Cat Consuming Litter: Veterinary Explanations for 6 Possible Reasons
Cats, just like their human counterparts, can exhibit unusual behaviors from time to time. One such behavior is eating litter, a habit that can pose serious health risks for our feline friends.
Cats may engage in this behavior due to a variety of reasons. These could include underlying medical conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, stress, boredom, or behavioral issues such as pica (the consumption of non-food items) [1]. Kittens may also sample litter out of curiosity, but persistent eating is a concern.
The potential health risks of cats eating cat litter are significant. Gastrointestinal blockages or irritation, particularly if the litter is clumping or contains harmful chemicals, can occur. Exposure to bacterial or parasitic infections, such as urinary tract infections, kidney failure, sepsis, toxic shock, or toxoplasmosis, is also a concern if the litter box is not kept clean [2]. Stress-related complications may also be exacerbated if litter ingestion is a symptom of stress or environmental changes [1][3].
Maintaining a clean litter box is crucial to minimize infection risks and related health problems, requiring daily scooping and regular cleaning [2]. If a cat persistently eats litter, a veterinary consultation is recommended to rule out anemia, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health issues [1].
In an effort to minimize health risks, switching to a natural, non-toxic, biodegradable litter like Oekocat can be a safer choice for cats that nibble at their litter. Environmental enrichment and routine can also help reduce stress and anxiety in cats, which may prevent them from eating litter [4].
It's important for pet parents to understand the reasons behind their cat eating litter and to know when to seek veterinary attention. Regularly seeing a cat eating litter or showing signs like vomiting, lethargy, not eating, or changes in bowel movements indicates a need to visit the vet.
This article was last updated in August 2025 by Emma Chandley, a veterinarian who graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011 and achieved advanced practitioner status in small animal surgery. Emma has 14 years of experience and is the author of this article.
In summary, eating litter often signals underlying health or behavioral problems and poses risks including digestive issues and infections, especially if the litter or box is contaminated [1][2]. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and taking steps to address it, pet parents can help ensure their cats stay healthy and happy.
[1] Chandley, E. (2022). Eating Litter in Cats: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. [2] Brown, S. (2021). The Impact of Litter Box Cleanliness on Cat Health. Veterinary Practice News. [3] Johnson, L. (2020). Stress and Anxiety in Cats: Recognition and Management. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. [4] Smith, A. (2021). Environmental Enrichment for Cats: A Comprehensive Guide. Catnip Times.
