![]() A thorough work up is necessary to reach a diagnosis and select appropriate and effective treatment. The underlying cause of the condition may be behavioral, medical, or environmental. Pica is a disorder in cats that can have severe health consequences if left untreated. You can also reduce the likelihood of pica by providing your cat with enough environmental enrichment by offering interactive toys, scratching posts, and hiding places. Providing a balanced and nutritious diet for your cat can also help prevent pica. Prevention of pica in cats involves minimizing the cat's access to non-edible items and addressing any underlying medical or behavioral issues. Behavioral pica can be treated by addressing the underlying behavioral issue through environmental enrichment, behavior modification, or medication. In cases where the cat has ingested items like plastic or rubber, your veterinarian may recommend surgical removal of the object. For instance, if a cat is diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency, providing supplements or switching to a different diet may help resolve the condition. If the cause is medical, treating the underlying cause may resolve the pica behavior. The treatment of pica in cats depends on the underlying condition(s) leading to this behavior. If the cause of pica is suspected to be behavioral, your veterinarian may refer you to a pet behaviorist to address the underlying issue. Your veterinarian may also perform an x-ray or ultrasound to rule out any gastrointestinal obstructions. To diagnose the underlying cause(s) of pica in cats, your veterinarian may perform various tests, including blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or endocrine disorders. Other signs of pica may include behavioral changes like increased agitation, hiding, or aggression. If your cat ingests non-food items like plastic or rubber, they may become at risk for a gastrointestinal obstruction, which can be a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms resulting from or associated with pica in cats may vary depending on the underlying cause and the type of non-food item ingested.
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