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Eating Unnatural Things that are not Food, Such as Soil, Stones, Soap (Pica) in cats

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

ORANGE for vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of defecation, apathy, or suspicion of toxic substances. RED for signs of choking, collapse, or severe, persistent vomiting.

Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity

Definition

Pica is a condition where cats eat unnatural things that are not food, such as soil, stones, or soap. It is a behavioral pattern that can indicate various underlying causes, both physical and psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. in nature.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

The term “pica” is derived from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for eating almost anything. In cats, this behavior can indicate a nutritional deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones., particularly a lack of certain minerals or vitamins. Such a deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones. could lead the cat to try to compensate by eating unnatural things.

Another common cause of pica is boredom or stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being.. Cats that are not sufficiently stimulated in their environment or are under stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. might start eating unnatural things to calm themselves or keep busy. This can occur particularly often in indoor cats that do not have enough exercise or opportunities to play.

In some cases, pica can also be associated with medical conditions. These include digestive tract diseases, anemia, or other metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. disorders. Certain neurological problems or behavioral disorders could also play a role. Sometimes it is also simply a learned behavior that has been reinforced over time.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Eating of non-edible materials: The most obvious symptom is the regular eating of things like soil, plastic, or fabrics that are not food.
Vomiting or digestive problems: Eating unnatural things can lead to Vomiting or digestive problems such as constipationConstipation is another word for infrequent bowel movements where the stool is hard and difficult to pass. In dogs and cats, this can be caused by diet, lack of exercise, or underlying health issues. or DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems..
Behavioral changes: Cats with pica often show changes in their normal behavior, such as increased restlessness or apathyApathy refers to a state of indifference and reduced interest or lack of emotional involvement in activities or events that would normally arouse interest..
Weight loss: If the cat does not meet its nutritional needs, Weight loss can occur.
Increased salivation: Some cats show increased salivation when they eat things that are not suitable for consumption.
Mouth injuries: Eating hard or sharp objects can lead to injuries in the mouth.

When to see a vet?

It is advisable to see a veterinarian if pica behavior occurs regularly, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or weight loss. A veterinary visit is also important if the cat has swallowed objects that could potentially lead to a blockage or other gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. problems.

An immediate veterinary visit is required if the cat shows signs of Pain, severe Behavioral changes, or symptoms of poisoning that could indicate the eating of a dangerous object.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

It is important for the pet owner to carefully observe what kind of non-edible materials the cat eats and in which situations this happens. Note any accompanying symptoms you notice and share this information with the veterinarian.

The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination, which may include a physical exam as well as blood and urine tests, to determine possible nutritional deficiencies or medical causes. In some cases, X-rays or ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. examinations might also be necessary to ensure that no dangerous foreign bodies are stuck in the digestive tract.

The veterinarian will also evaluate the cat’s behavior and environment to determine if psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. or behavioral factors might play a role. This could include assessing stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. factors or the provision of play and enrichment opportunities.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

To alleviate pica behavior, the pet owner should first ensure that the cat receives a balanced diet containing all necessary nutrients. In some cases, supplementing the diet with specific vitamins or minerals may be necessary, based on the veterinarian’s recommendations.

Ensure that the cat receives sufficient mental and physical stimulation. This can be achieved through interactive toys, scratching posts, or regular play sessions with the owner. An enriched environment can help prevent boredom and reduce pica behavior.

If stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. is suspected as the cause, potential sources of stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. in the cat’s environment should be identified and minimized. This can include creating a quiet and safe retreat for the cat or avoiding routine changes that could triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being..

In some cases, it may be necessary to actively redirect the cat’s behavior by offering alternative activities. Reward-based training can be used to encourage the cat to avoid non-edible objects and focus on safer activities instead.

It is also important to set up the cat’s environment to restrict access to potentially dangerous materials. Remove unusual items the cat might eat from its reach to minimize the risk of ingestionIngestion refers to the intake of substances through the mouth and their delivery to the digestive tract. In dogs and cats, the ingestion of toxic substances, foreign objects, or incompatible foods can lead to health problems..

Outlook on current research

Research into pica in cats—the behavior of eating inedible objects—is an exciting and growing field. Scientists are striving to understand the exact causes of this behavior, which could include both physiological and psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. aspects. Part of the research focuses on possible nutritional deficiencies that could prompt cats to consume soil or other unusual substances. This could be related to a lack of certain minerals or vitamins that the cat instinctively tries to balance out. This hypothesis is supported by studies showing that pica occurs more frequently in cats fed diets that are not fully balanced.

Another important branch of research examines the role of stress and boredom as potential triggers for pica. Cats living in an environment that is not sufficiently stimulating might start eating inedible things out of boredom. StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. factors, such as moving house, the addition of a new pet, or even a change in daily routine, could also play a role. Researchers are working to identify the exact mechanisms through which stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and emotional factors can lead to abnormal eating behavior.

Genetic factors are also being investigated as a possible cause. Certain cat breeds seem more prone to pica, suggesting there could be a hereditary component. Research in this field includes the study of genes associated with behavioral disorders to determine if genetic markers exist that can be linked to the occurrence of pica.

Another exciting area of research looks at the role of environmental toxins and chemical influences as possible triggers for pica. It is suspected that contact with certain chemicals or substances in the environment could influence a cat’s behavior. Studies are being conducted to understand how these substances might affect the neurological and physiological systems of cats and whether they promote pica.

Finally, there are also investigations dealing with the role of the gut microbiome in pica. The composition of the intestinal flora / gut microbiotaThe intestinal flora / gut microbiota, also called microbiome, refers to the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. A healthy intestinal flora / gut microbiota is crucial for digestion, the immune system, and the overall health of dogs and cats. could play a crucial role in regulating eating behavior. Researchers are investigating whether an imbalanceImbalance refers to an imbalance or disruption of normal function or composition in the body, which can lead to health problems. of gut bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. can lead to abnormal eating behavior and how probiotics or prebiotics might help correct this behavior.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is pica in cats?

Pica is a behavior in cats where they eat inedible objects, such as soil, stones, or soap. It is a symptom that can point to various underlying problems, including nutritional deficits or stress.

2. What types of items do cats with pica typically eat?

Cats with pica can eat a variety of unnatural objects, including plastic, fabric, rubber, paper, soil, and even electrical cables. The preference can vary from cat to cat.

3. Can pica be dangerous in cats?

Yes, pica can be dangerous, as eating inedible objects can lead to gastrointestinal blockages, poisoning, or other health complications. It is important to monitor the behavior and consult a veterinarian if necessary.

4. Why do some cats develop pica?

The causes of pica are diverse and can range from nutritional deficits and stress to genetic predispositions. Sometimes it can also be triggered by an illness or a behavioral disorder.

5. How can I find out if my cat is suffering from pica?

Watch for unusual eating habits in your cat, especially if it starts eating inedible objects. Changes in behavior or appetite can also provide clues. A veterinary examination can help diagnose pica.

6. Is there a way to prevent pica in cats?

A balanced diet and an enriching environment can help reduce the risk of pica. Ensure your cat has plenty of toys and activities, and that its diet contains all necessary nutrients.

7. Can all cats develop pica or are certain breeds more susceptible?

While all cats can develop pica, certain breeds such as Siamese and Burmese cats seem to be more susceptible, which could indicate genetic factors.

8. What treatment options are there for pica in cats?

The treatment for pica depends on the underlying cause. Dietary adjustments, behavioral changes, and treating stress or anxiety can be effective. In some cases, medication may also be required.

9. How can I make my cat's environment safer to avoid pica?

Remove dangerous objects from your cat's reach and offer safe alternatives for engagement. Make sure that potentially harmful substances like cleaning agents or small objects are not accessible.

10. When should I take my cat to the vet if I suspect pica?

If you suspect your cat has pica, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if your cat shows symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy. Early diagnosis and therapy are crucial to avoid health complications.