2007-01-17 10:40:45 · 11 answers · asked by Tammy B 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi Tammy...some cats eat, lick, chew, suckle on non-edibles as a result of a condition called PICA.
Here's more on PICA by UC Davis Veterinary Medicine:
http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html
Pica: The Un-finicky Feline
Chewing or eating cords, fabric, houseplants, etc.
What is Pica?
Pica is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, cats may chew or suck on objects, but not actually swallow them. Common targets include yarn or string, fabric, wool, phone or electric cords, and plants. Any object may be a potential target, however.
Why is Pica Dangerous?
Other than its destructive potential, pica can be extremely hazardous to your cat's health if non-food items are consumed. Ingested fabric, string, or other materials can lodge in your cat's stomach or intestine. The blockage prevents the passage of food and may cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions. Cat's that chew on power cords may be electrocuted. Additionally, many common houseplants are toxic to cats; chewing or eating these plants can cause a wide range of symptoms from drooling to death. If your cat has a history of ingesting non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or displays other concerning behavior, take them to your veterinarian immediately.
Why Does My Cat Eat/Chew on Non-food Items?
No one knows exactly why some cats exhibit pica behavior. Because pica has been associated with a variety of diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, a veterinarian should examine any cat with pica. A genetic component is also suspected since wool or fabric sucking/chewing is more commonly found in Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats. Although it is normal for cats to eat small amounts of grass, consumption of large amounts of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness. Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons for pica can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior.
...please see website for full details on how to treat PICA
2007-01-17 12:07:29 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the cat is just looking for a chew toy... even though he has toys. Sometimes kitties just prefer random items. My cats like toilet paper rolls, hair ties (fabric ones) and anything else that rolls. It's normal for your cat to do this. I just make sure that anything important or the least bit dangerous is hidden. Good luck with the kitty!
2007-01-17 11:44:45 · answer #2 · answered by Somanyquestions,solittletime 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just brought a 14 yr old rescue cat into my home. He eats paper! I have always left bills to be paid out on my desk and have had to buy folders from the drug store to put all my papers out of his reach. None of my other cats has ever touched these things.
So it isn't just a kitten thing. Who knows why he does it????????
2007-01-17 11:03:08 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a cat that loves toilet paper, plastic, paper anything she can get her cute little paws on and i dont know why because all my other cats dont bother stuff like her...once when i was closing on my house the next day i left my cashiers check on the counter when i went to bed and when i woke up the next day there were puncture marks where she sunk her teeth into it...ironically her name is Angel
2007-01-17 10:48:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fact that he IS a 5-6mo old kitten. You've got to remember that they are always looking for trouble
2007-01-17 10:46:25 · answer #5 · answered by cs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your kitten might be looking for vitamins that he/she might not be getting from it's regular food. Try taking it outside to eat some grass(believe it or not they do) it could be sick too...or it might have worms--has it seen the vet yet?
2007-01-17 12:08:20 · answer #6 · answered by STARS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does the nutrition you have her on actual have iron because of the fact not all of them do. decrease lower back on the milk and enable her scream it out because of the fact too lots milk could make a newborn anemic too. i might take her to a different wellbeing practitioner for a 2d opinion. She sounds like she has something referred to as p.c... look it up.
2016-10-07 07:45:06 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is a kitten .... and will chew up and play with anything that he can get his paws into .... you will have to keep him in a secure area when you are not there until he grows out of it.
2007-01-17 10:49:15 · answer #8 · answered by ~*common sense*~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mayb wanted to try something new.my kittens do that all the time. expesially with my brush. wierd huh
2007-01-17 10:46:13 · answer #9 · answered by victoria b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just being a toddler and seeing what everything taste like and feels like.
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2007-01-17 10:44:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋