Reasons for cats eating dirt and how to stop it

Cats are well renowned for their bizarre, endearing habits, and one of their most perplexing behaviors is undoubtedly eating dirt. If you notice that your cat is eating dirt, it could be because the kitten was merely playing in the dirt or because of a health problem.

Reasons Your Cat Might Be Eating Dirt

A cat could be eating dirt for a number of reasons, ranging from idleness and curiosity to health problems. A few of the most frequent reasons for a cat eating dirt are listed below. It is best to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice your cat consuming dirt in order to rule out external causes and handle medical problems.

Medical Conditions

1: Anemia

When they have anemia, cats may consume dirt or litter. Anemia can be a sign of a more serious condition that can be caused by the cat’s diet being deficient in nutrients. Anemia is a sign of another condition. It happens when the blood lacks sufficient amounts of hemoglobin or healthy red blood cells. The primary component in red blood cells, hemoglobin, is responsible for transporting oxygen. The body’s cells can’t function correctly if there aren’t enough hemoglobin or red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to them. The symptoms observed in the cat are the result of this oxygen deficiency.

2: Food Insufficiencies

Adult cats who eat dirt could not be getting enough vitamins and nutrients from their food. Think about switching to a diet that provides more comprehensive nutrition; carefully read the label to understand what components are included; or ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. It is advisable to feed your cat food that has been approved by AAFCO to satisfy their nutritional requirements. The food bag will bear a label indicating this accreditation. Whatever path you choose, be sure your cat is eating a healthy diet. A diet can go out of balance if there are too many treats given out. A reasonable rule of thumb would be that treats and other foods should make up 10% or less of your cat’s diet and that 90% of its calories should come from balanced cat food and a carefully prepared home-cooked diet. Additionally, if switching to a different kind of food, do so gradually to avoid upsetting your cat’s digestive system.

3: Pica

Changes in the cat’s routine frequently cause this condition. Your pet may start eating strange items, like dirt, as a coping method if you recently moved and they haven’t totally gotten used to their new environment. Pica may result from mimicking traits seen in family members, according to certain studies. It can be difficult for you to stop kittens from copying their mothers and siblings if they observe them consuming litter or dirt. Most of the time, the best solution to stop this behavior is to make sure that the cat feels as stress-free and at ease as possible. Read More…