Pica in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 11/22/2016Updated: 12/22/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Pica in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Pica?
A feline with a mild case of pica may suck or lick on inedible objects, but not actually consume said object. However, in severe cases of pica, the feline will consume the object entirely, posing a risk for intestinal blockage, tearing of the digestive tract, toxicity, and electrocution. Common target objects for feline pica include: Plants, electric cords, phone cords, wool, fabric, string, or yarn. The cause behind pica is unknown, however, disease and behavioral disorders are thought to be the underlying cause behind this unusual behavior. Oriental cat breeds, such as the Siamese cat, are more commonly affected by pica and there is believed to be a genetic disposition. 
If your cat licks, sucks, or consumes objects around the home that are not food, she could be suffering from a condition called pica. Pica in cats is the act of eating objects that are not food. Eating non-food items can be very dangerous to a cat, as chewing on electrical cords can cause a feline to be electrocuted, and plant consumption can be toxic. Other inedible objects, such as clothing and plastic, can block the intestine and prevent food from passing. Pica is a serious behavioral issue that can become fatal if not addressed by a veterinarian.
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Pica Average Cost
From 426 quotes ranging from $200 - $300
Average Cost
$250
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Symptoms of Pica in Cats
Pica in cats only has one clinical sign and that is consumption of inedible objects. Common target objects for feline pica include; plants, electric cords, phone cords, wool, fabric, string or yarn. Felines with a mild case of pica may not consume the object, but chew, lick or suck on said inedible object. Secondary symptoms of pica in cats may include: 
Causes of Pica in Cats
Research is still being conducted to find the exact cause of pica in cats, but veterinarians have linked the behavioral condition to several possible causes including: 
Feline Disease
  • Feline immunodeficiency virus
  • Feline leukemia 
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Dental disease 
  • Anemia
  • Brain tumor
  • Diabetes 
Genetic Disposition 
  • Oriental cat breeds
  • Siamese cats 
Behavioral Disorder
  • Learned behavior
  • Attention-seeking 
  • Boredom 
  • Stress
  • Anxiety 
Dietary insufficiencies
  • Hunger 
  • Lack of fiber
  • Mineral deficiency 
  • Vitamin deficiency 
Weaning a kitten too early
Idiopathic 
Diagnosis of Pica in Cats
The diagnosis of pica in cats begins with an exchange of information between the veterinarian and the pet owner. You will be asked to explain the behavior your cat has been exhibiting, what he or she seeks out as a target to consume, and the duration of this behavior. As pica can be caused by stressful or new situations, it is important to recall any new change in your schedule that may affect the feline. (Move to a new home, work schedule change, etc.) The veterinarian will then proceed to diagnostic examinations. He or she will want to conduct blood tests, including a complete blood cell count, blood smear, and biochemistry profile. The doctor may also ask for a urinalysis to detect the possibility of underlying disease that may be causing pica in the feline. As tumors of the brain are believed to be a possible cause of pica in cats, the veterinarian may likely conduct radiographs or a CT scan of the feline’s brain if other tests are inconclusive. 
Treatment of Pica in Cats
The treatment for pica in cats is variable, as it lies dependent on the underlying cause and the results from diagnostic exams. If the veterinarian has found an underlying disease, the treatment will be specified by the veterinary medical professional, but if your feline has received a clean bill of health, treatment may include: 
Removing inedible target objects
Keeping household plants, blankets, clothing and electrical cords out of your cat’s reach will remove the temptation to eat them. 
Providing chewing alternatives
Cat toys and safe plants like catnip can detour the feline’s behavior to a more appropriate chewing object. 
Structured play
Boredom is a common cause for pica, so structured playtime and exerciser with the feline can prevent boredom and fulfil the need to be active. 
Attending to dietary needs
Malnourished felines may chew on inappropriate objects if their diet is lacking in adequate nutrients. Your veterinarian may supplement the required vitamins and minerals through medications or suggest an alternative cat kibble. 
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Recovery of Pica in Cats
The prognosis for cats displaying pica behavior is guarded. Some felines will “grow out” of the inappropriate behavior, whereas other need continuous treatment. If your cat does not improve with the treatments recommended by your veterinarian, he or she may refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.
The symptoms of pica can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Pica Average Cost
From 426 quotes ranging from $200 - $300
Average Cost
$250
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Pica Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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calico
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Ten Weeks
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28 found this helpful

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28 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
My cat keeps licking my bed sheets & i wonder why she keeps doing it ? How can i make her stop ?
Dec. 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
28 Recommendations
As she is so young, this may be 'normal' behaviour. Kittens often groom litter mates as a form of bonding and because it comforts them and is hygienic. She may just be a little confused. It is likely she will grow out of this. We may also find some kittens to be extra 'licky' when itchy, so do ensure there is no signs of parasites or skin disease.
Dec. 11, 2020
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N/A
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dog-age-icon
about 7-8months
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7 found this helpful

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7 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Using Litter Box And Chewing On Boxes
I don't know my cat breed he is a male cat about 7-8 months old. He will chew on boxes, pee and poop everywhere, chew on cords,claw on the sofa and a playpen, and even he will job in the playpen with my daughter and including on the counter and the kitchen Table
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. He may be having a problem with parasites that is affecting his bathroom habits, and It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them and see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 12, 2020
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Balinese
dog-name-icon
Luna
dog-age-icon
18 Months
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Stress
I have a cat that is about a year and a half old. She was found up inside the underneath of my car and I took her home. The vet guessed she was about 10 weeks old at the time. She has always tended to chew on cords (phone chargers) and strings (shoe strings, draw strings in pants), the last couple of weeks she randomly stopped using her litter box and has used the bathroom on the dirty towels in my bathroom and once has gone in my bed while I was sleeping (fun way to wake up) she has also been hiding in the corner of my closet. She is still just as friendly and loveable as she always is and let’s me pick her up and let her like normal if I remove her from the closet and close my door she will sit there and meow and look panicked until I let her back in. This is very odd behavior for her and I am worried...
Sept. 19, 2018
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tabby
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Apollo
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11 Months
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22 found this helpful

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22 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My cat is eating paper, rug, lint from his cat condo peeling paint chips off the wall eating those, oh and his favorite he loves to eat plastic. I wake up to him throwing up at night what to do.
Aug. 20, 2018
22 Recommendations
It can be difficult to determine whether the consumption of non-food objects is due to boredom, other behavioural issues, nutritional deficiency among other causes; try to limit Apollo’s access to these items and don’t leave him unsupervised, also visit your Veterinarian to check for any underlying conditions. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 20, 2018
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Bombay Cat
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B
dog-age-icon
3 Years
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15 found this helpful

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15 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Crying, Biting Boyfriend
My boyfriend recently moved in about a month ago and that was the same time I noticed one of my cats began chewing on everything plastic in the house. No matter where it is he always seems to find something plastic to chewing on and if it’s small enough he will injest it.
July 26, 2018
15 Recommendations
Stress may cause some undesirable behaviour to exhibit itself in some cats, I cannot say whether your boyfriend moving in with you is a stressful event or not but you should try to prevent B from consuming nonfood items and possibly placing B in a crate when not supervised. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 27, 2018
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Bengal
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Kadan
dog-age-icon
2 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Vomiting
Pica
My male Bengal eats rubbery objects. We try our best to keep all these items locked up but with 2 kids it's impossible to keep all of these items put away 100% of the time. He will hunt them out, dig in bins looking for them in bins with lids he becomes obsessed with trying to open them. We've managed by pure luck to avoid surgeries but there has been one emergency ultra sound and numerous vomits with pieces of rubber. Unlike our other cat his vomit stinks. We can even smell it from another room. It's not from being bored, he has another cat, human companions around all day and a ton of toys (none of which he is interested in). He has a great appetite until he finds one of these objects then it's days of vomit, lethargy and on 2 occasions I've had to force feed him. He is on a raw cat food diet with vitamin supplements.
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Long haired,calico,tortoise
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Athena
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3 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Licks Furniture,Planters,Chews Cord
Every morning once my husbands alarm goes off it like she sits and waits, then she jumps up on the bed starts purring and constantly starts licking furniture, head boards and my husband,she also chews phone cords.
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Long haired tabby
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Kitty
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14 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking Cement And Litter
I have a 14 yr old male tabby. 2 months he started a little vomiting (twice a week) and noticed constipation. Then he started licking the cement outside. Took him to the vet and she saw constipation but xrays didn't show any particular item clogging him. Blood tests show no pica. Today I caught him eating litter. I know there are many variations as to "why" and no I'm not getting him a brain scan. The question is what is the next step...do I just change the litter to pellets (or other). Can I give him vitamins for pica if I have no proof he has it? I just know that eating that litter can't be good. PLEASE if you have any advise I'll take it.
Pica Average Cost
From 426 quotes ranging from $200 - $300
Average Cost
$250
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