Expert: Jessica - 12/9/2010

Question
Hi, I have a 5 year old Siamese cat who will eat plastic bags any chance he gets.  I keep them out of reach but every now and then he manages to find one. Last night there was vomit containing remains of a bag and also I had to pull about 12" of the stuff from his bottom as I saw something hanging there.  He will also lie in his bed and pull chunks out of the material and eat the stuffing.  He chews all his toys eg, tails off toy mice.  I think they are swalled as I never see the remains anywhere.  He will chew some wires eg headphones etc.  Also licks and chews photographs, handbag straps etc. It is really hard work keeping things from him.  He has another cat to keep him company all day and they chase each other and sleep together so I don't think he's lonely.  

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

You may have heard of Pica, the desire to eat non-food objects.  All species of animals may suffer from it, and most cats are tempted to nibble on some things hear and there.  But it sounds like your cat has a true case of Pica.  Siamese suffer from it more often than other breeds, and while there's no sure reason why, it's suspected that it could be because the condition may be related to anxiety.  The Siamese can be an anxious breed, and some vets have had success treating the condition with an antidepressant, which helps reduce anxiety.

Your little guy has been very lucky thus far!  One of my cats ended up with a bowel obstruction from swallowing a plastic cap no bigger than my pinky fingernail!  Because your kitty is really pushing his luck and the end result can be quickly deadly, I would encourage you to talk to your vet about a possible treatment.  In general, most cases of Pica are not found to have any significant dietary causes, and to my knowledge, the antidepressants have been the best treatments found thus far.  But your vet should be happy to discuss that further or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.

Good luck!

Jessica