What is Pica – Louise's Pet Services

What is Pica?

Have you ever caught your cat chewing on clothes, toilet paper, plastic toys, or even rubber items? If so, your cat may be suffering from a condition known as Pica.

Pica is a compulsion to eat non-food items, and for many years, it was considered to be a purely behavioural problem. Pet owners were often advised to discourage the behaviour through training.

We understand now that Pica is more complex. In many cases, it is a symptom of an underlying medical problem causing vitamin deficiencies. Even if you're feeding your cat a high-quality, well-balanced diet, their body may not be properly absorbing the nutrients.

Malnutrition Causes

Cats with Pica are usually suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Conditions like IBD can lead to malabsorption, where your cat’s digestive system cannot effectively absorb essential nutrients from food. Over time, this nutrient deficiency may manifest as abnormal cravings and behaviours, such as eating non-food items.

Aside from gastrointestinal disorders, cats with Pica may have one of the following underlying conditions:

Parasitic worm infestations
Food allergies or dietary sensitivities
Poor dental health

Other Symptoms to Look Out for

If your cat is displaying signs of Pica, it’s important to watch out for the following symptoms:

Diarrhoea
Constipation
Lack of appetite
Vomiting

These signs, combined with Pica behaviour, should prompt a consultation with your vet to rule out or diagnose any medical problems.

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When Behavioural Therapy Can Help

Once medical causes have been thoroughly investigated, anxiety medication, environmental changes and behavioural therapy can play an essential role in resolving Pica.

If your feline friend is showing signs of Pica, don’t wait. Contact me today, and together we can create a personalised plan to improve your cat’s quality of life.