Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/21/2008

Question
I recently adopted a declawed, neutered, adult male cat.  He's very sweet and affectionate, but I have one problem--he likes to eat my hair!  Not the hair on my head, but strands that have been shed and fall on rugs, etc.  I catch him licking my rugs trying to get it up.  I am sweeping every day, and I can't seem to keep up with him.  He has a very dry cough, and has had it since I got him, and I assume it's from the hair eating.  Please help!

Answer
Brandy,

If he is eating hair that can be very dangerous. Strands can wrap around his intestines and that can be fatal. It may APPEAR that he is eating hair off the rugs but in actuality he may be licking the rugs themselves. That behavior is called "Pica".

Pica is when an animal licks or chews non-edible objects or fabrics. The most common items are wool and cotton. There is no known cure for Pica. Vets are not sure of the cause. Some medical possibilities have included anemia, a mineral dificiency, or a psychological disturbance. Behavioral possibilities have included attention-getting, boredom, hungar, or attraction to the odor of the item being licked or chewed. He may have an emotional issue due to his prior history or treatment which is causing his compulsive/obsessive licking or it could be just boredom.

A lot of times getting a kitty friend for your cat will help. Cats need a friend to play kitty games with, snuggle with, and be company and comfort when they are alone. Also play with the cat more. Get a pet laser light (from PetSmart/Petco/etc.). It is good interactive play and burns off some excess energy in the cat.

You may want to think about taking the cat to the vet to check for any vitamin or mineral deficiencies the cat can have that is causing his behavior, I would also have his throat and lunks checked to try to find the reason for his cough. If the cat coughs like he is trying to cough up a hairball, but doesn't, he may have asthma, or he may have a food or dust allergy. Putting a little butter or mayonnaise down his front legs will help keep him 'greased'. Getting a tube of hairball remedy may be helpful for his cough also (you can get that at PetSmart, Petco, etc.).

Go the the vet ASAP if you notice him twisting around or if he appears to be having any pain or discomfort in the area of his stomach or intestines. That may be a sign of a blockage...and that is serious.

I hope this has helped answer your question,
Tabbi