Why does my cat eat blankets and throw up? What can I do to stop it?

This is really common in cats. It's called "pica." There isn't a way to treat it, though. The best thing is to keep all of the objects that Sampson likes to eat picked up and out of his reach. Make sure he has plenty of toys to occupy his time and prevent boredom. Look for puzzle toys. You can even use the puzzle toys to feed him his meals. You can discuss anxiety medications with your vet, if you feel that may be a component of his pica. Here is a great option for allowing cats to hunt for their food: https://docandphoebe.com

There is a condition we see in cats commonly called wool sucking. It is an OCD type of behavior, so treatment involves behavioral modification (environmental enrichment and providing alternative outlets), but often also includes medications from your veterinarian. I have attached a link below with additional ideas for environmental enrichment. It should also include alternative items to chew and suck, multiple small meals with treat balls and puzzles as feeders (https://docandphoebe.com), and increased social enrichment (play, reward training), combined with an environment where she can be housed comfortably in an enriched and comfortable space (e.g. room, pen) within the home away from potential targets. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats I hope that was helpful and gives you some ideas. Good luck! Thanks for using PetCoach.

This is likely behavioral. I would recommend providing her with plenty of toys that will keep her occupied. You can also consider using a bitter spray to apply to the things she chews on most to try and deter her from continuing this behavior. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Harley! Possible causes of vomiting are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion (ate something gross), are something that is causing a blockage, pancreatitis, toxin ingestion, hair balls, food allergy/intolerance. Cats with nausea or underlying intestinal disease like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like to lick cardboard, eat paper products, etc. Since she is under 1 year of age and she is known to lick (at least) foreign objects, a blockage is high on the list. If she continues to vomit I would have her seen today before the weekend for an exam and belly X-rays. If everything looks good the Vet can provide a GI diet, anti-nausea and maybe a hair ball remedy. I wish Harley the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could have been due to a partial obstruction. If she vomited all the obstructing material (string) then she may be ok. However, if she continues to vomit, this may be due to an obstruction and further therapy may be needed. If the issue continues, I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

What a cute cat ! The only way to make sure she does not eat these things is to remove these things from the house or keep them put away so she cannot get to them. If she continues eating this type of material, she may have serious GI issues or a blockage.

Poor Salem. He may have eaten something that is gritty causing the vomiting. I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps. Withhold food tonight, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, he refuses to eat the bland diet, he vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!