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Cat pulling at cushions and swallowing

6 replies

golfergirl28 · 19/12/2013 21:47

Lupin is 16. Her behaviour has changed and I'm worried. She has various health issues. For a long time she has vomited most days. She was on Zantac but it didn't help. About a month ago she started shredding paper, pulling at the fabric on cushions in almost a frenzy.
The vet put her on steroids......it seemed like magic. No more sickness. Newspapers were put out of her way but still she shreds soft furnishings. We tried putting all cushions out of the way but she then started on sofa etc which can't be put away. So we've left one cushion out.
The steroids have made her ravenous but this pulling and swallowing the threads doesn't seem to be food related.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Has anyone else encountered this odd behaviour? There is the possibility of a brain tumour the vet suggests. I'm so hoping not and she seems reasonably normal otherwise. I'm so worried this will result in a blockage.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 19/12/2013 22:14

Crikey. You need a vet opinion on this I think - but if she's actually pulling and eating fabric, I'm thinking it could be PICA, maybe as a geriatric-onset behavioural issue ? (One which has come on with her age.)

There's some guidance on PICA \link{http://www.icatcare.org/advice/problem-behaviour/pica-cats\here} but as I said, I think this is a vet one. I fully appreciate your worry about a blockage.

Is she due to go back to the vet soon?

golfergirl28 · 19/12/2013 23:01

Thanks, cozie. Yes, she goes to the vet regularly. I spoke to the vet today.....she thinks it's possibly a geriatric issue. Blood test taken a few months ago suggested a possible tumour. I haven't pursued this route. The vet suggests we may have to go to a low dose of diazepam. We have considered PIca but what's the cause and treatment? My vet didn't seem to give much credence to this.
On reading back I fear my message makes the vet look less than efficient.......she's not! She's also very caring.

OP posts:
golfergirl28 · 19/12/2013 23:07

Cozie, have just read your link. Very interesting. Thanks so much.

OP posts:
VenusDeWillendorf · 20/12/2013 15:19

My little cat had pica, and it turned out she had very low potassium and iron. In essence, she had no red blood cells and was too far gone for a transfusion - her bone marrow had stopped making them.
She used to lick everything- I say used to as we had to have her pts as she was too weak by the time she showed us any symptoms- cats hide their illnesses.

Have you had a blood test? Or do you suppliment with multi vitamin paste? It's worth getting your Lupin into the vets for a full blood count and also blood salts.

Good luck.

golfergirl28 · 21/12/2013 15:41

Sorry about your cat, Venus. Lupin has had blood tests and I do give her the vitamin paste......back to the drawing board!

OP posts:
VenusDeWillendorf · 22/12/2013 00:40

Thanks golfer girl.
Humm, not sure what it could be... Is she in heat.... Or does she get cycles even though she's neutered.

Our last cat used to go a bit crazy, as if she was calling, even though she had been spayed. There is something (hormones basically) the vet prescribes to stop it and eventually it calms down.

Hope you find a solution, before all your cushions are rags!

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