There are many diseases that can affect our beloved cat, but there is one in particular that is very characteristic of those who have been weaned before their time: pica. But what exactly is it and how is it treated?
If you want, you are wondering why my cat has itch and what can I do to make it a normal life, then we are going to talk about it.
What is it?
Pica disease is a very common problem in cats that, as we said, have been weaned too early (before two months). These animals chew and even ingest things that they should not, such as paper, plastic, strings, ... any object that is within reach. It is an obsessive behavior that puts them in danger, since they run the risk of drowning or poisoning.
What are the causes?
There are several causes:
- Wean early: is the main reason. Cats that spend at least the first two months of life with their mother (ideally 3 months) are more likely to have behavioral problems, such as pica, since their mother has not had enough time to teach them everything you have to teach them.
- Bad nutrition: Feeding them with cereals (like those in supermarkets) is another cause of pica.
- Genetics: It is not that it is hereditary, but if one (or both) parents suffer from it, the children are more likely to suffer from it as well.
- Emotional imbalance: if they live stressed, anxious, and / or being victims of mistreatment or tension at home, they can suffer from pica.
How is it cured?
If we suspect that our cat has an itch, what we should do first of all is take it to the vet to examine it and tell us if it is in good physical health. In the event that this is the case, we will make some changes to your routine starting with change their feed if we were giving them a poor quality one. There are many good brands, such as applaws, taste of the wild, orijen, acana ... You just have to look for one that does not have cereals or by-products, and offers (which in many online stores there are 😉).
Then we must hide everything that could be dangerous: ropes, paper, plastic, cables, ... If we are going to go out, it is highly advisable to keep the room where there are cables in sight closed, obviously without the jack.
Last but not least, We will take good care of him, that is, we respect him, we will keep him company, we will play with him, and we will try to make him feel comfortable with us. Thus, little by little, the problem will be solved. Anyway, if we need more help I advise consulting with a flower therapist for cats, since Bach flowers can be very useful (both to the feline and to his family) 😉.
I hope it has been useful to you.