

To correct nutritional deficits caused by poor diets Veterinary recommended supplements rich in Vitamins B1, C, E etc., along with High protein content food would help fight nutritional deficiencies which result into pica Behavior Modification Techniques:Įnvironmental enrichment techniques such as providing stimulating toys and activities can redirect their attention away from destructive chewing habits.Īlso stress relief routines like massage therapy along with calming medications prescribed by veterinarians has been successful against cases arising because of anxiety disorders. Eliminating parasites through deworming medication could lead complete cure from PICA Nutritional Supplements: If it’s due to an underlying health condition such as FeLV/FIV,it will require treatment with antibiotics. Some common treatments include: Medical Treatment:

Once the underlying causes are identified, there are several effective treatments available for managing pica in cats. Additionally, they may also run blood tests or take X-rays to get a better picture of what could be causing this behavior. The vet will look for underlying medical conditions such as malabsorption issues that can cause nutritional deficiencies and other problems associated with PICA. The diagnosis of pica involves a physical examination and comprehensive review of your cat’s medical history. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to bring your feline friend to a veterinarian for evaluation. Vomiting after consuming these substances.Consumption of non-food items like paper, plastic or household items.If your cat is eating non-food items, the signs may include: The symptoms of PICA are generally easy to spot. Dental Issues : When they suffer from dental problems like gum disease and toothache they tend to have discomfort while chewing food and therefore turn towards consuming unusual objectsĪlthough there are several factors associated with the development of pica in cats,it’s always important to rule out any underlying medical conditions before treatment.Medical Condition: There are medical conditions such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) / Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), intestinal parasites etc which could cause malabsorption issues leading to deficiencies hence resulting into PICA.Boredom or Stress: An environment lacking stimulation can lead to stress which makes some cats seek solace by indulging in inappropriate chewing as well as eating habits.Nutritional Deficiencies: If your cat has an inadequate diet or is not getting enough nutrients,is more likely to develop pica as their body tries to get these essential elements from other sources.Some experts believe that it may be due to nutritional deficiencies or boredom while others suggest that genetic predisposition can play a role. There are many reasons why cats develop pica. In this article, we will explore what causes pica in cats, its symptoms, diagnosis methods and effective treatments. This eating disorder can have serious consequences for your cat’s health if left untreated. Pica is defined as the consumption of non-food items and is commonly observed in cats. While it may seem harmless at first, this behavior can be indicative of a condition called pica. Maybe they chew on plastic bags, lick the walls, or even eat paper. Pica in Cats: Understanding and Addressing this Common Eating DisorderĪs a cat owner, you may have noticed that your feline friend occasionally nibbles on non-food substances.
