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Sometimes, cats might try to eat non-food items. Engaging in this behaviour is called pica. Here’s everything you need to know about pica.
Reviewed by Lizzie Hunt
Published: 21 April 2026
Diet
Unusual eating habits could mean that something is missing in your cat’s diet, such as vitamins, minerals or fibre.
Boredom
Similar to puppies, if they’re not getting enough attention, they may start to partake in strange attention seeking behaviour which can include eating habits.
Medical issues
It can be a sign of an undiagnosed underlying medical problem.
Genetics
It’s thought that some breeds of cat can be more prone to pica.
Stress
If there’s been a sudden change in your cat’s life such as a recent house move or you have introduced a new pet into the family home, this can also cause strange eating behaviours.
It is often seen as a cliche for a cat to play with wool, but this is actually one of the most common favourites with pica in cats. It is thought that in kittens, they may not have been weaned for long enough and they are looking for that extra comfort. Cat litter and grass/plants also tend to come up on the menu too and again can be an indicator that something is missing from their diet. Other favourites might be plastic in the form of bags or cables for example and are usually a sign of boredom.
Eating these items should be discouraged as soon as possible to prevent them getting poorly. A lot of the time your cat may simply be bored so make sure they’re getting enough play and stimulation from you. Make sure they are being fed properly with good quality food at regular times.
If you’re concerned about pica in your cat, please book an appointment with our team.
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