However, for some, the habit continues well into adulthood and can be highly resistant to intervention.
Some kittens arrive in their new home at the age of three months or even younger already chewing their bedding but may grow out of the habit as they mature. Objects made of rubber, wood, leather, plastic, cellophane, paper and cardboard are also popular. However, this consumption can generalise to other natural and synthetic fabrics, with some individuals favouring one particular texture. The behaviour seen predominantly in the Oriental breeds is referred to as ‘wool eating’ as this is often the material chosen. However other domestic cats with no known Oriental ancestry can also suffer from pica. It is most frequently seen in certain breeds, such as Siamese, Burmese, Tonkinese and other Oriental types, leading to the suggestion that there may be a genetic component with the trait passing down particular family lines. Either way, it can be fatal to a cat.Pica is a term used to describe the consumption of non-edible materials. Chewing on power cords can be a major problem so is ingesting foreign materials, which can cause blockage in the stomach or intestine. While occasional chewing on items should not be a problem, pica could be dangerous. If all other possibilities, such as a medical issue, have been ruled out, pica may be a compulsive disorder.Īlthough it mainly shows up in younger cats, pica can also appear in older cats as well. Cats may also be seeking attention, be hungry or be attracted to scents (grocery bags that contain meats for example). Environmental ConditionsĬats can get bored and therefore may need more mental or physical stimulation. RELATED: 5 Foods You Should Never Feed Cats Medical Issuesīesides feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency (or FIV), pica can also be associated with diabetes or brain tumors. Eating cat litter might mean the cat is anemic. While it’s normal for cats to eat a bit of grass, eating a large amount of plant material could mean something is missing from your cat’s diet.
Wool sucking could be more of a nursing behavior, which is related to kneading. Wool sucking is seen more commonly in Siamese and Birman cats (not to be confused with Burmese cats). In any case, a cat needs to be examined by a veterinarian since pica can be caused by several things. However, pica can be associated with several diseases, such as feline immunodeficiency or feline leukemia. Some cats may find other strange items irresistible: paper, plastic grocery bags, houseplants, carpet and even electrical cords. This means fuzzy items, such as sweaters, stuffed animals, towels and fleece, will fall victim to this behavior. The younger the kitten, the greater the urge to nurse and the more likely she will suck on wool. For example, there is a behavior called “wool sucking,” which occurs in cats who are weaned too soon. The urge to eat non-food items is known as pica, and is common for many cats. Traditional Classroom Environment in Los Angeles CaliforniaĪs with some humans, cats are known to eat strange things.
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