
Cats usually have this urge as a means to soothe or entertain themselves or to satisfy dietary cravings. Nutrient deficiencies stress or conditions such as Pica are also linked to cats licking metal. If your cat licks sucks or consumes objects around the home that are not food she could be suffering from a condition called pica. Some veterinarians believe that pica in cats is caused by a deficiency in fiber or fat. The cause of pica is unknown but experts speculate that it could be due to a number of causes such as being weaned too. Cats deliberately leave their scent on objects and humans often by rubbing against the things they are claiming as their own. Pica is an eating disorder among cats where they have a behavioral urge to consume non-edible things like plastic fabric cardboard paper and soil. Nutritional Imbalance in Your Cat If your cat is constantly licking random items in your home like pillows walls and knick knacks he or she could be showing symptoms of pica. Pica is not always the reason a cat will lick something unusual. Here are the most probable reasons why your cat is licking the carpet. Pica is the behavioral urge to ingest non-food items like fabrics paper plastic and cardboard. Where Does The Dirt Go When A Cat Licks Itself. Determining whether a plastic-interested cat has pica or not can be complicated.Ĭats lick metal because they enjoy the taste of metal. Pica develops when an animal craves the taste of nonfood items and its usually indicative of a nutritional imbalance. Plastic bags or shower curtains Soft fabrics like blankets curtains or clothes Paper paper towel or toilet paper Houseplants a top poison among domestic cats Hair human or otherwise Shoelaces. Pica in cats is the act of eating objects that are not food. This endorphin rush is an important part of pica in cats but it can be addictive and lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviors. If a cat chews and licks plastic that behavior can occasionally fall into this category. Another way to put it concrete-licking cats could have pica due to anemia.

These conditions could cause your cat to lick non-food items.īiting or Chewing Paper and Cardboard Could be a Cats Way of Marking or Claiming. Pica Pica occurs when a cat tries to eat something that isnt food. These are usually things like paper string soap cloth dirt and other indigestible materials. Feline pica a complicated disorder in cats that force them to eat or lick certain non-food items is not something you should be surprised at. There are many potential causes of this condition such as feline leukemia diabetes or even a brain tumor. Pica can often be caused by an underlying condition like anemia or diet deficiencies. Many cats will nurse on wool says Arnold Plotnick DVM a veterinary internist and feline specialist in New York. Since your cats scratching post is likely covered in a layer of carpet or thick rope it might become a cats new pica obsession.

Pica is the behavioral urge to eat nonedible materials. You turn over to find your cat cuddled up next to you on the pillow.

Compulsive metal licking is usually a coping mechanism and can be trained out of your cats behavior. Pica In Cats Why Cats Eat Strange Things The action of sucking on an object releases endorphins which are chemical compounds that are a relief for the cat. In the event of pica syndrome monitoring your cats eating habits and energy level is important as it could suggest signs that their intestinal system is under strainSeveral signs indicate that you should see a vet include vomiting defecating and being unable to eat.
