Changes

The behaviour is usually restricted to chewing or mouthing the material, but i some cases can involve ingestion. The risk this presents depends upon the type of material being swallowed. Unlike dogs, cats do not deliberately swallow items to carry them between locations, and they are also less inclined to steal and retain objects as a means of gaining attention. However, cats with existing [[Feline Attachment Problems|attachment problems]], especially oriental breeds, may steal and chew objects to get attention.

The behaviour is usually restricted to chewing or mouthing the material, but i some cases can involve ingestion. The risk this presents depends upon the type of material being swallowed. Unlike dogs, cats do not deliberately swallow items to carry them between locations, and they are also less inclined to steal and retain objects as a means of gaining attention. However, cats with existing [[Feline Attachment Problems|attachment problems]], especially oriental breeds, may steal and chew objects to get attention.

==Diagnosis==

==Investigation==

Wool-sucking is characterised by '''rhythmic repetitive mouthing and sucking of woolly objects''' and has therefore been classed by many authors as a [[Feline Compulsive Disorders|compulsive disorder]]. Other possible explanations for the behaviour include a possible miswiring within the hypothalamic region of the brain which leads to errors in the detection of potential prey items and the redirection of hunting responses onto unsuitable items such as fabric. Cats with pica consistently choose to chew and swallow the same kind of non-food items, rather than simply engaging in oral investigation of a range of different items and materials, which is relatively normal in immature cats.  

Wool-sucking is characterised by '''rhythmic repetitive mouthing and sucking of woolly objects''' and has therefore been classed as a [[Feline Compulsive Disorders|compulsive disorder]]. However, the aetiology of the problem is not understood. Cats with pica consistently choose to chew and swallow the same kind of non-food items, rather than simply engaging in oral investigation of a range of different items and materials, which is relatively normal in immature cats.  

====Differentials====

====Differentials====

*Stealing and chewing objects as a means of getting attention from the owner.

*Stealing and chewing objects as a means of getting attention from the owner.

*Cats with severe CNS pathology or senility may sometimes attempt to eat non-food items because they may perceive them as food.

*Cats with severe CNS pathology or senility may sometimes attempt to eat non-food items because they may perceive them as food.

*Conditions causing polyphagia may encourage cats to investigate and consume borderline non-food items.

*Conditions causing polyphagia may encourage cats to investigate and consume borderline non-food items such as food packaging that retains food odour.

'''Cats with pica should be thoroughly medically investigated before commencing a behavioural investigation'''.  

'''Cats with pica should be thoroughly medically investigated before commencing a behavioural investigation'''.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==