MedicationĬertain medications are often prescribed to aid in eliminating or treating compulsive or anxiety-related behaviors. These diets, which contain nutrients like hydrolyzed milk protein and L-tryptophan, also help decrease stress in cats. If pica stems from a nutritional deficiency, then consult with your veterinarian and consider altering your cat’s diet to a high-quality, commercially fed cat food or prescription-based food such as Royal Canin®/MD Calmor Hill’s c/d MultiCare. The following are some protocols that can help: Diet Treatment of pica in cats is often complex and multi-layered, and consultation with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your cat is recommended. There is no diagnostic test specifically for pica, so often a combination of the above and other tests may be needed to arrive at a diagnosis. Screening tests such as baseline bloodwork, urine testing, and stool examinations will most likely be performed, in addition to a detailed history and physical exam. If your cat is displaying signs of pica, seek veterinary attention to help rule out underlying medical conditions. Pyruvate kinase deficiency:Lack of an enzyme needed for red blood cells results in anemia. Parasites and other infections, such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) Genetics:Some breeds, such as Siamese and Burmese, have higher incidences of pica than others, although any cat can be affected. Pica can be challenging to pinpoint to a single cause, although several have been implicated, such as:īehavioral conditionsthat arise from anxiety, stress, boredom, or compulsion: The behavior may have started innocently, but has become obsessive over time.Įarly weaning or lack of socialization:Pica is seen more often in younger cats.Įndocrine diseases: such as diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, anemia(low red blood cell counts), and liver disease. Cats can also exhibit other symptoms associated with pica or its results, such as: The hallmark symptom noted with pica is the actual behavior itself-chewing, sucking, or ingesting non-edible materials. 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. 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 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. 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.
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