Pets chew. It is a fact of life. It’s inconvenient, especially if chewing leads to destruction. But it can also be dangerous for their health. If you’ve ever caught your cat chewing and eating something that clearly isn’t food – like plastic bags, fabric, paper, or even electrical cords – you might be dealing with a condition called pica. It can seem quirky or even funny at first, but pica can be a sign of something deeper going on with your cat’s health, well-being, or environment.
Let’s take a closer look at what pica in cats is, what causes it, and how you can help your cat naturally.
What is Pica in Cats?
In general, pica is the compulsive eating of non-food items. It often affects pregnant women and children, but it can also affect animals. It’s more than just chewing on things that aren’t food – it’s actually consuming them. It’s especially concerning in cats because what they choose to chew or swallow can pose serious risks.
Cats with pica might target things like:
- Plastic bags or wrappers
- Fabric (wool, blankets, clothing)
- Paper or cardboard
- Rubber bands or cords
- Plants
Sometimes cats will just chew on objects without swallowing them, which isn’t good of course, but others may ingest what they’re chewing, which can lead to blockages or toxicity.
Signs and Symptoms of Pica
The most obvious sign of pica in cats is, of course, them chewing on and eating non-food items. But there are other things you might notice:
- Chewing on or shredding and eating fabrics, paper, or plastic
- Missing household items (like hair ties or rubber bands)
- Vomiting or constipation (if they swallowed something)
- Lethargy or decreased appetite or weight loss (possible sign of blockage)
- Damage around the house (furniture, blankets, cords)
If your cat actually swallows foreign objects, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of an obstruction, which is a medical emergency.
What Causes Pica in Cats?
There isn’t one single cause of pica. It can be triggered by physical, emotional, or environmental factors, such as:
- Nutritional deficiencies – A lack of certain vitamins, minerals, or fiber may drive your cat to seek out unusual things to eat to fill the void.
- Medical conditions – Issues like anemia, dental pain, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal disease, or even feline leukemia (FeLV) and FIV have been linked to pica.
- Stress or anxiety – Cats may chew as a way to self-soothe, similar to how people might bite their nails. Changes in the home, boredom, or separation anxiety can all play a role.
- Genetics – Some breeds, like Siamese and Burmese cats, are more prone to pica behaviours.
- Early weaning – Cats that were separated from their mothers too young may develop a stronger tendency to suck or chew on fabric and other items.
Natural Ways to Help Stop Pica in Cats
There are several things that you can do to help curb the eating. When you suspect pica in cats, you want to address it right away, with simple things that can make a huge difference.
1. Rule Out Medical Issues
First and foremost, you want to rule out health problems like anemia, intestinal parasites, or GI disease. If there’s an underlying medical cause, addressing it may resolve the behaviour. A visit to your vet is probably a good idea.
2. Improve Diet and Nutrition
As mentioned, sometimes pica in cats is linked to nutritional gaps. Consider:
- Switching to a high-quality, well-balanced, species-appropriate diet rich in protein.
- Adding natural supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help get essential elements.
- Digestive enzymes can help with nutrient absorption, particularly if your cat eats kibble.
- Including a little cat-safe fibre (like pumpkin) to help with satiety.
3. Reduce Stress and Boredom
Stress is a big trigger for pica. If a cat is bored, they will naturally seek out ways to engage themselves, and often that will show up as chewing and eating. Natural ways to support your cat’s emotional well-being include:
- Playtime and enrichment – Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, scratching posts, and daily play sessions to release energy. Cats need exercise too!
- Cat-friendly spaces – Cat trees, shelves, and cozy hideouts give them a sense of security. This can help reduce stress in a big way.
- Routine – Cats thrive on predictability; feeding and playing at the same time daily can reduce anxiety.
- Calming remedies – Natural aids like chamomile, valerian root, CBD oil, or flower essences may help calm an anxious cat.
4. Redirect the Behaviour
Provide safe alternatives for chewing:
- Cat grass or catnip plants to chew on
- Dental chew toys designed for cats
- Soft fabric toys (especially for cats that were early weaned)
- Raw bones are great since they mimic the chewing and are safe to eat (and may even provide some of those missing nutrients)
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5. Manage the Environment
Since pica can be dangerous, prevention is key:
- Keep harmful items (plastic bags, cords, rubber bands) out of reach
- Use cord protectors
- Store clothing and blankets if your cat tends to chew on fabric
- Really, anything you even think your cat will chew/eat, put it somewhere they can’t get.
Pica in cats isn’t just a quirky habit – it can be a sign of stress, health issues, or unmet needs. By addressing the root cause and providing your cat with the right nutrition, enrichment, and emotional support, you can often reduce or even eliminate the behaviour naturally.
