Does My Cat Have Pica?

From Calli B. via Google

"I'm a major cat lover and have been with cats as long as I can remember. However, I'm at my wit's end with my four-year-old cat, Kimmie. Ever since she was about 6 or 7 months old she started one of the weirdest habits I have seen in a cat. Whenever I'm lying down, in bed sleeping, or am sick she's developed the weird habit of sucking or licking my ear. While I enjoy this licking habit I'm also wondering why she does this. None of my friends seem to have a clue, so I'm hoping that you can give me a clue as to why she does this."

Well, the short answer is "Because she loves you!" If you look at cats when they're together and relaxed, they'll often engage in these sort of licking/sucking/biting behaviors. It's especially prevalent between mothers and their kittens. However, it's also been noticed that kittens who've been weaned too early will often engage in this sort of behavior (it's also more common in certain Asian breeds).

In little Kimmie the behavior hasn't manifested itself too seriously and, indeed, you seem to find it appealing. However, it can be considerably more serious when it manifests itself as a form of behavior referred to as pica. Simply put, pica is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, cats may chew or suck on objects, but not actually swallow them (such yarn, string, fabric, wool, phone or electric cords, and plants). However, any object may be a potential target.

Other than the fact that this habit can be destructive to the items being attacked, pica can also be hazardous if these non-food items are consumed since they can lodge in your cat's stomach or intestine causing a blockage which prevents the passage of food and may actually cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions.

Other hazards include the fact that a cat's chewing on power cords may cause electrocution or create a short leading to a fire. And, of course, many common houseplants are toxic to cats and can cause a wide range of symptoms from drooling to death. So, if your cat has a history of ingesting such non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or displays other concerning behavior, take them to the vet immediately!

The exact causes of pica aren't really known. However, it's been associated with a variety of diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, so you should always have your vet examine a cat with pica. Also, a genetic component is suspected since wool or fabric sucking/chewing is more commonly found in Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats. And while it's normal for cats to eat small amounts of grass, eating lots of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness.

Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons are generally looked for which can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior. Modifying the behavior can be tricky and can include such things as:

- Removing targeted items - Place clothing, blankets, houseplants and electric cords out of the reach of your cat.

- Providing alternative items to chew or eat - Food-dispensing toys, durable cat toys, or pieces of rawhide can be used to redirect your cat's chewing behavior to more appropriate and safe items. For cats attracted to houseplants, use small flowerpots of grass or catnip.

- Providing lots of structured play - Many cats chew on household items out of boredom. Provide interactive toys and set aside time each day to play with your cat.

- Increasing dietary fiber - It may help to increase the amount of fiber in your cat's diet. Besides providing more dietary fiber, high fiber foods usually contain fewer calories. Your cat may be able to satisfy their craving to eat more while still maintaining their weight.

- Making targeted items aversive - Occasionally, applying aversive substances (e.g. hot sauce, Bitter Apple®, Bandguard®) to an item may deter a cat from chewing it. If this is not possible, spraying strong smelling substances (e.g. citrus air freshener, potpourri) or using physical deterrents (e.g. upside down carpet runner, Ssscat®, Snappy Trainers®) around an object may prevent cats from approaching.

Of course, I doubt that your cat's simple ear chewing behavior is related to pica. As I indicated earlier, I suspect she may have been weaned too early and now considers you a mother substitute. The fact that she does this when you're sick probably means that she's trying to make you feel better. So you've become a cat-mom in more ways than one!

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Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column!