What Is Pica in Cats?
Pica is defined as the consistent chewing, sucking, or consumption of inappropriate and inedible materials, most commonly seen with cardboard, fabric, paper, plants, plastic, rubber, soil, and wood. Pica is not very common, but because the material ingested is inedible, it will cause stomach upset and can also become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract causing multiple conditions, including being life-threatening if left untreated. Surgery is often required.
The science of this disorder is not well understood, but the behavior eventually becomes obsessive due to increased reward sensations from the behavior itself, which promotes more of the behavior. Pica isn’t always the sign of an underlying health issue, but the results can be devastating—including health risks to the cat, damage to the pet parent’s belongings, and erosion of the human-animal bond.
help to engage or calm your cat, such as:
Teaching your cat how to walk on a leash, or playing with them more often
Installing a “catio,” or more perches or cat trees in your home
Using feeder puzzles or toys
You may also want to consider more chew toys as suitable alternatives.
Reduction of Stress
Stress can be a major factor in inappropriate behavior in cats. Sometimes just moving the furniture around can put them in a bewildered mood! By making sure your cat has easy access to plenty of litter boxes, and their food and water bowls, and ensuring positive cat-to-cat interactions within the home, you help keep your cat’s stress levels down. Calming products such as Feliway, a synthetic pheromone spray, collar, or diffuser, may also be helpful in decreasing stress in the home.
Avoidance/Prevention
Pica-proofing your home and preventing access to your cat’s preferred items can certainly curb this behavior. While easier said than done, using baby gates, shutting doors, closing trash cans and cupboards, and even using a harness and leash when supervised can prevent a trip to the emergency room.
Deterrents
"No-chew sprays” can be used as a deterrent for preferred objects. Additionally, canned air or loud noises such as yelling “No!” or shaking a can of rocks when caught in the act can be effective at deterring the behavior.
Natural Remedies for Pica in Cats
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of research to show whether natural remedies can aid in eliminating pica behavior. As for other home remedies, be careful with over-the-counter products, as cats are extremely sensitive to many, and toxicities can develop even with the smallest of doses, including essential oils. Always discuss with your veterinarian the proposed benefits and risks of any home remedies before you try them with your cat.
Recovery and Management of Pica in Cats
Pica can be a difficult and challenging condition to treat, let alone manage, and being patient and working closely with your veterinarian while being open to trying different recommendations is paramount to success. Fortunately, for most cats this condition can be managed effectively, while most kittens simply grow out of the behavior.
If you catch your cat in the act, redirecting the behavior toward something else or offering a tasty treat may be enough to curb the behavior in the moment. Limiting or blocking your cat’s access to preferred items can also be a simple way to keep your cat safe. And should you notice your cat ingesting anything inappropriate, an immediate trip to the veterinarian for treatment may prevent a costly surgery. Be vigilant for signs of a gastrointestinal obstruction, which can include lethargy, decreased appetite or thirst, failure to pass stool or straining while defecating, and vomiting.
By Michael Kearley, DVM
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