Does your cat chew or eat non-food items compulsively? There's a name for that: Pica

flickr photo courtesy of notemily

I have always said that our cat, Silver was more destructive in the house than either dog ever was, even in their young years.

He would chew things compulsively. Finding that the telephone cord was chewed, as well as the pull cords to the new wooden blinds that had just been installed, was disconcerting. Later, there were other odd items, like toothbrushes that were left out that would come under attack by our cute bundle of fur.

At first, we thought that it was because he was unhappy with us and that he was doing it out of spite. We later learned that it was more of a behavioral issue, after ruling out any medical causes.

After talking further with our veterinarian, we discovered that the behavior had a clearly defined name — pica. Pica is characterized by an appetite for non-food items, or a compulsion to chew on them. The behavior is not limited to animals; humans have been known to take part in the behavior as well.

Luckily for us, Silver's chewing was limited to the previously aforementioned items, rendering the issue fairly easy to address, but some felines chew or suck on fabrics, especially wool. A behavior more common in cats — especially purebreds like Siamese and Burmese — the theory is that it stems from felines being weaned too early. Stress, feelings of anxiety and boredom can be other causes, as can illness and dietary deficiencies.

Eating or chewing on non-food items can pose obvious problems, so if your furry friend is exhibiting this behavior, it's very important to schedule a visit with your veterinarian to rule out any illnesses.

If necessary, adjustments in diet can be directed by your vet. You'll be glad to know that there are other simple ways to curb your kitties' compulsion, depending on the root of the problem.

Some cats need more stimulation: Engage your cat whenever you can with healthy play. When you're away, try toys that he can enjoy solo, like a ping-pong ball in a bathtub or a cat tree.
Help your cat de-stress: Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that promotes a sense of well-being in cats.
Offer smaller meals that are more engaging: Foraging toys are an excellent way to keep a cat occupied, especially if they are very food motivated.
Make the things that he likes less appealing: Try applying a deterrent, like Bitter Apple to those items that he's chewed on or tried to consume.