Cats that don’t eat enough meat can develop nutritional deficiencies that lead them to eat kitty litter.
Cats eat litter for a variety of reasons, ranging from dietary issues to stress. If the behavior doesn’t occur frequently, the cat may simply be savoring it out of curiosity. Many cases of litter consumption indicate that your cat has a health problem and needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian. The most likely health-related reason for eating kitty litter is a vitamin or mineral deficiency, which the substances in the litter can help compensate for. Nutritional deficits are often caused by an underlying condition, such as anemia.
physical health problems
Anemia in cats can sometimes indicate conditions such as cancer or kidney disease.
Any health problem that prevents your cat’s body from absorbing all the vitamins and minerals it needs can lead to many different side effects, including cat litter consumption. Many of these conditions are not limited to cats, but can also cause similar behavior in other animals that use litter, such as rabbits. In many cases, the underlying cause is anemia, a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough red blood cells or those cells don’t work as well as they should. Anemic animals also become deficient in iron.
Cats can develop psychological problems and strange eating behaviors can indicate a compulsion.
The most visible sign of anemia in a cat or kitten, aside from eating kitty litter, is paleness. You can verify this by lifting the cat’s lips and looking at the gums and tongue, which should be a healthy pink color. Some cats have very dark pigment in their gums, which is normal, but you can still tell if they are paler than normal. If your cat’s gums are white or bluish, you should consider visiting the vet as soon as possible.
Sand eating is more common with younger cats that have not yet been boxed.
Anemia in cats is often, but not always, a symptom of a more serious condition, such as cancer or kidney disease. Although cancer symptoms vary widely, additional warning signs include fatigue, loss of appetite, blood in the stool or urine, or noticeable changes in appearance. When a cat’s kidneys are damaged, harmful substances can build up in the body; symptoms may include vomiting and loss of appetite.
Kittens are curious and may try to eat many things.
Two other very serious but rare conditions that can cause a cat to eat unusual things are feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and feline pica. FIP is thought to be caused by a virus that invades the white blood cells of the immune system, causing inflammation, abnormal eating behaviors, weight loss, fever, and swelling. On the other hand, feline pica is believed to be the result of mineral deficiencies, some diseases, or just plain boredom. If your cat eats or chews on non-food items other than kitty litter, this could be the problem.
other problems
A veterinarian can perform blood tests to determine the health reasons a cat is eating kitty litter.
Many cats occasionally eat litter just as an experiment. Animals have different temperaments and personalities, and sometimes your pet may be curious about the taste. If the behavior occurs from time to time but not frequently, it may not be a cause for concern. Kittens in particular are very curious and eat a lot of things, just like a human child.
Remember also the feeding of your pet. Cats are carnivores by nature, so felines that don’t eat enough meat can develop nutritional deficiencies that they try to correct by eating kitty litter. Make sure the food your cat eats contains plenty of natural ingredients and nutrients, such as iron and potassium. It is often best to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives.
Sometimes cats can even develop psychological problems just like their human counterparts. Strange eating behaviors can indicate a compulsion, for example. If the cat is adjusting to a major change, such as the sudden departure of a beloved owner or another pet, he may be stressed and depressed, which can lead to unusual behaviors.
Consumption Results
Whatever the cause, you should pay attention to what your cat eats. Some of the ingredients in cat litter can be dangerous to the cat, although it depends on the type of litter used. Clumping litter, often made from sodium benotite clay, sticks together when mixed with urine or feces. If eaten, it can create lumps in the cat’s digestive system and create a life-threatening intestinal blockage. The clay can also remove minerals such as iron and potassium from the cat’s body. Deodorizing substances like scented crystals also contain chemicals that could harm your cat if eaten.
Natural cat litters can be made from newspaper, pine, wheat, wood chips, or corn. It may be less dangerous if a cat eats one of these materials, as they are less likely to create an internal blockage. Also, if the pet is eating one of these substances, it is probably less likely that it has a more serious underlying problem.
What you can do
If you are concerned about your cat’s eating habits, the best thing to do is take him to the vet. Be sure to mention that the cat is eating kitty litter and how often, as well as any other unusual behavior. The vet will usually perform a physical evaluation and blood tests to look for possible health problems.
Once diagnosed, your pet may be prescribed antibiotics or other medications to treat whatever condition is causing the behavior. Alternatively, a change in diet or activity may be all that is required. If the litter is blocking the cat’s intestinal tract, or has the potential to do so, surgery may be required to remove it.
You can also take proactive steps yourself, such as watching what your pet eats. Switching to a different type of litter can help stop the behavior, as can removing any toys or plants the cat tries to chew on. You can try training the cat not to eat non-food items by getting its attention with a loud clap and a firm “no” when you see the behavior and/or by walking the cat away from the item. If your cat is eating kitty litter out of boredom or to get your attention, playing with her more often and giving her more productive toys can help keep her entertained.