![]() those living exclusively indoors, or those that may be particularly susceptible to stress. Sufferers tend to have restricted lifestyle, e.g. What should I do if my cat eats wool or other material? ![]() constipation (straining unproductively).If you know your cat suffers from pica, it is important to be vigilant and monitor for signs of a blockage in the intestines. What signs should I look for if my cat has a blockage? Sections of the gut may need to be removed in severe cases but, despite this, cats usually do make a full recovery afterwards. Many substances eaten as a result of Pica can’t be digested in the same way as food and there’s a risk it will cause an obstruction in the intestines and require surgery (called a laparotomy) to remove the material (referred to as a ‘foreign body’). It’s not fully understood why, but one theory suggests that the act of chewing causes chemicals to be released in the ‘pica brain’ producing a feeling of intense pleasure and this becomes addictive. This behaviour is highly rewarding to sufferers and many will go to great lengths to find their favourite materials. A cat suffering from Pica will take the object in its mouth and grind repeatedly with the back-molar teeth before swallowing in a sequence that can take just a few seconds. Many cats will chew and tear at objects when playing, but if pieces are torn off they’re not consumed. For others, the habit can continue well into adulthood and be resistant to intervention. Some kittens at the age of three months or younger are already in the habit of chewing their bedding, but may grow out of this as they mature. Other materials made of rubber, leather, wood, plastic, cellophane, paper and cardboard are also popular. However this can pass to other natural and synthetic fabrics, with some cats preferring one particular texture. In Oriental breeds pica is predominantly referred to as ‘wool eating’ as this is the most common material chosen. It’s most common in certain breeds, such as Siamese, Burmese, Tonkinese and other Oriental types, which suggests there may be a genetic component with the trait passing down family lines, but other domestic cats with no known Oriental ancestry can also suffer from pica. If the habit just seems too tough to break, and your kitty keeps nibbling on the wooden drum stick, shoe laces, or trash bags, it might be time to employ some sour or spicy taste deterrents.Pica is a term used to describe the consumption of non-edible materials. If your kitty doesn’t seem as interested in the new chewable toys you bought her, consider rubbing them in catnip to see if that will be sufficient enticement. The point here is to keep the cat occupied and entertained, so that she won’t be sniffing out strange objects to munch on. Does she love the furry fake mouse you bought her? What that rubber fish a popular toy when you first brought it home? Consider buying a feather toy that attaches to a wall, that she could bat away at for hours. Distract the cat with chew toys and new games.Whatever interests your cat, increase the time you spend doing that hobby. Some cat breeds (such as Ragdolls) enjoy playing fetch with their owners, while others just want to chase around the remote-control mouse, or the laser beam on the wall. When you come home from work, play with her, or work on some new tricks. Maybe it’s time to get a cat leash and go for daily walks. Instead of leaving your kitty to her own devices, add some extra play time. Have you ever had a nervous habit like biting the tip of your pencil during a long lecture in class, chewing your nails or biting your lip? Like humans, cats develop habits when they are bored or unable to explore new territories. By increasing the fiber in your cat’s meals, or by adding supplements, minerals, and canned food with macrobiotics, and fruits and veggies, the problem of cat pica might be solved. Oftentimes, pica occurs when a cat is craving the fiber that her regular diet does not provide. By closing doors, or even using ultrasonic devices to create invisible barriers, your cat will simply be removed from things she could attempt to eat. Does your furry Persian like to peruse (and chew on) the papers strewn on your desk? Consider keeping the door of the office closed so that she won’t go in. If the vet determines that there is no severe health concern, and that the pica is merely behavioral, below are some helpful steps you can take to discourage your cat from eating random objects If you notice a pattern of your cat gravitating toward inedible items, and attempting to eat them, then the first course of action is to find out if there is a medical issue to address. There may be several reasons that your cat has the behavioral issue of pica, yet because it could be a signal for a concerning health problem, visiting the vet is necessary.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |