“Vehicle Emergency Kit: Cat Litter” by TranBC is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
by Nomi Berger
Have YOUR favorite felines suddenly developed a fondness for eating their cat litter? If so, consider the various possible reasons for this behavior.
Pica: Pica is a condition where cats either chew on or eat such items as cardboard, plants, soil, wood and yes, even cat litter. While pica can be a behavioral problem, it can also be caused by medical conditions like endocrine diseases, gastrointestinal diseases and parasitic infections.
Dietary Deficiency: Cats may feast on their cat litter as a way of “compensating” for essential nutrients that their daily diet lacks. Consult with your vet to ensure that your cats are not only eating high-quality cat food, but that they’re also eating appropriate portions.
Anemia: Often related to nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, some anemic cats might start eating their cat litter. Riboflavin, vitamin B12 and niacin deficiencies can also cause anemia. Other signs of this condition include lethargy, little stamina and pale gums.
Curiosity: Being naturally curious, some cats might decide to both play with and sample their cat litter. Why? They might enjoy the feel of its texture and assume it’s a texture worth tasting – several times before they’ve satisfied their curiosity and lose interest.
Flavor: Some cats may enjoy the flavor of their cat litter a little too much! This happens when it’s made with such natural materials as cornhusks, grass and/or wheat. Switch to a brand of cat litter made with different materials and provide your cats with cat grass as a safe alternative.
Boredom: Bored or anxious cats might start eating their cat litter as a way of “coping” with these negative feelings. The solution is to ensure they get enough exercise and playtime: one-on-one playtime with you coupled with such mentally stimulating items as treat dispenser toys.
Coprophagia: This condition causes cats to eat their own feces. Although cats with coprophagia appear to be eating their cat litter, they’re actually eating their poop. Since coprophagia can be the sign of an underlying health condition such as colitis, dementia or malnutrition, it’s essential that your cat be thoroughly examined by your vet.
Hyperthyroidism: The most common endocrine disease in cats and most prevalent in older ones, hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormone) can increase their appetite and metabolism, resulting in them eating their cat litter. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism are drinking more water than usual, poor body condition, weight loss and an enlarged thyroid gland.
Again, only your veterinarian can, by a through physical examination combined with specific diagnostic tests, find the reason behind your cat’s behavior. Once a diagnosis has been made, you’ll be provided with a treatment plan to help restore your cat to good health. In most cases, cats will stop feasting on cat litter once they’re better.
