CONSUMER REPORTS -- Your Cat Is Eating Its Litter: Now What?
Cats are naturally discerning animals, and it’s uncommon for them to intentionally eat their litter, regardless of its composition, says Kelly Cairns, DVM, vice president of medical excellence and education at
Thrive Pet Healthcare. However, Cairns says, there is a possibility that a cat could inadvertently ingest small amounts of litter while grooming if it becomes stuck to their fur. This might lead to an upset stomach, but it’s unlikely to be harmful.
“Cats, particularly kittens, are naturally curious,” Cairns says. “They are specific about their litter boxes and tend to avoid soiled litter. However, the smell and texture of fresh litter may pique their curiosity, leading them to taste it. Importantly, there is no significant research indicating that any specific type of cat litter, including tofu cat litter, is harmful when ingested in small quantities.”
If your cat appears to find the litter appealing to taste, Cairns says it’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian because this behavior could be indicative of an underlying health issue known as pica, which involves the consumption of nonfood items.
