Pica is the voluntary ingestion of non-food items.  Common targets include wool-type fabrics, clay litter and plastic bags.  The underlying etiology of pica is not known, but it is speculated that this disorder can have either medical or behavioral foundations.  Most cases are not caused by disease, but anemia, gastrointestinal, or liver disease may lead to pica.  Increased appetite due to certain medications, endocrine disease, or malabsorption of nutrients may also lead to ingestion of non-food items.

To rule out an underlying medical condition, your cat should be examined by a veterinarian to evaluate your cat’s current diet, appetite, and environment.  Thorough physical, oral and neurologic evaluations are also necessary.  Possible medical causes should be ruled out with routine laboratory testing for endocrine diseases, anemia, immune deficiencies (FeLV/FIV), and intestinal parasites.  Tests for specific vitamin deficiencies may also be recommended.

Behavioral-based pica is frequently identified in oriental breeds in the form of wool-sucking, but can be seen in any breed.  Behavioral causes may include attention seeking or compulsive behaviors, or a preference for the texture or taste of the non-food item.  Early weaning, stress, separation anxiety, and boredom have also been implicated.  Usually behavioral pica is harmless, but has the potential to result in gastrointestinal obstruction.

Treatment for pica depends on identifying any underlying medical conditions, limiting access to the substance being ingested, and offering acceptable alternatives (cat grass, wheat-based litter, etc).  Behavioral conditions may warrant a trial of anti-anxiety medication.

Pica does not usually cause obstruction or otherwise harm the cat, but it can be a destructive/expensive problem.  Because pica can be a symptom of an underlying medical problem, cats displaying unusual ingestive behavior should be examined by a veterinarian.