Pica? Weird new thing?

[kauna]

Hi All,

I am looking for some insights. Agnes has always had an affinity for plastic grocery bags, she will lick/eat pieces of the them if they are left out and within reach of her. Luckily, we haven't had any issues with a blockage and she has always vomited up what she has eaten. I have been keeping them away from her so that she doesn't get ahold of them, but last night she was licking everything possible! She found a box insert that was in a plastic wrapped and wouldn't stop licking it. Then, she started licking/eating some paper on the desk, back to the plastic and then started chewing on a napkin. Back and forth and back and forth between all the things until I picked them up and moved out of her reach. Has anyone dealt with anything like this with their nakids? I am at a loss as to why she has this affection with inedible objects.

Thanks for any help!

 

[pussiette]

@kauna sadly my experience with pica was because of low iron levels anemia.

Get your cats iron levels testing. Need a full blood count for a RBC and PVC.

Anaemia in Cats

icatcare.org

I found this so distressing watching her lick concrete etc

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Any noticeable change in behavior is reason to get a vet check. I know our one girl loves plastic...and a boy that loves TP and tissues. They have us very well trained to put these things out of reach. I agree I’d be concerned too if I saw a new obsessive behavior and moving on to new materials to lick. Bloodwork should help determine if a deficiency or a behavioral/anxiety issue. Please keep us updated.

 

[Toa and Ross]

I agree with the others, best is go to the vet for a health check.

 

[pussiette]

Really need a blood test RBC and PVC to check levels for anemia.

 

[kauna]

Thank you everyone. I will schedule an appointment for peace of mind. This girl really likes to keep me on my toes...