Does Your Pet Have a Taste for Plastic or Metal? This is called "Pica" and I'll tell You What It Could Mean.

Pica must be considered when a pet repeatedly eats nonfood items such as plastic, rubber or wood. There is no single known cause for this behavior. A complete physical followed by a thorough behavior history is essential in determining what type of treatment is best for your pet.

In some animals, this behavior may point to a lack of fiber or mineral in their diet. In others, it may be a sign of an obsessive-compulsive disorder that might respond to antidepressants. In cats, Siamese and Burmese are more likely to develop pica than other breeds, which may suggest there is a genetic component to the behavior.

Pica can obviously be a serious threat to your pet's health. Anytime something is swallowed that is not digestible, there is the possibility of a medical emergency such as bleeding, or intestinal blockage. For more information concerning pica, see your veterinarian because it is "Your Pet....Health Matters."