My cat with pica ate crystal litter. Is it harmful or toxic?

Question

Our cat Garu suffers from feline pica. He is 2 years old and neutered. He only used clay clumping litter up until now. But today we bought silica crystal litter from the brand Pestell for him. We put the crystal litter on the litter box and he immediately started to eat it. The litter is made of big silica crystals and some are blue to indicate the time to change them. He would chew multiple crystals at the same time. We removed some but he still swallowed a little. Is it harmful? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, it is not toxic, but if Garu ingests enough it could cause a gastrointestinal obstruction. So, based on what you said, I would not worry about it. He likely did not eat enough for it to be a problem. You may want to try using some Feliway products to see if they help with the pica. ( https://www.feliway.com/br ) ( https://www.feliway.com/br/FELIWAY/Feliway-Classic-Difusor ) The other thing that often helps to decrease pica symptoms is environmental enrichment. Enrichment usually means hiding toys for him, food filled toys, cat nip mice, and bits of food. Offer safe chew items (ie: dog bones), lots of scratching posts of the material and orientation that he likes. And if he likes tv, video then provide that as well. Play with him regularly if he will engage with you. Some cats symptoms will get better with a higher fiber diet. Pica is not a condition that you will "cure" but you many be able to lessen his symptoms with some of the above changes. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

My cat with pica ate crystal litter. Is it harmful or toxic?

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