11/25/2023 0 Comments Supplement to stop pica in cats![]() Pica is a surprisingly common type of eating disorder that causes pets to compulsively crave and eat non-food items, and it can affect both dogs and cats. But what if that “anything” included things that didn’t actually qualify as food? We all seem to have that one friend who can eat anything. only shares products that we strongly believe in and feel would be beneficial for our readers. Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)ĭisclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and if you click on them and purchase a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window).Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window).Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window).Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window).Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window).Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window).Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window).It’s important to recognize pica in cats before a trip to the emergency vet is required. When he’s alone, provide him with physical stimulation (catnip toys, puzzle feeders, cat trees, scratching posts, etc.) and mental stimulation (a window perch with a clear view of nature so he can distract himself by observing birds, squirrels, and the occasional neighborhood cat). Give your cat interactive playtime for at least 15 minutes a day, using toys designed like a fishing pole so you can simulate the movements of prey. Some people find success with applying foul-tasting substances like Bitter Apple, as well. Keep plastic bags out of reach (or better yet, switch to paper!) and don’t leave small items like rubber bands lying around.Īpply strong-smelling substances like citrus or lavender sprays to items you can’t hide or remove, such as electrical cords. These include (but are not limited to) lilies, foxglove, philodendron, azalea and rhododendron, cyclamen, oleander, sago palm, castor bean, yew, and marijuana plants. Cat grass is also a good source of fiber-just be sure to supervise his grazing habits, or he may end up with an upset stomach.įirst, get rid of dangerous household plants. You can also supply him with catnip-laced toys and puzzle feeders.Īsk your vet about adding fiber supplements to your cat’s diet. Growing cat grass or an indoor herb garden may satisfy your kitty’s urge to snack on inappropriate items. The vet will probably give your cat a physical examination and run blood work. Make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your cat’s symptoms and current diet. It’s a good idea to first rule out any underlying medical issues in your cat. However, if you notice your cat attempting to eat nonfood items or houseplants, you should take measures to prevent this behavior in the future. Your cat’s occasional licking or chewing on household items may not warrant concern. Ingesting nonfood items can lead to poisoning, asphyxiation, intestinal blockage, and death. It’s easy to see how pica in cats might become a dangerous compulsion. Houseplants (a top poison among domestic cats).Soft fabrics like blankets, curtains, or clothes.In addition to wool, you may notice your cat licking, sucking, chewing, and/or eating common household items such as: Conditions like diabetes, dental disease, hyperthyroidism, or brain tumors may also trigger the disorder.Ī cat lacking physical or mental stimulation may be more likely to partake in devious behaviors. Pica in cats is sometimes associated with FIV or FeLV. Cats with anemia are more likely to consume cat litter. This “wool-sucking” compulsion may lead to more dramatic behavior like ingestion.īreeds including Siamese, Oriental Shorthair, Burmese, and Birman are more likely to carry the gene that is linked to pica.Ĭats that are lacking fiber or fat in their diets may be more likely to exhibit signs of pica, such as chewing on plants. The younger a cat is weaned, the stronger his drive is to nurse-and the more likely he is to suck on wool, fleece, or other fuzzy items. ![]() Veterinarians and feline behaviorists suggest that pica is more common among certain cats. ![]() Did you ever eat Play-Doh as a kid? You probably had pica. Pregnant women and young children are more likely to suffer strange cravings for non-nutritional items like dirt, chalk, and even soap. ![]() Many species, including humans, can have pica. Pica is an obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by the persistent consumption of nonfood items. ![]() Learn to look for signs of pica and find out how you may be able to treat the disorder in your cat. Pica in cats is surprisingly common-and potentially dangerous. Have you ever noticed your cat chewing and licking something other than his food, fur, or toys? This puzzling behavior may indicate that he has a compulsive eating disorder called pica. ![]()
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