Living with a Pica Cat
What is Pica?
Pica is a condition characterised by the consumption of non-edible materials, including objects made of fabric, rubber, wood, leather, plastic, cellophane, paper, and cardboard. This compulsion varies from cat to cat and may result from a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Although there isn’t a cure for Pica, cats can manage it with minimal to no urges under the right conditions. Unfortunately, scientific data on this condition are sparse, and information available online is often generic and inaccurate. Thus, the most effective approach to managing a cat with Pica involves gaining a precise understanding of how it manifests in each case.
What caused Frankie’s Pica?
In Frankie’s case, it’s believed that his Pica may have developed as a result of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). The lack of advanced veterinary technology in Bahrain, where we resided from 2018 until May of 2022, delayed the diagnosis and treatment of his IBD leading to a worsening of his condition from January 2021 to January 2023. In February, he stabilised enough for comprehensive testing in Barcelona, which included a biopsy that diagnosed his IBD.
What is IBD?
Cats with IBD experience parts of their digestive system being inundated with inflammatory cells, leading to swelling and damage to the intestinal walls and mucosa. This inflammation can hinder the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients properly. Frankie’s IBD specifically affected his small intestine, but the inflammation was successfully treated by May 2023. Although he will always need annual checkups to monitor his IBD, he does not need medication and can live a long, healthy life.
How does diet help with Frankie’s Pica?
Treating Frankie’s IBD had a significantly positive effect on his Pica behavior, as it alleviated his pain and consequently reduced his urges normalizing his behavior. Transitioning Frankie from wet to raw food, with the assessment of a feline nutritionist, was also key to getting his Pica under control. Since he has been on a raw diet, he is satiated and his nutritional needs are fully met. He is no longer actively looking for things to eat around the house as before, he is not anxious, and he has renewed interest in play.
How does Pica manifest in Frankie?
Frankie only has urges to chew fabrics, and he has a clear preference for blankets. While he will chew them if left unsupervised, you can safely have him with you if you are chilling on the sofa with a blanket as he will enjoy cuddling with you under or on top of it. The same logic applies to bedding, towels, cushions, clothes, and fabric accessories. Supervised, he shows restraint 90% of the time and will cease biting if he starts, provided you firmly tell him ‘no’. During playtime, he might also engage in excessive chewing leading to swallowing if you give him soft toys but you can literally take them away from his mouth and continue with the game.
What is the best way to keep Frankie safe?
Living with a Pica cat like Frankie might seem daunting, but it essentially boils down to having enough space and implementing a good system to keep your home neat. You can think about adapting your home for Frankie as baby-proofing. It will take you a bit of time at the beginning but you will not have to worry about it again. Keeping a tidy household is essential to preventing Pica-related accidents. Monitoring his interactions with fabrics is much easier in a neat environment that limits temptation for him. If you naturally maintain a tidy home, accommodating Frankie should hardly be an inconvenience. Besides this, turning a spare room into Frankie’s safe haven is the best strategy to keep him safe during nighttime and while you are away. It is also good for him to have a peaceful place to retreat if you have visitors or a lot going on. Finally, keeping him on his diet and taking him for annual or bi-annual check-ups will ensure that his health doesn’t trigger Pica episodes again.
Should a Pica incident happen?
Despite best efforts, Pica accidents with Frankie can happen. If he ingests any fabric, it’s important not to panic. You have to take him to the vet if he displays symptoms of distress, such as continuous regurgitation or lethargy but, if he appears to be fine, stay calm and closely monitor him. Nine out of ten times, he is likely to naturally expel it through defecation or, less frequently, vomiting. It’s also crucial to remember that if he ends up needing veterinary care, it does not automatically imply surgery. Chances are that his situation can be helped with less invasive treatments like performing an endoscopy.
How do I know if I have the right set up and life-style for Frankie?
The most important thing to keep in mind is that we are here to help you every step of the way, specially during the process of adaptation. We all want their adoption to succeed, and so we will be supporting you with the big and small things, from determining if you are a good fit to pica-proving your house.