Strange Cat Cravings and What They May Mean
Does your furry feline have strange cravings? Does she eat weird things? Does this just mean that she is quirky or could her strange behavior be an indicator of a health problem?
When a cat begins eating nonfood items she is known as having the behavior known as pica. Most of the time this behavior will develop when a cat is young and still considered a kitten. This behavior may develop because she has been weaned too soon.
For some cats, this is just a normal behavior. For other cats, this may indicate a problem has arisen, especially if this is a new behavior that has just begun.
Wool is one of the things most cats will suck or eat on the most. Oriental breed of cats, especially love the taste and feel of wool. However, so do other breeds of cats. Other items that cats seem to enjoy sucking on are: their owner's arms, their owner's hair, earlobes, fleece, stuffed animals, and other types of fabrics.
As the cat continues to suck and chew on items, they may move from the standard items and move on to items such as: electric cords, shoe laces, plastic, paper, and even shower curtains. This can cause problems in the home and even danger to the cat.
What Causes Cat Pica?
Many things can cause a cat to develop pica. The main reason is believed to the cat being weaned too early. However, only issues could cause this disorder to develop, too. Such as:
- Dietary Deficiencies (including not having enough iron in her diet)
- Medical Problems (including diseases such as leukemia and diabetes)
- Heredity
- Environment Issues (is the cat bored? Is the cat getting enough exercise?)
- Compulsive Disorder (yes, even cats can suffer from this compulsion, just as a human can).
What Should You Do If You Cat Is Suffering From Pica
First, remove the tempting items from your cat's reach. Remember some of the items that she is chewing on could cause your cat real harm. It could even cause her to suffer from internal blockage. Next make an appointment with your vet to discuss the issue. Finally, make sure you give your feline friend plenty of affection, play time and exercise.
Sources:
Published by Linda M. McCloud
Freelance writer living in Ohio, who is striving to learn more each day, especially about topics that relates to health, wellness, diet, weight loss & exercise. Enjoys taking what I learn and sharing it with... View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentMost interesting! I have an adult cat that will chew on a tissue if she can get ahold of one. We keep them out of her reach.
My cat loves to try and eat my hair :)
Puuurrrrfect! LOL We are cat lovers and I perceive that you are too my friend. We are in fact cat rescuers so this article is near and dear to us.
Love my kitties :) Glad they don't have pica!
I had a Siamese cat that like to eat my skeins of wool. A friend said said that she knew of a wool-eating Siamese, too. Very colorful litter box!
Our cat eats grass every once in a while.
excellent - thanks:) Cats are adorable and thankfully it is easy to see when something is off in their behavior.
My cat loves cheese. It doesn't matter if it's from a taco, or if it's a chunk. He will cry and cry until you give him some. But I love him, so I give in. I hope it's not hurting him.