![]() ![]() Unquestionably these chemicals are not meant to be eaten, least of all by your cat. Varying on where you live, the dirt your cat is eating could contain a mixture of pesticides or other toxins. People often say that kids who grow up swallowing a bit of dirt have more robust immune systems.īut the reality is that eating dirt could do your cat severe harm. On the face of it, you might think it’s harmless enough. But now, you’re probably wondering if it could do her any harm. Related: Can Cats Eat Almonds? Is it Safe? The Dangers of Your Cat Eating Dirtīy this point, you have a better idea of why your cat eats dirt. While many of the kittens grow out of it, it would suggest that some breeds are more likely to suffer pica than others. Genetic Compulsive DisorderĪ study reports that Siamese and Birman cat breeds are more prone to sucking and chewing wool as kittens. Wool is the most common material eaten by stressed cats, but every cat is different, so it’s important not to rule stress out just because your cat is eating dirt. Eating foreign objects is one method some cats use in order to overcome their anxiety. Pica is a recognized symptom of stress in cats. However, if she starts chewing stones and plants, she may add dirt to the menu. If your cat doesn’t get enough exercise, stimulation, or enrichment, she may take steps to entertain herself.īoredom is more likely to result in chewing behavior than your cat eating dirt. ![]() Medical ReasonsĬats suffering from iron deficiency anemia may eat dirt in an attempt to increase their iron intake.Ĭat pica can also be associated with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia. So if your cat is eating dirt, it may signify that she is suffering from a mineral deficiency. If your cat isn’t getting the nutrients and vitamins she needs from her diet, she may eat dirt in an attempt to make up for it. Many things can cause pica let’s take a look at them now. Mild chewing isn’t a huge deal, but when it becomes an obsession, and your cat is also eating the substance, it can be problematic. Cats chew on wood, metal, fabric, and toys, amongst other things. Vets report that our kitties chew on a wide range of objects. Pica is an eating disorder where cats, and other species, eat things that have no nutritional value or other benefits. Learn more about the signs in the video below. Under those circumstances, eating dirt could be a sign that your cat is suffering from pica. In older cats, eating dirt and other foreign objects is not normal and can signal that something is up. They will soon learn that dirt isn’t food. One of which is putting everything in their mouth to taste, chew and even eat.Ī kitten eating dirt is likely experimenting with the world around them. Much like children, kittens explore the world in several ways. Many unusual cat behaviors are quite normal and make sense when we take time to look at the world from their perspective. Read on, and we’ll take a look at the potential reasons for this behavior & find out where it should rank on your “freak out meter.” Why Does Your Cat Eat Dirt? ![]() Our loveable little furry friends do all sorts of odd things, and some are far more worrisome than others. If a person with pica has an intellectual disability or mental health condition, medications for managing behavioral problems may also help reduce or eliminate their desire to eat nonnutritive items.“Why does my cat eat dirt?” is just one of the many bizarre things you never thought you’d be asking when you brought your first cat home.Īnd yet, no veteran cat owner would bat an eyelid if you brought this up in conversation. A 2000 study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis suggested that a simple multivitamin supplement may be an effective treatment in some cases. Until recently, research hasn’t focused on medications to help people with pica. Depending on your diagnosis, they may prescribe medications, therapy, or both. Your doctor may also order a psychological evaluation to determine if you have OCD or another mental health condition. For example, they’ll recommend taking regular iron supplements if you’re diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. If your doctor thinks your pica is caused by nutrient imbalances, they may prescribe vitamin or mineral supplements. This medication may be taken by mouth, or your doctor may prescribe intravenous chelation medications for lead poisoning, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). This will allow you to excrete the lead in your urine. In this procedure, you’ll be given medication that binds with lead. For example, if you have severe lead poisoning from eating paint chips, your doctor may prescribe chelation therapy. Your doctor will probably begin by treating any complications you’ve acquired from eating nonfood items. ![]()
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