Pica in cats – when should I see a vet?

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: International Cat Care (iCatCare)

Contact a vet today

This can have a serious cause – contact your vet today if any of the warning signs below apply, or if you are unsure. Pica means a cat eats non-edible materials, and it can lead to an intestinal blockage that may be life-threatening if left untreated.

When to contact a vetWhat to do now

Contact a vet if you see any of this

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Lethargy or tiredness
  • Reduced appetite

What you can do now

  1. Contact your vet today.
  2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
  3. Take a photo or short video to show your vet.
  4. Keep fresh water available.
  5. Let your cat rest somewhere calm.

Don't

  • Do not give any human medicine.
  • Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it can mean

Pica means eating non-edible materials, such as wool, cardboard or plastic.[1] It can lead to an intestinal blockage that may be life-threatening if left untreated.[1] Pica may have an underlying cause, and your vet can check for medical conditions.[1]

Possible causes

  • Underlying medical condition
  • Genetic aspect

What the experts say

“Your vet will diagnose pica by taking a detailed history from you on the behaviour your cat is showing and performing a physical exam. To rule out underlying medical conditions, they may also take blood, urine and faecal samples if required.”

— International Cat Care (iCatCare) [1]
If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

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Common questions

What is pica in cats?

Pica is a term for a cat eating non-edible materials, such as fabric, cardboard or plastic.[1]

What signs can come with pica?

Signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, lethargy or tiredness, and reduced appetite.[1]

How is pica diagnosed?

A vet diagnoses pica by taking a detailed history and performing a physical examination; a faecal sample may also be used.[1]

Sources

  1. International Cat Care (iCatCare)

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

Other symptoms in cats

Red, inflamed or sore skinReduced AppetiteRunny EyesScootingSneezingUnable to UrinateUrine ProblemsVomitingWeight LossWobbly TeethAlways HungryBad Breath