Possibly, your cat is licking your carpet because there’s some spilled food or drink on it. But other times, your cat could be licking your carpet because she has a disorder called pica. Pica is the behavioral urge to eat non-edible materials. The cause of pica is unknown. It could be due to a number of causes such as being weaned too young, dietary deficiencies, genetics, boredom, compulsive disorder, or stress. There is also a possibility that your feline has OCD. In some rare cases, your pet may have an underlying health issue like diabetes, leukemia, or an immunodeficiency virus. You should see a vet if this action continues for too long.
But how can you stop this habit in your cat? This article highlights four ways you can get your cat to stop licking the carpets. So, keep reading, and let’s find out.
Pica is the behavioral urge to eat non-edible materials.The cause of pica is unknown. It could be due to a number of causes such as being weaned too young, dietary deficiencies, genetics, boredom, compulsive disorder, or stress.
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Table of Contents
What Is A Pica In A Cat?
Pica is a psychological disorder that causes persistent craving or the urge to eat non-food substances. Many pet parents find this behavior weird because their pets eat materials such as paper, plastic, fabric, etc. The exact reason for this behavior is not certain. Pica usually occurs as a result of underlying health problems, a diet deficiency, compulsive disorder, or pregnancy.
Most times, pica disorder is peculiar to cats between 3 months to two years. Some cats stop the behavior after the age of two. Some don’t, especially when it becomes an obsessive habit. It is imperative to monitor felines with this behavior because the ingestion of inedible substances is unhealthy for them.
Most times, pica disorder is peculiar to cats between 3 months to two years. Some cats stop the behavior after the age of two. Some don’t, especially when it becomes an obsessive habit. It is imperative to monitor felines with this behavior because the ingestion of inedible substances is unhealthy for them.
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How Do You Treat Pica In Cats
Consult a vet
You need to consult a vet so the right diagnosis could be carried out. Pica is a symptom of the feline leukemia virus and an immunodeficiency virus in felines. It is crucial to treat any disease responsible for the disorder.
Checking and feeding your cats with a better diet
The most common reason for pica is; nutrients deficiency, but consult your vet before carrying this out. The inference drawn by a case-control study conducted by the national library of medicine is that pica is associated with poor nutrition. Feed a high fiber food and foods rich in vitamins to cats with this behavior.
Give your cats more attention
Pay more attention to pets with this behavior. Boredom can make your pet eat substances. So, play with your cat so she won’t get bored. If stress is the causative factor for pica syndrome, exercise is a great way of managing stress in animals.
See an animal behaviorist
An animal behaviorist can help you train your cat to eliminate this behavioral problem. So, consulting with him may help you manage pica disorder in your pet.
The most common reason for pica is; nutrients deficiency, but consult your vet before carrying this out. The inference drawn by a case-control study conducted by the national library of medicine is that pica is associated with poor nutrition. Feed a high fiber food and foods rich in vitamins to cats with this behavior.
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Can Pica Kill Cats?
Yes, complications that arise from this eating disorder can kill cats. Some of the materials ingested are indigestible. Hence, complications such as GI problems, choking, and intestinal blockage can arise. The PSDA warns that intestinal obstruction can kills pets. If your cat has an intestinal blockage, you should notice that she vomits excessively. Take her to the hospital immediately! Your pet might need emergency surgery. Also, plastic objects can choke your cat and can lead to death if she can’t breathe. So, never ignore whenever you notice that your pet eats non-food substance!
How Can I Get My Cat To Stop Licking My Carpet
See a vet
If you think that’s your cats are suffering from health problems, it’s safer to see a vet. That way, your cat can receive full medical attention to stop both the act and the disease acting as a catalyst.
Clean your carpets thoroughly
Scrubbing your carpet might be the solution. It’s also advised to use cleaning materials with cat repellants to stop this habit.
Play with your cat
Boredom could also be a reason. So, giving attention to the cute felines might help with their mental stimulation and solve the problem.
Change your carpet
This isn’t the cheapest solution but could help stop your cats from licking your carpets. Your cats might be attracted to the texture or smell of your carpet.
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Why Is My Cat Licking The Floor
The most suspicious reason your cat could be licking the floor is that she’s suffering from pica. But you could be wrong. Your feline may indulge in this habit because of stress. For some cats, licking the floor is a way of dealing with stress and anxiety. Cats are usually stressed when there are new pets in the household. When owners don’t give them enough attention, they pick up new behaviors too. Sounds familiar? Pay more attention to your pet.
Your cat may also indulge in this habit because they have an obsessive-compulsive disorder. For some with this disorder, they pace excessively. For others, they lick the carpet or the floor. Pets with OCD need medical attention as well as therapy. So, take your pet to see a vet or animal behaviorist control this behavior. And just like when cats lick the carpet, your pet could be licking the floor because there’s some spilled food or drink on the floor.
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Final Thoughts
Pica is a common disorder in pets but shouldn’t be ignored. If your pet is licking the carpet, that could be your cue that she has pica. Pica is the behavioral urge to eat non-edible materials. The cause of pica is unknown. It could be due to a number of causes such as being weaned too young, dietary deficiencies, genetics, boredom, compulsive disorder, or stress. Watch out to see if she eats other substances you wouldn’t consider as food. Get some advice from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist on how to manage stress in your cat.
And if your vet assures you that your cat doesn’t have pica, use the tips provided in this article to stop your cat from licking the floor or the carpet. Remember to always clean the carpet whenever a food item or drink spills on it. And lastly, ensure to provide a healthy diet for your pet. Your pet must live a healthy life and eating the carpet is not exactly what he needs.
