Medical and behavioral evaluation of 8 cats presenting with fabric ingestion: An exploratory pilot study

The aims of this pilot study were to: i) conduct a thorough behavioral and medical evaluation of cats presenting for chronic fabric ingestion; and ii) implement specific treatments for conditions identified and evaluate the outcome of treatment on fabric ingestion. Eight cats which ingested fabric at least weekly were recruited. Cat owners recorded daily baseline frequency of pica and gastrointestinal signs for 1 month prior to the behavioral and medical investigation and again during a follow-up period. Diagnoses were made and response to treatment was monitored and modified as needed. Abnormalities included mild hypercholesterolemia (n = 7), gastric or intestinal eosinophilic infiltrates (n = 6), suspected delayed gastric emptying (n = 4), suspected gastric reflux (n = 1), and Giardia spp. (n = 1). Four of the eight cats responded partially to treatments. Treatment of fabric ingestion in cats remains a challenge and further investigation is needed.