Does your cat chew or eat non-food items compulsively? There's a name for that: Pica
flickr photo courtesy of notemily
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.
For further reading on pica, click here.
Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com and owner of Professional Pet Sitting. Shoot her an email or contact her at 734-904-7279.
Comments
Ryan Munson
Wed, Apr 20, 2011 : 2:34 a.m.
So what spm says. My cat has this fascination of licking wood whenever I come home. She only licks wood that seems to have a medium toned finish like my cherry bed-side table. I currently have a couple unpainted primed doors. She seems to be fond of those as well. I think she does it out of excitement because I am not around much.
Lorrie Shaw
Wed, Apr 20, 2011 : 2:43 a.m.
That's interesting, Ryan. I think that you're on to something. Cats are very attached to their people, despite what many think. They love company! Out of the species, here, but I know of a dog that has an obsessive licking behavior that he only seems to exhibit when both of his people are home for the day. It seems to be exciting for him, and the licking is his way of manifesting it. Thanks for adding your comment - undoubtedly other people are reading this and nodding their heads because they can relate.
servermonkey
Tue, Apr 19, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
This headline is misleading. A cat who chews things does not necessarily have Pica. It is important to see a veterinarian (I realize the author did this but the headline has been killing me all day) to truly determine whether your cat has Pica, some other medical condition causing the behavior (such as Anemia), or if by chewing things like blind pulls and electric cords, your cat is just being... a cat.
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Apr 19, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.
servermonkey: I never stated that a cat that chews things has pica. I stated that a cat that chews things *compulsively* (as stated in the headline) could very well have pica and should see a vet to figure out if that's the case, why it's happening and how to correct it. Yes, sometimes, cats just chew things. It's no big deal, unless it's something dangerous - like an electrical cord - and then they need to be deterred of course. Perhaps I was not clear in defining my own cats' behavior: Silver was indeed compulsive. More than one phone cord was chewed (and replaced), as were all of the blind cords, several other electrical appliance cords (including a hairdryer). My apologies if I was not clear - I appreciate your comment! :)
spm
Tue, Apr 19, 2011 : 7 p.m.
I had a cat who use to lick wood and plastic, she lived for 18 years so I guess it wasn't too bad for her. Another cat would suck on my night gown while settling down for the night with me. He was rescued as a very small kitten so I'm sure he was weaned too young.
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Apr 19, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.
spm: You're right - some of the cats out there exhibiting that behavior, like yours, aren't any worse for the wear from it. But for some, they can begin what vets call some "serious ingestive" behavior, leading to intestinal obstruction, poisoning, etc. I'm so glad to hear that you had your cat in your life for so long! Cats are great! Thanks for your comments!
Top Cat
Tue, Apr 19, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
My cat Beasers chews on something compulsively....my right hand.
Lorrie Shaw
Tue, Apr 19, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.
Ouch, Top Cat! Cats are amazing creatures, aren't they? Silver has become quite a gentleman in his adulthood, but he has his moments. This spring is doing a number on his brain, as is the female cat next door. :( Thanks for chiming in!