Cats do a lot of weird things. Mystery solved? Toys such as pom-poms can also cause blockages if they get into the intestines. Like humans, fresh veggies are great for cats. And although it’s normal for cats to eat a little grass, eating a lot of plant material may indicate something’s missing from the cat’s diet. Pica in cats is the act of eating objects that are not food. Another common cause of abnormal behaviour in cats is medical issues. In a worst-case scenario, eating string could cause the intestines to become all twisted together, causing a blockage that would need to be repaired by surgery. Additionally, because cats’ eating habits are the result of a combination of natural and learned behaviors, Englar explains that exposure plays a large part in what cats will and will not eat as adults. if you're really worried, take your cat to the vet but they're probably tell you the same thing. If the cat has a lack of stimulation in its environment it can become frustrating and start showing signs of abnormal behaviour. Inadequate amounts of fat or fiber in the diet may also lead to cats seeking nutrients from unusual sources. Other inedible objects, such as clothing, can block the intestine and prevent food from passing. This may contribute to a dental health issue, as discussed above. Post-operative incisions in your cat may or may not have visible stitches. In some cases, cats will chew on things because they are not getting enough nutrients from the food they eat. For example, an insufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients can increase your cat's risk of dental problems. By David Shultz Aug. 8, 2019 , 1:45 PM. Boredom and stress can also contribute to abnormal behaviour. your cat will either throw it up or it'll come out in her litter box. the cat wouldn't eat it whole, it would be ripped into little pieces for her to swallow. It is very important to follow the instructions to ensure appropriate healing. Eating non-food items can be very dangerous to a cat, as chewing on electrical cords can cause a feline to be electrocuted, and plant consumption can be toxic. Medical problems: Cat pica is also associated with feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus , and it may be … If your cat chews or licks excessively at the incision, there is a danger of the stitches being pulled out or of infection being introduced into the wound and you may need to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent this behavior. They have lots of vitamins and fiber, which can aid general health and digestion. One of the biggies is eating grass, often to throw it up just a few minutes later. Why cats eat grass. https://animalpath.org/my-cat-ate-string-how-long-will-it-take-to-pass my cat eats paper, string and her own hair. Cats might start to eat their own kitty litter if they are anemic. A lot of abnormal behaviour in cats can come from the cat being in pain or being ill. “Experts say that a lot of what determines a cat’s eating habits involves what they saw their moms do and what they ate as a baby. Siouxsie: Kelly, you’re right to be concerned that your cat’s odd eating habits could cause injury.