Cat eats hair ties/scrunchies (PICA)

[ivegrgas]

Hello - I am certain that the topic of pets eating foreign objects has come up in many seminars but at the moment I am not able to locate any of them. Can somebody please point me to either a recorded session or an article that discusses this issue. A friend who is going through a lot of life changing events (divorce, moving, etc) just returned from an emergency veterinary clinic where she learned that her cat has ingested a large number of hair ties and continues wanting to eat undigestible items. I would like to share with her some solutions but since I do not have a cat, I have not been as attentive to this topic. I am certain that homeopathic remedy would be an excellent option to this problem since conventional approaches will not address the underlying issue. Thanks.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

I am certain that homeopathic remedy would be an excellent option to this problem since conventional approaches will not address the underlying issue

Exactly! Working homeopathically is really the best way to go IMHO.

The first step, which they may have already taken at their vet, is to rule out any medical causes for "pica".

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk491/files/inline-files/Unusual_eating_habits.pdf

Once physiologic challenges have been ruled out, the underlying energetic stressor that threw this kitty off balance should be addressed homeopathically or psychologically.

Perhaps an animal communicator or flower essences can help.

@Dr. Jean Hofve do you have any specific essence advice.

For communication, Hana is a great choice:

FREE Initial Consultation — end & after Animal Communication

This appointment is a 15-minute Zoom call to discuss any of your questions or concerns regarding animal communication. The main focus of the Initial Consultation is to leave you feeling comfortable, confident, and empowered. This appointment is for you if you have questions about animal communicatio

www.endandafter.com

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

Hair ties are irresistible to many cats. They smell like mom and have yummy oils on them. Eating them is a bad habit but also a "crime of opportunity." All hair ties and any other things like that--thread, yarn, rubber bands, twisties--must always be picked up and put away in an inaccessible place--a drawer or cabinet the cat can't get into.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Aviva (my Bengal kitty) absolutely loves to eat my wife's mouth guards!

 

[ivegrgas]

Hair ties are irresistible to many cats. They smell like mom and have yummy oils on them. Eating them is a bad habit but also a "crime of opportunity." All hair ties and any other things like that--thread, yarn, rubber bands, twisties--must always be picked up and put away in an inaccessible place--a drawer or cabinet the cat can't get into.

Excellent point about the smells and oils on hair ties. This cat is also trying to eat and chew on other things such as blinds. I think a lot of it has to do with the stress of moving, etc. Thanks.

 

[ivegrgas]

Exactly! Working homeopathically is really the best way to go IMHO.

The first step, which they may have already taken at their vet, is to rule out any medical causes for "pica".

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk491/files/inline-files/Unusual_eating_habits.pdf

Once physiologic challenges have been ruled out, the underlying energetic stressor that threw this kitty off balance should be addressed homeopathically or psychologically.

Perhaps an animal communicator or flower essences can help.

@Dr. Jean Hofve do you have any specific essence advice.

For communication, Hana is a great choice:

FREE Initial Consultation — end & after Animal Communication

This appointment is a 15-minute Zoom call to discuss any of your questions or concerns regarding animal communication. The main focus of the Initial Consultation is to leave you feeling comfortable, confident, and empowered. This appointment is for you if you have questions about animal communicatio

www.endandafter.com

I will share all these suggestions with my friend. And I will recommend offering flower essences in a separate water bowl (in addition to just clean water). Thank you!

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

Well for sure start with Rescue Remedy or other flower essences such as Welcoming Change or Stress Stopper. EFT can also be very helpful.