behavior is more likely a sign of boredom, frustration, and stress than supplementing their diet.
suck
This form of pica is most common in young cats, and based on limited research, it’s also the most common. It is generally accepted that soft materials such as wool and fabrics are the usual targets, and that the behavior is a dislocated suckling motion. Research suggests that this form of pica is most common in kittens around 6 months of age and tends to disappear as they grow older.1 It has been found to be associated with environmental disturbances such as moving, but rarely requires significant intervention.
ingest
Pica, which involves actually ingesting a substance, is very rare in cats. Although eating plant material is sometimes classified as pica, there are usually physiological reasons why cats eat plants. Certain medical conditions, particularly gastrointestinal disorders, are thought to be associated with pica in cats, but this has not been well studied to date.
However, cats may also ingest plant materials such as flowers and stems, which appear to be behavioral rather than nutritional.
Eating foreign objects, such as twine, wool, or fabric, is more likely to occur accidentally through playing or smoking than by intentionally ingesting the substance.
What are the signs of pica in cats?
The most notable sign is the act of chewing, sucking, or ingesting itself, but there are a few other things to look out for. Common signs of pica in cats include:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite or thirst
- lethargy
- Constipation or straining during defecation
- abdominal discomfort
What causes pica in cats?
As indicated above, several different reasons for pica in cats have been proposed.
therapeutic
Chewing and swallowing foreign objects has also been observed in cats with dental problems and those suffering from gastrointestinal diseases such as: inflammatory bowel disease. There are many reasons why cats eat plants, but gastrointestinal issues are one of the most common. ingest grass It can help induce vomiting and tone the intestines.
Ironically, some cats will also chew or swallow objects to help remove existing obstructions, such as hairballs. This can either help move the obstruction or make the situation worse.
Cats with chronic pain or inflammatory conditions may chew things to distract themselves or soothe themselves.
behavioral
Kittens with pica often suck on soft objects in a manner similar to how mothers suckle, and this is usually accompanied by the classic kneading motion that stimulates milk flow during feeding. This could be related to premature weaning or stress from environmental factors, but it could also simply be a residual behavior. In most cases, this sucking behavior tends to decrease as cats grow older, but some adults may still use it as a means of self-soothing.
In rare cases, some cats may suckle as a compulsive behavior, but this is more likely related to chronic pain or stress situations. Cats that continue to have pica after 12 months of age should be seen by a veterinarian.
nutrition
Although this is less common in cats, pica drugs are sometimes used to address nutritional imbalances in the diet, such as mineral deficiencies or the need for fiber.
have symptoms
Medical conditions or illnesses that cause increased appetite may extend to non-food intake. Polyphagia (overeating) is one of the main symptoms. Clinical signs of hyperthyroidism In older cats, intestinal parasites often cause polyphagia as they absorb nutrients from the body.
How is pica in cats diagnosed?
If you notice any signs of pica, be sure to consult your veterinarian to rule out other medical conditions. Your veterinarian will likely perform screenings such as blood, urine, and stool tests and take a health history. However, there is no specific diagnostic test for pica, so your veterinarian will consider several factors before making a diagnosis.
How do I care for a cat with pica?
If your cat is chewing, sucking, or eating something it shouldn’t, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. In most cases, pica is a relatively harmless behavior, but it can mean or lead to serious health problems. Even cats that just suck on wool or fabric can cause fiber to build up in their intestines, causing blockages.
The main risks associated with pica in cats are intestinal obstruction, ingestion of harmful or toxic substances, and tooth damage from chewing hard objects. If your kitten occasionally sucks on washcloths, toys, and blankets, the problem is unlikely to develop and may outgrow it. Watch closely to make sure you aren’t smoking anything with loose fibers that could break off and be swallowed.
Other things to consider are:
- Be sure to feed your cat a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet.
- Check stool quality, as large, loose poop or diarrhea can indicate poor diet or absorption problems.
- Monitor their appetite. A voracious appetite may indicate illness, parasites, or insufficient quantity or quality of food.
- Make sure your cat has a stress-free and calm environment by providing plenty of hiding places, high shelves, and cat trees, and consider using a pheromone diffuser or calming spray to help your cat feel more at ease. Diffusers that use artificial pheromones that mimic those produced by nursing mothers are especially helpful for kittens exhibiting suckling behavior.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What do cats with pica commonly eat?
Cats with pica may put a variety of objects in their mouths, including cardboard, plastic, paper, wool, plaster, dirt, string, and rubber.
Can pica be cured?
Pica in cats can be cured by identifying and treating the underlying cause of the behavior. Treatments include dietary changes, medications, environmental modifications, and surgery.
Is pica dangerous?
This is especially true if you ingest dangerous materials such as rubber or plastic that cause gastrointestinal obstruction. However, this is not always the case.
final thoughts
Pica in cats is less common and is usually associated with young cats who find comfort in sucking on soft materials, imitating suckling from their mother. The type of pica (ingestion, chewing, inhalation) provides insight into the underlying reason, as well as the type of substance in question. Ingestion of foreign bodies or foreign objects should always be urgently sought veterinary advice for these cats, as this is not only likely to indicate a health problem, but can also cause health problems. .
Chewing and sucking can be associated with stress, boredom, anxiety, and chronic pain, so it’s important to determine what is affecting your cat’s oral fixation. From there, address any issues, such as making your dog feel safer and more secure, spending more time together to relieve boredom, or seeking veterinary help for possible underlying pain or illness. You can.
Featured image credit: lermont51, Shutterstock
