Cat pica refers to long-term eating of non-food items such as plants, power cords, and fabric.To deal with this condition, you need to consult your doctor, hire an animal behavior consultant, and have a phone number ready for poison control.Reduce your cat's access to targeted non-food items, offer alternative things to chew and eat, and keep your feline busy.It may be a contributing factor to your cat's feline pica if you reduce stress as much as you can.
Step 1: Get help from your doctor.
If your cat is chewing and eating non-food items, it's time to talk to your vet.Anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed by your vet to curb your cat's behavior.They can also test for other medical reasons for your cat's symptoms.
Step 2: An animal behavior consultant is a great choice.
If your cat's pica is not explained by a specific medical condition, you should seek professional help to deal with it.An animal behaviorist can assess your cat's problem and manage, modify, and prevent the problem from repeating itself.The International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants has a website where you can find a certified animal behavior consultant.
Step 3: Control poison on the speed dial.
If your cat ingests a toxic substance as a result of its feline pica, you should have an animal poison control phone line on your speed dial.The Animal Poison Control Center has an emergency line.
Step 4: Move target items away from your cat.
Cut off your cat's access to items it chews or eats the most is the first way to deal with feline pica.Plants can be moved to high shelves to hide wires.Laundry should be tucked away in drawers or closets.Don't let your cat in any bedrooms if it chews bedclothes.
Step 5: Put a spray on your cat.
It is possible to keep your cat from chewing or eating certain items by spraying them with a bitter taste deterrent spray.These sprays have an unpleasant taste that will make non-food items unattractive to your cat.You can purchase a bitter spray at a pet store.
Step 6: If you want safe alternatives to chew, offer them.
If your cat chews too much, offer it alternatives like chew toys, rawhide bones, or dental sticks.You can give your cat cat-friendly alternatives to your plants, like a pot of grass or catnip, at pet stores.Treat-filled puzzle toys will keep your cat occupied for hours.
Step 7: Don't let your cat down.
If you suspect that boredom may be causing your cat's pica, try enriching its environment and giving it things to do.Get scratching posts, puzzle toys, cat trees, and interactive games to keep your cat busy.Try to engage your cat in at least 15-20 minutes of play each day.
Step 8: Your cat should be fed more fiber.
Increasing your cat's fiber intake is a way to curb feline pica.If your cat is being fed high-carbohydrate dry cat food, it may be the cause of its pica.High fiber food will allow your cat to consume more without increasing its calories, and leave it feeling full for longer.It is important to consult with your vet before changing your cat's diet as a large increase in fiber may cause distress.
Step 9: Don't change your cat's environment.
To minimize stress for your cat, avoid change to its environment, as stress can be a key factor in incidences of feline pica.In the same spot, keep your pet's litter box, food bowl, bed, and favorite toys.Change is a necessity if a life event makes it necessary.Provide your cat with familiar items and introduce change slowly as you move to a new home.If you are moving to a new house, make sure to set up all of your cat's things.Before introducing it to the rest of its new home, let it get settled in a small room.
Step 10: A synthetic spray is a good choice.
Cats release a cheek pheromone when they bond with their owners, creating a calming effect.Ask your vet if this kind of spray can be used to deal with your cat's pica.Feliway, a synthetic pheromone, is available through veterinary clinics or online.