Cat question please any advice with something to get cat from eating...?

Question

Hello everyone, thanks in advance for your kind answers.

I have spoken about my cat before. He is 1 year old and should have been a dog. He eats everything. I have had to keep the bathroom doors shut, then turn kleenex boxes over and shut doors. He eats carpet fibers, tries to chew on metal and even my fridge. About a month ago, he ate my pajamas and vomitted it up and became really sick. Vet decided he probably had asthma because of the dry heaving he had. He never did it before.

Now he ate my newspaper, glad tie string to my garbage bag (he never ate that before), He ate his collar so much, it won't fit him, and he ate my throw pillows. I tried bitter apple spray and he licks it. It is not a deterant for him.

Does anyone have anything out there that I could spray on everything? He is breathing fast again and dry heaving like he did when I asked questions last time, only not as bad yet. I give him Laxair to help get rid of whatever else is in there.

I just want to know if anyone has any safe ideas to keep him from eating anything and everything. The only other thing I can think of is putting him in a cage when I am not home to keep him safe.

Something that actually works and you have tried. Thanks again.

No, he is not normal. He has been to 2 vets, one that just wants my money, and these people. He is on a special diet because he had kidney and liver failure from the bad food that was tainted. He is on a mix of K/D and I/D prescription diet food, dry and wet.

Yes, my roommate said he should have been a goat. I will try to find some sort of citrus spray.

Michael W. That is not even funny. My cat eats and is 10 pounds. He has dry food out at all times and eats it. He also gets wet food twice a day because he gets medicine and I have to mix it. If you read above, you will see that I mentioned what he eats......

Answer 1

Hi Stephanie...Medically scientists have determined that cats who suck, lick, chew non-edible items suffer from a condition called PICA. This is common among kittens who were weaned early and seen in many Asian breed of cats as well. Here's an article about PICA by University of California Davis on what is PICA and how to treat it: 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.

Treatment:

To rule out medical causes, a veterinarian should examine all cats displaying pica. Once your veterinarian gives your cat a clean bill of health, discuss with them what steps you can take to modify your cat's behavior. These may include the following:


1) Remove targeted items - Placing clothing, blankets, houseplants and electric cords out of the reach of your cat is often the easiest solution. Storage containers, electric cord guards, and other useful items are available at most home supply stores.

2) Provide alternative items to chew or eat - Food-dispensing toys, durable cat toys, or pieces of rawhide can be used to redirect your cat's chewing behavior to more appropriate and safe items (see handout). For cats attracted to houseplants, small flowerpots of grass or catnip can be planted and kept indoors. Birdfeed can be used as a safe source of plant seed.

3) Provide lots of structured play - Many cats chew on household items out of boredom. Provide interactive toys and set aside time each day to play with your cat.

4) Increase dietary fiber - It may help to increase the amount of fiber in your cat's diet. Besides providing more dietary fiber, high fiber foods usually contain fewer calories. Your cat may be able to satisfy their craving to eat more while still maintaining their weight. Consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat's diet.

5) Make targeted items aversive - Occasionally, applying aversive substances (e.g. hot sauce, Bitter Apple®, Bandguard®) to an item may deter a cat from chewing it. If this is not possible, spraying strong smelling substances (e.g. citrus air freshener, potpourri) or using physical deterrents (e.g. upside down carpet runner, Ssscat®, Snappy Trainers®) around an object may prevent cats from approaching.

6) Consult with a veterinary behaviorist - If your cat continues to ingest non-food items, referral to a veterinary behaviorist is recommended. Further environmental and behavior modification plans, specifically tailored to your pet, may be needed. In some cases, medication may be helpful.

Answer 2

I hate the idea of confining a cat however, in this case it sounds as if it is necessary for his own safety...the below links is to an out door cat cage that, if you had a room big enough could be kept inside:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11881&N=2002+113873
you could use bricks or large books to hold down the ropes instead of ground posts; and you could give him chew-proof or chew safe toys that are interactive with the cat while they are in the cage and you are not home:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=7348&Ntt=cat%20toys&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2002&Nty=1
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=17656&Ntt=cat%20toys&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2002&Nty=1
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3182&Ntt=cat%20toys&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2002&Nty=1
all toys should be about the size of a ping-pong ball and not have any small pieces which the cat can chew off...I actually suggest a ping-pong ball inside a large bowl or high-sided pan (my cat loves it! we also have toys that dispense treats for him when we're not home)
I'm so sorry that your cat has been through so much in life at such a young age, you seem very loving and he is lucky to have you.

Answer 3

I truly think he may have a deficiency of some kind.......
Maybe it's time to speak with a different vet......
I've had cats for over 40 years. I am thinking that this isn't even close to normal

Answer 4

Those cone cat collars which keep cats from chewing at bandages after an operation COULD be an option, if only to keep his face from getting near anything he could ingest.

Answer 5

sounds like you have your hands full with that little rascal there...i have never heard of a cat that acted that way...maybe he was a goat in a previous life...i wouldnt crate him when i wasnt home, however, i would confine him to a small "rascal-proofed" area such as a spare bedroom or bathroom...good luck i heard that cats dont like the smell or taste of citrus....look into that one

Answer 6

Try giving him some food then maybe he will stop eating your house.