Pica in Cats: What it is, Common Causes, Tips for Treating it

Cats are known for their curious nature and unique behavior, so you may find them nibbling on non-food items on a regular basis, this behavior can be dangerous and can lead to serious health issues such as gastrointestinal blockage if left untimely Treatment can be life-threatening.
This article will discuss:

• What is Pica in Cats?

• At what age does this occur?

• What Causes Pica in Cats?

• Pica in Cats Symptoms

• Pica in Cats Treatment

What is Pica in Cats?

Pica is a condition in cats that involves the persistent eating of non-food items such as plastic, fabric, wool, or other materials. This behavior can be dangerous as it can cause gastrointestinal obstructions, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

What Causes Pica in Cats?

The exact causes of pica in cats are not well understood, but it is believed to be related to behavioral, medical, or nutritional factors. Some cats may engage in pica due to boredom, stress, or anxiety, while others may have a medical condition that causes them to crave non-food items. Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances may also contribute to pica.

Behavioral

Some cats may engage in pica due to boredom, stress, or anxiety. They may find comfort in chewing or eating non-food items, which can become a compulsive behavior over time.

Medical

Cats with certain medical conditions may be more prone to pica, such as 

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus,

• Diabetes

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Eating nonfood items can increase your chances of getting inflammatory bowel disease, a condition in which symptoms of IBD include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.

• Intestinal Parasites 

Why cats with certain medical conditions may be more prone to pica?

There is no direct evidence that Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Diabetes, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Intestinal Parasites cause pica in cats. However, it is possible that these conditions may indirectly contribute to the development of pica by causing discomfort, pain, or malabsorption of nutrients in cats, which can lead to abnormal behaviors such as eating non-food items.

For example, cats with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) may experience abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, which can make them more likely to seek out unusual objects to eat. Similarly, cats with intestinal parasites may experience discomfort or irritation in the digestive tract, which can lead to abnormal eating behaviors. In addition, cats with Diabetes may have increased appetite due to changes in insulin levels, which can lead to overeating and a higher risk of ingesting non-food items.

Nutritional

Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances may also contribute to pica behavior. For example, cats who do not receive adequate fiber in their diet may be more likely to eat non-food items.

Genetics

Pica is most common in certain breeds such as Siamese cats, Burmese cats, Tonkinese cats, and other Oriental breeds of cats, leading to the thought that there may be a genetic component with specific familial traits. However, other domestic cats with no known Oriental ancestry may also suffer from pica.

At What Age Does This Occur?

Pica in cats can occur at any age, but it is more commonly observed in young cats and kittens. The behavior can begin as early as 3 months of age and can continue into adulthood if not addressed. 

Pica in Cats Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of pica in cats is the persistent eating of non-food items. This behavior can include chewing or ingesting materials such as plastic, fabric, wool, or other materials. If left untreated, pica can lead to serious health problems such as gastrointestinal obstructions, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Other symptoms of pica in cats may include:

Vomiting or diarrhea

If your cat starts vomiting and you notice nonfood in the vomit, you may have pica. It is also possible that you have a cat who is vomiting due to intestinal obstruction caused by pica.

Weight loss or poor appetite

Cats who fill their stomachs with non-food may not want to eat their food. A sudden loss of appetite in a normally healthy cat is a sign that something may be wrong.

Abdominal pain or discomfort

Symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort occur when cats eat non-food items that cause intestinal obstruction

Changes in behavior such as increased aggression or anxiety

Cat behavior problems are often one of the first clues owners get about underlying health issues. If your cat isn’t acting like their usual self, it may have a behavioral condition that is causing pica.

Pica in Cats Treatment

If you suspect that your cat is engaging in pica behavior, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the behavior and may involve a combination of behavioral modification, environmental enrichment, medication, or dietary changes.

• Behavioral modification: Behavioral modification techniques such as positive reinforcement training can be used to discourage pica behavior in cats. Providing appropriate toys and environmental enrichment can also help to keep cats entertained and prevent boredom.

• Environmental enrichment: Providing your cat with a variety of toys and environmental enrichment can help to keep them entertained and reduce the likelihood of pica behavior. Consider providing your cat with scratching posts, interactive toys, and hiding treats around the house for them to find.

• Medication: In some cases, medication may be necessary to treat underlying medical conditions that contribute to pica behavior. Anti-anxiety medication may also be prescribed to help reduce stress and anxiety in cats.

• Nutrition Supplement: Since nutritional deficiencies are a potential cause of pica in cats, make sure you’re choosing a healthy food option. 

Correct taste and restore metabolism Nourish skin and improve immunity Supplement the calcium in pets’ need Improve pica Ingredients Ferric glycine complex, zinc methionine complex, copper glycine complex, manganese methionine complex, calcium iodate.

• Dietary changes: Changing your cat's diet to one that is more nutritionally balanced and includes adequate fiber may also help to reduce pica behavior. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that is appropriate for your cat's individual needs.

In conclusion, pica is a condition in cats where they eat non-food items such as plastic, fabric, wool, or other materials. It can be caused by behavioral, medical, or nutritional factors, and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. If you suspect that your cat is engaging in pica behavior, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.