Oh, Internet. Please say a few kind words for my feline companion. Murray is at the ER again for ingesting some more of Em’s stuff. We need to figure out why he’s doing this. Someone mentioned PICA. I really need to put an end to this somehow. Please email me or leave a comment if you have any ideas or suggestions. My heart is on the heavy side today, for a number of reasons.
UPDATE: Murray is home. They were able to scope him and send him on his way all in one day, which saved us some money. He’s in good spirits.
Thanks, everyone, for all the well wishes, email and the like. I appreciate it. Now, we just have to figure out what to buy for him so he stops chewing on plastic. Someone suggested doggie treats like rawhide.
More to come at a later date.
Oh, poor, sweet, lovable, fuzzy guy! I wish I had some suggestions or insight for you, but I don’t—all I have is an electronic chin scratch and nuzzle for Murray and a pat on the back for you!
No advice, but wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you and the fuzzball. hugs
Murray, Murray why oh why do you keep doing this? Pull through little Buddy. We need you.
Oh man…i sure Murray pulls through! I think you might have suspected something a few days ago when you gave him the fiber pills… As to why he’s eating Em’s stuff…because he’s a curious kitten?? It’s hard to childproof AND catproof a home at the same time. If it something like pica, maybe your vet can suggest a nutritional supplement (if he is eating the same “bad” things all time…let’s see, pacifiers, rubber bands, plastic bags…). Many purrs and prayers for Murray’s complete recovery…and for finding a way to keep him from eating what he shouldn’t.
Oh no! That’s awful.
Do they have Kongs in the US? The kitty-sized Kong is rubbery, has chewy whiskers, and is infused with a scent that cats dig. I had a plastic addict kitty, and he moved to the Kong with ease.
Or you could always just store Murray in the fridge. Next to Tucker?
Sending out hopeful scritches to Murray, and love to you guys. xo
ps… If they don’t have Kongs where you are, let me know, and I’ll send you one.
My crazy cat, Thurston, likes to lick plastic and his vet said it is common among cats with diabetes to like plastic. He licked for years before he was diagnosed…
I went through the same thing you’re going through right now two years ago. I’m sure Murray will pull through. He’s very lucky to have someone who loves him so much and who notices these problems so quickly.
Cats lick plastic bags because some plastic bags have fish oil added to them when they are made. My cats used to lick them like there was no tomorrow.
see:
http://www.felinexpress.com/cat-behavior/plastic-bag.asp
I don’t know for sure… and can only suspect that it is possible that fish oil is used in the making of other plastics? (small toys, nipples?) Again I am guessing. I will do more research and will mail you what I find.
Only other suggestion is to buy bitter apple – apply it to small things that Murray might chew – I had to use it with wee Mary McDhui and it didn’t take but one or two times and she stopped her chewing on electric cords. The kitty kong was a great idea too.
Hugs to you and Murray!
Kim
Our cat Waffles isn’t deterred by the bitter apple stuff. In fact, she seems to think it’s a sauce.
Most cats don’t like citrus scents/oils, so maybe that? If you want to be effective but slightly mean, you can try hot pepper sauce. But then, Em might not like that on his pacis either…
NO RAWHIDE!! It’ll make him fat(ter)! Try a KONG or a Nylabone. If he eats the rawhide, it could really mess with his digestive system. It’s not even that good for dogs! Hope I don’t sound too bossy..I’m just very concerned..and I work in the pet supply industry!
I hope you figure something out for him to snap him out of it.
Good luck!
NO RAWHIDE!! It’ll make him fat(ter)! Try a KONG or a Nylabone. If he eats the rawhide, it could really mess with his digestive system. It’s not even that good for dogs! Hope I don’t sound too bossy..I’m just very concerned..and I work in the pet supply industry!
I hope you figure something out for him to snap him out of it.
Good luck!
NO RAWHIDE!! It’ll make him fat(ter)! Try a KONG or a Nylabone. If he eats the rawhide, it could really mess with his digestive system. It’s not even that good for dogs! Hope I don’t sound too bossy..I’m just very concerned..and I work in the pet supply industry!
I hope you figure something out for him to snap him out of it.
Good luck!
I am so glad he’s home and better, poor little guy!
if he keeps eating the plastic nipples, maybe there’s a digestible version?
So glad he got to come home. Sounds like the travel and hospital are worse for him than the actual surgery! I like the Kong idea too. They’re purple in the shape of a mouse with little whiskers. Very similar to the pacifier texture, but won’t break up into pieces. I ordered Murray and the shelter cats some organic cat grass seed in case he might like to chew on some greens, but the hot sauce trick might do the trick. One or two times and that may teach him the lesson a few endoscopies haven’t!
My vet also recommended the Kong cause my little guys have their own problems with eating toys. They have little Kongs for chihuahuas, which might work well.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but he may never stop chewing on plastic. My brother’s cats eat plastic. They simply can’t leave it lying out. Ever.
My cat has no interest in plastic other than to sleep on it. Tin foil, however, is her favorite food. And almost killed her when she ingested some. I’ve now gotten covers for all my trash cans.
Good luck. But don’t be surprised if you just have to start buying wooden toys.
Just a little reassurance – My cat has eaten the prongs off of about 3 of those red silicone brushes and all chunks seem to easily pass through without incident.