Mary Allen
Pica syndrome is an eating disorder that can occur in cats. Here you can find out how you can tell whether your cat is affected and what the right therapy looks like.
If your cat eats plastic more often or nibbles on different types of furniture, this can be very unhealthy for them. Behind this behavior is usually the so-called pica syndrome – an eating disorder that absolutely must be treated.
This is Pica Syndrome if, for example, your cat:
- nibbles on your sweater or pants.
- chewed parts of blankets or sheets.
- eats hair ties.
- gnaws on the carpet.
- nibbles on plastic objects.
Don’t confuse pica syndrome with your cat’s normal behavior. If she scratches the couch or bites your hand, it’s not OCD. Here you can find out what Pica Syndrome really is and why you should definitely have your affected cat treated.
Pica Syndrome is Dangerous
The word “pica” comes from the Latin word for “magpie” (“pica-pica”), which picks up everything, as affected cats do to a certain extent. When a cat has pica syndrome, it chews, licks, or swallows something it cannot digest. This can lead to poisoning, damage to the digestive tract, or intestinal blockage. All of this can be life-threatening for the cat.
Pica syndrome usually occurs in cats within the first year of life. The eating disorder can last for several years.
Help if the Cat Has Swallowed Something
If pica syndrome is not recognized or treated in time, the cat will most likely eventually swallow plastic, wool, or even pieces of wood. The cat should then always be taken to the vet, even if the foreign body is passed out again without any problems. Finally, the cause of why the cat is eating indigestible must be found.
It’s a medical emergency when the cat has swallowed a foreign object, vomits on it for a period of time, and the vomit smells like feces. Then see the veterinarian as soon as possible!
The vet will tend to the cat and find out why it is chewing on things it shouldn’t be eating.
Causes of Pica Syndrome
Since mostly oriental cat breeds such as the Siamese cat or the Burmese cat are affected by Pica Syndrome, experts assume that this obsessive-compulsive disorder is inherited. Certain factors could then lead to the eventual onset of pica syndrome. This includes
- stress
- boredom
- loneliness
- early weaning
A move, a new owner, or loud visitors can mean a lot of stress for the cat. Bored indoor cats in particular are often affected by pica syndrome. It’s also common for cats who don’t get enough attention and feel lonely.
If a kitten is separated from its mother too early or no longer breastfed, this can also trigger pica syndrome. Kittens relax while sucking and swallowing. This reflex is not untrained but persists if the young cat is weaned too quickly or too early from the cat’s mother.
Cats may also chew on clothing, plastic, or wood due to illness or deficiencies. For example, cats that are deficient in key nutrients often eat kitty litter. The vet can examine whether the cat is suffering from a deficiency or an underlying disease, such as anemia, liver or kidney damage.
Treating Pica Syndrome in Cats
After the cause of pica syndrome has been found, the cat should be treated accordingly. In any case, it helps to focus the feed more on crude fiber, i.e. to feed it dry food instead of wet food. It can also help affected cats if they are given their food in portions that they would find in nature. That means you can offer your cat “mouse-sized” chunks of meat or chicken necks. So the cat can chew a lot while eating and is busy.
If the cat is suffering from pica syndrome because she is stressed or bored, you should change the circumstances. Avoid the stress trigger and keep your cat busy, for example with exciting games. Furnish your home cat-friendly, so that they don’t get bored.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, like pica syndrome, can also be treated with psychotropic drugs in cats. Professional behavioral therapy is also conceivable.
Important: Never punish your cat for behavior typical of pica syndrome. It makes sense for the cat to nibble on things because it makes them feel good. She wouldn’t understand what she’s doing wrong.
It is always a good idea to keep the objects that the cat licks or nibbles out of its reach. In any case, consult your veterinarian. He can recommend a therapy that suits your cat individually.