If you’re wondering, “Why does my cat eat litter?” you’ve come to the right place. There are many causes of this behavior, from psychological problems to medical conditions. Fortunately, your veterinarian is able to help you find the cause and find a solution to your cat’s litter eating problem. If your cat is eating litter because it’s bored, it might be time to look for an alternative to clay litter. Here are some suggestions to help your cat stop eating litter.
Changing the type of litter your cat eats is one of the most common causes of this behavior. If your cat prefers clay litter, for example, you may change it to a natural corn formula. Because these formulas are very different from clay, your cat may mistake them for food. While a switch to a new formula may be stressful for your cat, introducing it slowly and increasing the amount will help prevent your cat from eating the new litter.
Several factors can contribute to your cat’s habit of eating litter. First, it could be a sign of a medical problem, such as anemia or kidney failure. If your cat is underweight, you should consider getting it a healthy diet. Otherwise, it may be a sign of malnutrition or another medical condition. The most common medical condition that can cause a cat to eat litter is anemia. Your cat’s red blood cells, or hemoglobin, can’t carry enough oxygen and nutrients to its body. A healthy diet will keep your cat’s blood levels in balance and prevent it from becoming anemic.
If you notice your cat consuming litter, you should take him to a veterinarian for a complete blood cell count. This can indicate a variety of conditions in your cat, from a fatty acid deficiency to an iron deficiency. If your cat’s gums are pale, they may be an indication of anemia. If your cat has bluish gums, you should take your cat to the vet immediately.
Some types of cat litter are even edible, such as coconut husks, corn, walnut shells, wheat, and grass. Cats may also ingest the litter for other reasons, like a vitamin deficiency or an underlying health problem. In addition to these reasons, your cat may be eating litter because of the bizarre desire to eat things. It might be a symptom of another health problem.
Some plant-based cat litters smell appealing to cats and act as natural chewing materials. Clay or crystal cat litter is less appealing to cats and should be transitioned slowly to avoid upsetting your cat’s digestive system. Eating litter may also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as leukemia and kidney disease. To rule out any underlying medical condition, take your cat to a veterinarian for a physical examination. Your veterinarian will probably order radiographs or blood tests to rule out any serious issues.
Another cause for cat litter eating is stress. Cats can become stressed by sudden changes in household or routine, so reducing stress is important. You can also keep your cat mentally stimulated by giving him or her plenty of toys to play with, and introducing a cat horomone diffuser if you suspect your cat is stressed. Ultimately, your cat will eventually stop eating litter by itself, but you will need to be patient and consistent with your cat to ensure success.
