Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Why do some pet cats eat or chew non-food items like shoelaces
By Demontigny-Bédard, Isabelle et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2016·Department of Clinical Sciences, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Characterization of pica and chewing behaviors in privately owned cats: a case-control study.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that some cats have a behavior called pica, where they eat non-food items like shoelaces, fabric, and plastic. These cats often vomit more than healthy cats and are usually not fed freely as much as those without pica. The research suggests that pica isn't necessarily caused by a poor environment or early weaning, but it does seem to be linked to increased vomiting. If your cat is chewing or eating strange things, it might be worth discussing with your vet to find the best way to manage this behavior.
People also search for: why is my cat eating shoelaces · cat vomiting after eating fabric · pica behavior in cats treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize pica behavior in cats. METHODS: Cat owners were recruited to participate in a questionnaire survey on pica behavior exhibited by their cats. Emphasis was put on the type of item ingested. Questions on early history and environment, as well as general health and gastrointestinal signs, were asked. Owners of healthy cats not showing pica were also recruited into a control group. Associations between variables and groups were statistically tested. RESULTS: Pica was directed most commonly at shoelaces or threads, followed by plastic, fabric, other items, rubber, paper or cardboard and wood. Some cats ingested specific items but only chewed others. A significant positive association was found between sucking and ingesting fabric (P = 0.002). Ad libitum feeding was significantly lower in the pica group than the control group (P = 0.01). Prevalence of self-sucking behavior was significantly higher in the pica group than the control group (P = 0.001). Cats with pica vomited significantly more often than control cats (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Pica, the ingestion of inedible items, does not seem to be the consequence of a suboptimal environment or early weaning. Cats with pica were less commonly fed ad libitum than healthy cats. As frequently reported, pica and vomiting were related, but the causative association is not well established and thus warrants further investigation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26088566/