Cat has pica! Please HELP!

ssmith0127

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My little orange tabby has had 4 surgeries in a 6 month period. She has a need to eat soft plastic. First time she ate a nipple from a baby bottle. Second time was a chunk of corn on the cob. Third time was part of a Wii remote cover. Fourth time was part of a silicone oven mitt. She's currently on Prozac for her pica. However we had a scare a few weeks back and she ate, but three up a soft mouse you. And now I'm not sure what she ate, but she's not eating. She's acting how she was when she had intestinal blocks. She can't physically have any more surgeries. She's been on medication for over 3 months. But she seems to still have this problem. Had anyone been through this? I need someone to talk to and get advice from. I'm at such a loss and I don't know what to do. Has anyone been in this situation?
 

catpack

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First and foremost, your kitty needs to be seen by a vet ASAP. You are more than aware what a serious problem a blockage is.

Second, I would create a safe room for her that is free of things she eats.

I know there was an episode of My Cat from Hell that tackled the very issue you are dealing with. Would be worth a watch.
 

mwallace056

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i think all you can do is keep plastic where she can't get to them
 
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ssmith0127

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@ mwallace056 I do that, but a couple weeks ago she ate a soft fabric cat toy. This time, I have no idea what she possibly could have gotten in to.

@ catpack I can do that. But is that where I should keep her 24 7? I thought about doing that. And on one hand I feel like that's not a life for a cat, but on the other hand, it's better than no life at all. Which is the direction she is heading if she keeps this up.
 

catpack

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I would say, keep her in her safe room when you cannot monitor her. Let her out for a few hrs daily to play and interact with you.

I'm not saying this has to be forever, but, at least until you can get a handle on things.

Do you notice that she is more prone to eat things when you have been gone more? Keep a journal and try to figure out her stressors/triggers.

Have you talked with a behavior specialist? Perhaps Prozac isn't the most effective medication choice for your kitty?
 
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ssmith0127

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I haven't spoken with a behavior specialist. But that is the next step. The last surgery she had, I did keep her in a safe room for a while, and she seemed to be doing better, so I let her out. I keep the same schedule. She seems to be doing it at night when I'm asleep.
 

catpack

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I would definitely say put her in a safe room at night then. It may even be that she can be out and about during the day and in her safe room at night.
 

detmut

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My little orange tabby has had 4 surgeries in a 6 month period. She has a need to eat soft plastic. First time she ate a nipple from a baby bottle. Second time was a chunk of corn on the cob. Third time was part of a Wii remote cover. Fourth time was part of a silicone oven mitt. She's currently on Prozac for her pica. However we had a scare a few weeks back and she ate, but three up a soft mouse you. And now I'm not sure what she ate, but she's not eating. She's acting how she was when she had intestinal blocks. She can't physically have any more surgeries. She's been on medication for over 3 months. But she seems to still have this problem. Had anyone been through this? I need someone to talk to and get advice from. I'm at such a loss and I don't know what to do. Has anyone been in this situation?
does the Prozac seem to help at all? if not, you can ask your vet to switch to a different drug, such as clomipramine (Anafranil)
 
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ssmith0127

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It seemed to work great for a while. And then the past couple of weeks is when I noticed a difference. But nothing has changed in the household. Not the schedule, or food, or play time. Nothing. I'm just so worried I'll never find anything that helps. And she'll eventually have to be put down cause she can't have any more surgeries. And the thought of that just breaks my heart. I've spent so much time and money and worrying into this. There isn't anything I won't do for her. I just don't know what else can be done. That's why I'm on here. I wanted to try and find someone who had/has a similar problem. Just so I could vent, and talk, and get advice from.
 
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ssmith0127

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Update! She's doing great. Had a bowel movement and found out she ate another mouse toy. The vet is increasing her dosage. Says I don't have to be a helicopter parent. I have her in a safe room, and he said to keep her in there for a week until she's used to her increased dosage. I'm just terrified to let her out. Ever. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. This is so stressful. I just really hope I find something that works for her.
 
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