Feline pica disorder (pica in cats): common causes, symptoms & treatment

What is pica disorder?

The psychologically obsessive desire or consumption of items that are not typically meant for consumption is known as pica. A person/animal with pica, an eating disorder, obsessively consumes non-food items that are useless or have no nutritional value. However, if someone with this illness consumes something harmful or poisonous, it might lead to serious issues.

What is feline pica (pica in cats)?

Have you ever observed your feline gnawing on wool, plants, or even electrical cords? This behavior could be feline pica, which is more than just curiosity.

The practice of consuming stuff that isn’t meant to be food is known medically as pica. Both humans and animals, including dogs and cats, can experience pica, which is particularly common in pregnant women.

Cats may have a great desire to consume non-food objects. It’s no secret that cats typically follow their desires! A cat that exhibits pica has most likely been doing so for a while. Feline Pica can be used for a number of things in cats, such as entertainment, calming, or even trying to satiate a hunger.

PICA-afflicted cats may ingest or nibble on:

Grass or plants, Fabric, yarn, or wool, Rubber or plastic, Cords for electricity, Cardboard or paper.

If left unchecked, the overwhelming impulse can last for years. Although it can happen to cats of any age, it is slightly more common in younger cats. According to some experts, some cat breeds—especially Siamese and Oriental cats—are more likely to develop pica.

Feline pica disorder symptoms:

In feline pica disorder (pica in cats), observing a cat in the act is the clearest indication of pica. This can be challenging if you don’t spend every minute of your day with your cat. Because feline pica disorder can have negative implications, some symptoms that could be a sign of the disorder are as follows:

• Gagging or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Diminished appetite
• Weakness or lethargy
• Signs of missing or chewed household objects

Feline pica disorder causes:

In feline pica disorder (pica in cats), Even veterinarians still don’t fully understand feline pica, and each cat has a different underlying reason. Among the most widely postulated causes of pica in cats are:

A behavioral disorder:

In feline pica disorder (pica in cats), Cats that engage in pica, a taught activity, do so to relieve stress, boredom, or to satiate a primitive craving (e.g., to recreate the sensation of feeding as a kitten). These four cat habits should never be disregarded since they may indicate more serious problems.

Nutritional Requirements:

When a cat’s nutritional demands aren’t being satisfied, it can lead to pica, which manifests as hunger, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or a lack of fiber.

Feline illness:

In feline pica disorder (pica in cats), FIV, hyperthyroidism, anemia, feline leukemia, dental disease, diabetes, and other conditions can all be accompanied by pica.

Feline pica disorder treatment:

Do you think your feline may have pica? Contact a veterinarian right away if your cat’s health appears to be compromised or if you are extremely concerned. To find out if a physical ailment could be the cause, your cat’s veterinarian can do several tests.

In feline pica disorder (pica in cats), If you wish to treat your cat’s pica yourself, there are a few options to consider.

First, take away any cords, carpets, or blankets that he might like to chew on. or vegetation

Instead, give him safe chewing materials, like toys that can’t be destroyed.

To keep your cat happy and not bored, make sure he gets at least 30 minutes of playtime each day.

Finally, ask your veterinarian whether there is anything missing from your cat’s diet. Changing his diet could be a simple way to address the ongoing issue of pica!

A Story related to feline pica disorder(pica in cats):

Strings Attached:

Milo had always been a quirky feline. A lanky orange tabby who enjoys adventure and, strangely enough, shoelaces. Jasmine, his owner, became aware of his peculiar behavior when one of her sneakers inexplicably lost a lace overnight. She initially dismissed it with a laugh. She informed her roommate, “He’s just teething.” “He’ll get over it.”

He didn’t.

Anything stringy was fair game, including the cords of her earbuds, shoelaces, and hoodie drawstrings. Unlike most cats, Milo chewed, shredded, and occasionally swallowed them instead of just batting at them. Jasmine began searching his litter box for half-eaten strings. He even threw up a tangled knot of ribbon from a stolen birthday present once.

She took him to the veterinarian out of concern. She heard the diagnosis: “Your cat has pica,” following a battery of tests and an extremely costly ultrasound.

“Pica?” Jasmine raised an eyebrow in question.

The veterinarian clarified that it is a behavioral disorder. He is consuming non-food items. Strings and fabric for him. It may be extremely risky. He might require surgery if he swallows something that lodges in his intestines.

That was a powerful blow.

Jasmine took a long list of items to cat-proof, a packet of information, and a prescription for an anxiety-reducing drug with her when she left the clinic. Overnight, her apartment changed. The cords were concealed in plastic tubing or taped down. There were hidden drawstrings. Even gift bags, yarn, and ribbons vanished. Anything that resembled string was outlawed.

Milo’s cravings, however, continued.

Jasmine tried using toys, particularly ones that were chewable, to reroute him. She introduced him to a treat-dispensing ball, dangled feather wands, and placed crunchy-center catnip mice beneath the couch. When that didn’t work completely, she changed his diet with the veterinarian’s assistance, increasing the amount of fiber, B vitamins, and interactive feeding.

The temptation persisted, though. When Jasmine got home one evening, he was frantically pawing at her gym bag in an attempt to reach the drawstring. With a sigh, she took him in her arms.

“Why string, Milo, buddy?”

He licked her cheek and purred naively.

It eventually turned into a habit. Control, not cure. Jasmine worked around his triggers, which included stress, boredom, and her extended absences.

When she left the apartment, she began to leave puzzle feeders, and she even found a pet sitter who would come over after work.

Milo’s love for strings never faded. Jasmine, however, took care to ensure that he didn’t suffer as a result.

Lasers are chased by some cats. Laces were pursued by Milo.

All cats had peculiarities. He simply had conditions attached.