![]() ![]() Always discuss with your veterinarian the proposed benefits and risks of any home remedies before you try them with your cat. As for other home remedies, be careful with over-the-counter products, as cats are extremely sensitive to many, and toxicities can develop even with the smallest of doses, including essential oils. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of research to show whether natural remedies can aid in eliminating pica behavior. Additionally, canned air or loud noises such as yelling “No!” or shaking a can of rocks when caught in the act can be effective at deterring the behavior. "No-chew sprays” can be used as a deterrent for preferred objects. While easier said than done, using baby gates, shutting doors, closing trash cans and cupboards, and even using a harness and leash when supervised can prevent a trip to the emergency room. Pica-proofing your home and preventing access to your cat’s preferred items can certainly curb this behavior. Calming products such as Feliway, a synthetic pheromone spray, collar, or diffuser, may also be helpful in decreasing stress in the home. Sometimes just moving the furniture around can put them in a bewildered mood! By making sure your cat has easy access to plenty of litter boxes, and their food and water bowls, and ensuring positive cat-to-cat interactions within the home, you help keep your cat’s stress levels down. Stress can be a major factor in inappropriate behavior in cats. You may also want to consider more chew toys as suitable alternatives. Installing a “catio,” or more perches or cat trees in your home Teaching your cat how to walk on a leash, or playing with them more often To help curb pica that stems from boredom and anxiety, you can provide some new activities that help to engage or calm your cat, such as: Other medications such as dewormers and supplements (EFAs, omega-3, EPA, and DHA) may be recommended to aid brain health and improve cognition, and also probiotics and prebiotics to improve gut health. Partner with your veterinarian to find the correct drug, dose, and frequency, then adhere to all follow-up appointments, as these drugs often require monitoring bloodwork. MedicationĬertain medications are often prescribed to aid in eliminating or treating compulsive or anxiety-related behaviors. These diets, which contain nutrients like hydrolyzed milk protein and L-tryptophan, also help decrease stress in cats. If pica stems from a nutritional deficiency, then consult with your veterinarian and consider altering your cat’s diet to a high-quality, commercially fed cat food or prescription-based food such as Royal Canin®/MD Calm or Hill’s c/d MultiCare. The following are some protocols that can help: Diet ![]() Treatment of pica in cats is often complex and multi-layered, and consultation with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your cat is recommended. There is no diagnostic test specifically for pica, so often a combination of the above and other tests may be needed to arrive at a diagnosis. Screening tests such as baseline bloodwork, urine testing, and stool examinations will most likely be performed, in addition to a detailed history and physical exam. If your cat is displaying signs of pica, seek veterinary attention to help rule out underlying medical conditions. Pyruvate kinase deficiency: Lack of an enzyme needed for red blood cells results in anemia. ![]() Parasites and other infections, such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) Genetics: Some breeds, such as Siamese and Burmese, have higher incidences of pica than others, although any cat can be affected. ![]() Pica can be challenging to pinpoint to a single cause, although several have been implicated, such as:īehavioral conditions that arise from anxiety, stress, boredom, or compulsion: The behavior may have started innocently, but has become obsessive over time.Įarly weaning or lack of socialization: Pica is seen more often in younger cats.Įndocrine diseases: such as diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, anemia (low red blood cell counts), and liver disease. Cats can also exhibit other symptoms associated with pica or its results, such as: The hallmark symptom noted with pica is the actual behavior itself-chewing, sucking, or ingesting non-edible materials. Check your pet’s symptom Symptoms of Pica in Cats ![]()
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