CAT EATING HOUSEPLANT TOPSOIL

[lynnkay]

Hello friends. I have been on here a number of times about my beloved 16 yr. old Hissie. Well, this time I am on here about my 3 yr. old cat Paradise. Over the weeks, she has been licking the topsoil of my houseplants. Of course, I have put the plants up out of her reach. But, she still manages to climb to get to a few of them still. I have been trying to keep her out of these plants. I use the water in the squirt bottle trick to discourage her. Usually all I have to do is point the bottle at her and she takes off running. But eventually she sneaks back to the plants.

I am not one bit worried about my plants. I will get rid of my plants rather than my little Paradise. But, it is greatly concerning me why she is licking topsoil like this. I researched it on the net. And I am running into little on the subject. Other than it is not normal for a cat to be doing this. I know cats can nibble at plants themselves though. But, she is showing no interest in the plants. Just the dirt the plants are in. And I really don't believe this is a behavorial problem. Paradise is a little character, but is usually a well behaved cat. I am just worried that she could be doing this due to some underlying health issue. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thank you my friends here on the cat forum.

[Kaydey]

If you use a pre-fertilized soil or use fertilizer on your plants or in the soil this may be what is attracting her.  Most fert. contain either moss or extracts of moss.  Cats love moss almost as much as catnip.

Another reason maybe that soil often contains concentrated amounts of iron and nitrogen which are both essential for not only our blood, but for all mammals.

I agree with getting your cat tested for anemia, but should also be tested for heavy metal poisoning as well.  Cats that eat soil have often been shown to have come into heavy metals such as lead, and the soil nutrients are needed to neutralize.

It can also be very much behavioral.  Cats do prefer dirt over litter to do their duty.  Most cats will eat soil before digging to 'evacuate' to make sure they are not in danger of encroaching on anothers territory.

[Jade59]

I'm thinking along the same lines as PK, Lynn.  I'm afraid I don't have any other ideas.  Maybe someone else will.  

Yes, please let us know what comes of this...

[PrettyKitty1]

Geesh..I just remembered. I heard the staff at the animal hospital the other day talking about kidney disease and how it can cause a cat to eat soil.

Honey,
I would take Paradise to the vet just to make sure it isn't anything serious. I am hoping it is behavioral and not a disease. Cats with kidney disease can still use the box and hide the illness until they are far gone. I know my own cat was hidding his liver disease from us for some time. It's their survival instinct kicking in, I guess. They don't like to feel vulnerable, you know, to keep the predators away. We may have domesticated them but survival is still very deep in their blood.

Keep us updated, please?

[PrettyKitty1]

Hi Lynn

Welcome back :)

Well, I was going to mention that it could be behavioral, but you've just said it isn't. Hmm...you know, I have never had this happen to me, but when cats lack certain nutrients they will eat dirt. Anemic cats will usually do this. Maybe she is looking for trace minerals. Anemia can be a concern, so it may be a good time for a blood work.

Are there any other symptoms?