Cats are able to doing many issues that go away us feeling bewildered and scratching our heads. It’s typically difficult to determine if one thing that’s unusual to us is definitely regular for cats.
In relation to consuming cat litter, we are able to safely say that this isn’t regular conduct irrespective of how a lot your cat tries to make it appear regular. Consuming cat litter is commonly related to an underlying well being difficulty that requires medical consideration. Listed here are just a few attainable the reason why your cat could also be consuming cat litter and what you are able to do to assist them cease this conduct.
The ten Causes That Cats Eat Cat Litter
1. Pica
Pica refers to a situation the place cats will chew or eat inedible supplies and objects. Cats with pica are identified to eat gadgets like cardboard, vegetation, soil, and wooden. They could additionally develop a behavior of consuming cat litter.
Pica could be brought on by quite a lot of components, it may be seen as an indication of an underlying medical situation or it may be a behavioral drawback. Some medical circumstances which were linked to pica embrace endocrine ailments, gastrointestinal ailments, and parasitic infections.
2. Dietary Deficiency
Generally, cats can begin to eat cat litter and different supplies attributable to a nutrient deficiency. They do that in an try and compensate for any important vitamins that they lack of their each day eating regimen. Subsequently, it’s essential to hunt recommendation out of your vet and guarantee your cat is consuming high-quality cat meals and consuming acceptable parts. Making wholesome changes to their eating regimen might put an finish to your cat’s litter-eating behavior.
3. Anemia
Anemia could be associated to nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, so some anemic cats might begin to eat cat litter. Riboflavin, vitamin B12, and niacin deficiencies may also trigger anemia.
Different indicators of anemia embrace low vitality, little stamina, pale gums, and lethargy. After a cat has been restored to well being and any nutrient deficiency has been addressed, the cat litter-eating conduct normally goes away.
4. Curiosity
Cats are curious animals, so they may simply be all in favour of taking part in with and tasting cat litter. Cat litter might really feel enjoyable or have a novel texture that cats need to style. Typically of curiosity, your cat will normally style cat litter a few instances earlier than they turn into disinterested. So, in case your cat continues to eat cat litter on a number of events, it’s secure to say that it’s not as a result of they’re inquisitive about it.
5. Taste
Generally, cats can benefit from the taste of their cat litter and develop a liking for it. This normally occurs when their cat litter is made with pure supplies like grass, wheat, or corn husks.
In case your cat likes the flavour of their cat litter, you possibly can attempt switching to a different cat litter that’s made with a special materials. You may as well attempt offering them with cat grass as a secure various.
6. Coprophagia
Coprophagia refers to a situation that causes cats to eat their very own feces. Cats with coprophagia might seem like they’re consuming cat litter, however they’re truly consuming their very own poop.
Coprophagia is commonly an indication of one other underlying well being situation, similar to malnutrition, colitis, or dementia. Subsequently, it’s essential to get your cat your veterinarian in the event that they begin to eat their very own poop.
7. Boredom
Cats who really feel bored or stressed might resort to consuming cat litter. Consuming litter could also be a method for bored cats to really feel stimulated, or it could be a behavior that cats develop after they’re feeling stressed or anxious.
Making certain your cat will get sufficient train and playtime may also help alleviate boredom. Offering mentally stimulating actions like deal with dispenser toys may also forestall boredom. Assuaging boredom may cause your cat’s litter consuming behavior to go away by itself.
8. Hyperthyroidism
Generally, cats with hyperthyroidism might begin to eat cat litter. The excessive ranges of thyroid hormone can enhance a cat’s urge for food and metabolism, which might make them consuming inedible objects like cat litter.
Hyperthyroidism is the most typical endocrine illness in cats, and it’s most prevalent in older cats. Different indicators of hyperthyroidism are weight reduction, ingesting greater than ordinary, poor physique situation, and an enlarged thyroid gland.
9. Mind Tumors
Mind tumors are a uncommon kind of most cancers and an unusual explanation for a cat consuming litter. Nevertheless, mind tumors can have an effect on a cat’s conduct relying on their location and it’s attainable for them to extend starvation.
Older cats who’re over 10 years outdated have the next threat of growing a mind tumor.
10. Intestinal Parasites
It’s not solely clear what the hyperlink between intestinal parasites and pica is, however some cats with intestinal parasites similar to worms will even develop pica. Cats might turn into repeatedly hungry, which might trigger them to begin consuming inedible gadgets.
Therapy will differ since there are various kinds of intestinal parasites. As soon as your cat is free from an intestinal parasite infestation, their pica additionally normally goes away.
Is It Protected for Cats to Eat Cat Litter?
It’s not secure for cats to eat cat litter, so it’s essential to seek out efficient options to stop them from consuming it. Some cat litter isn’t secure for consumption and may trigger intestinal blockages. Clumping clay litter and silica litter are each sorts of cat litter which are notably unsafe for consumption. It’s normally okay if a small quantity will get in your cat’s mouth, however consuming giant quantities will trigger issues within the gastrointestinal system.
Consuming cat litter can also be unsanitary. Ingesting parasites and micro organism from soiled cat litter can result in gastrointestinal issues.
Find out how to Stop Cats from Consuming Cat Litter
Step one to stopping your cat from consuming cat litter is to take your cat to your veterinarian. Since consuming cat litter is commonly related to a medical difficulty, it’s essential to get your cat in for a bodily examination. Your veterinarian may run diagnostic assessments to seek out the rationale behind your cat’s litter-eating conduct. In case your veterinarian finds a analysis, they’ll be capable to present a remedy plan to assist your cat return to good well being. In lots of instances, cats will cease consuming cat litter as soon as they’ve gotten higher.
In case your cat continues to eat cat litter, attempt switching to a special model or kind of cat litter. This may make the cat litter much less palatable to your cat and discourage them from consuming it. Be sure to additionally play together with your cat often and distract them with one other exercise for those who discover them going to their litter field to eat cat litter.
Conclusion
Cats can begin to eat cat litter for quite a lot of causes, however this conduct is commonly tied to a well being difficulty. Subsequently, it’s greatest to get your cat to your veterinarian as quickly as attainable for those who discover that they’re beginning to eat cat litter. Your veterinarian may also help you perceive what’s inflicting this conduct and how one can forestall it from occurring.
Together with getting your cat medical assist, it’s essential to make sure they’re residing a wholesome life-style that consists of a nutritious eating regimen, satisfactory quantities of train, and mentally stimulating actions. Prioritizing your cat’s wellness can forestall them from consuming cat litter and growing different unsafe or unhealthy habits.
Featured Picture Credit score: Oleg Opryshko, Shutterstock
