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Thread: Ufro, a cat with Pica

  1. #1
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    Ufro, a cat with Pica

    https://bestfriends.org/stories-blog...campaign=enews

    Heidi, I thought of you when I saw this. You likely know everything that's in the article here but Ufro is very handsome, so I am sharing this.


    Helping a cat with pica

    By Christelle L. Del Prete | October 29, 2018
    Ufro, who came to Best Friends Animal Society from a shelter in L.A., hadn’t been at Cat World for very long
    before his caregivers discovered that he had a rather troubling habit. He liked to eat,
    but he wasn’t just chowing down on food.

    Ufro was displaying some of the classic symptoms of pica in cats, an eating disorder that causes
    a compulsive appetite for things that are not food and that can cause harm to the body.
    And that was something that could spell big trouble. Ufro’s caregivers had to act fast to keep him healthy, happy and safe.


    What is cat pica?

    Pica is not just a feline eating disorder. It can also affect people, dogs (like Ruger) and other animals.
    Not every cat who eats something odd from time to time has pica. But if you notice a cat eating litter,
    string, paper, cardboard, dirt or other nonfood items, it could be a sign of the disorder.

    In Ufro’s case, Cat World caregivers noticed that he liked to rip apart small stuffed cat toys
    and then try to eat the fabric and stuffing he tore from them. He was also attracted to crinkly cat toys and
    would tear or chew them into small pieces that could be swallowed. Cleaning tools such as mops, dustpans and brooms,
    bungee cords (used to hold the cleaning tools in place) and electrical cords also became fair game for Ufro’s unusual appetite.

    Besides the clear danger of electrical cords, pica can cause life-threatening blockages in the digestive system.
    But Ufro’s caregivers weren’t about to let anything bad happen to him. All the electrical cords in his room were immediately
    covered with heavy plastic tubing to prevent him from chewing them. Bungee cords were removed from the room and
    cleaning tools were secured out of reach. All the soft toys were swapped out for sturdy ones that
    Ufro couldn’t break, rip or chew through.


    Can pica in cats be cured?

    Ufro, who is barely three years old, also was checked out by a vet at the Best Friends Animal Clinic.
    Rooting out the exact cause of pica is tricky. Pica causes can include nutrient deficiencies or digestive issues,
    even though Ufro, like all the cats at Cat World, eats a healthy, balanced diet. A full work-up at the clinic
    (including routine and specialized blood work and deworming) didn’t turn up any issues that could explain the problem.



    While there is no cure for pica, Ufro was prescribed medication that can sometimes help reduce cravings
    for nonfood items. Since it’s not a cure-all, Ufro’s condition must be carefully managed, and his caregivers are always vigilant.

    Certain items are not allowed in Ufro’s room and everything that is brought in is carefully screened.
    There’s a big sign on the door to let visitors and volunteers know that Ufro will eat strange things and that
    nothing should be brought into the room without his caregivers’ approval.


    Pica cat can still live long, happy life

    That’s not to say that Ufro (or any of the cats sharing his room) can’t have fun toys.
    Cat World caregivers and volunteers bring soft or feathery toys into the room for lively play sessions,
    but after each play session, they simply put the toys away until next time.

    Because pica can be a lifelong condition, Ufro may always need a little extra care to stay safe.
    But, as long as his environment is well-managed and his people are vigilant,
    the young cat has a long and happy life ahead of him.




    Photos by Molly Wald
    "Do or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda

  2. #2
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    Candace, I am glad that you posted this, and I am very happy for Ufro that his caregivers understand that pica cats are special needs kitties.
    Ufro is the most handsome boy, and I hope he will find his perfect forever home.

    When Monroe started showing symptoms 10 years ago, I was so frustrated that I let him open his own restaurant.
    Here's the menu, including revues.

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    Willa (5/1/1997-3/17/2018)

  3. #3
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    That menu is hilarious!

    I think you should send it to Best Friends with a pic of Monroe and his story.
    "Do or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda

  4. #4
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    Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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    Wow! That's really some menu! Everything that every pica cat ever dreams of is there!

    I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that truly makes living worthwhile?"
    Death thought about it.
    CATS, he said eventually. CATS ARE NICE.

    -- Terry Pratchett (1948—2015), Sourcery

  5. #5
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    Wow, this disorder must be a genuine pain in the ass.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by mon View Post
    Wow, this disorder must be a genuine pain in the ass.
    It is, but it has become normal over the years.
    Willa (5/1/1997-3/17/2018)

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