Why Is My Cat Eating Legos? Best 3 Solutions

Any cat owner worth their salt has been on the receiving end of an unexpected act of lunacy from their feline companion. The circumstance where a cat starts to chew Legos is very confusing. As a result of this peculiar behavior, pet owners may question their cherished animals’ well-being. At first glance, a cat eating Legos could appear amusing, but it raises concerns and needs attention.

Cat behaviorists have seen many reasons why cats might develop a taste for things like Legos that aren’t food. The root reasons can differ, ranging from insufficient nutrients to problems caused by stress. Why do cats sometimes eat Legos? This article will discuss the possible risks, warning signs, and what to do if you think your cat has eaten a Lego piece. We’ll also talk about effective ways to keep your cat from doing this dangerous thing, keeping them safe and giving you peace of mind.

Why Do Cats Eat Non-Food Items?

Cats are known to be playful and interested, but their owners may sometimes be confused and worried about their actions. One of these behaviors is eating things that aren’t food, which can be strange and dangerous. To figure out why cats might do this, it’s essential to look at the different things that might be causing it.

Pica Behavior and Cat Eating Legos

Cats with the condition pica will eat things around the house that they shouldn’t. For example, they might chew on plastic, rubber, or Legos. They might also lick and chew on surfaces in the house, like walls or floors. Cats can get pica for several reasons, such as behavioral, environmental, or physical issues.

Behavioral pica can happen when someone is bored, anxious, or trying to get attention. Cats can also get pica when they are stressed or exposed to toxins in their environment. Additionally, cats can get pica if they aren’t fed enough or are on a minimal diet.

Medical conditions that may cause feline pica include:

1. Nutritional deficiencies
2. Anemia
3. Gastrointestinal disorders
4. Endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism
5. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
6. Feline leukemia (FeLV)
7. Dental disease
8. Neurological disease

Curiosity and Playfulness

Cats are intelligent animals that do things to have fun and keep their minds and bodies active. Cats explore their surroundings and play with things because they are interested, just like people might play games or solve puzzles for fun.

Cats are naturally curious, so they watch their owners and may copy what they do to connect with other cats. If a cat sees its owner playing with something, like Legos, it might become interested in it and want to learn more. Because it is curious, it might play with the object by chewing or trying to eat it.

Each cat has its own attitude and likes certain toys and other things that catch its eye. Some cats might enjoy toys that crinkle, while others might be interested in small, bright things like Legos. People are usually drawn to these things because they want to keep their minds and bodies active, not because they need to meet a specific food need.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Cats may sometimes eat things that aren’t food because they aren’t getting enough nutrients. Cats need balanced nutrition for their health and well-being. If a cat’s food lacks certain nutrients, it may look for other ways to get them.

Some common nutritional deficits that can cause behavior like pica are:

1. Taurine deficiency: Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats and is necessary for heart muscle function and optimal vision. A lack of taurine can lead to serious health issues.
2. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency: Thiamine is critical in energy metabolism. A deficiency can cause decreased energy, anorexia, and neurological problems.
3. Vitamin D deficiency: Cats cannot produce vitamin D from sunlight exposure and must obtain it from their diet. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities and other health issues.
4. Calcium deficiency: Insufficient calcium in a cat’s diet can result in nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, which can cause bone problems.

It is essential to feed cats a healthy, well-balanced cat diet that meets their unique needs to prevent them from not getting enough of certain nutrients. Talking to a vet can help you determine what food is best for your cat based on age, weight, and health.

In conclusion, cats may eat things that aren’t food, like Legos, because they are curious or fun or don’t get enough nutrients. Knowing these underlying reasons can help cat owners deal with the problem healthily and keep their cats happy and healthy.

Related Read: Bland Diet For Cats

The Dangers of Cats Eating Legos

Because cats are naturally interested, they often use their mouths to look around. This practice can cause small things, like Legos, to be swallowed. Even though it might not seem dangerous, a cat eating Legos can be evil for its health. Let’s look at the possible risks that come with this behavior.

Choking Hazards

Choking is one of cat-eating Legos’ most evident and dangerous risks. The small, colored pieces make it easy for cats to get stuck in their throats and block their airways. Things could quickly worsen and become a medical emergency needing rapid veterinary care. These are signs that a cat is choking:

1. Difficulty breathing
2. Excessive drooling
3. Pawing at the mouth
4. Gagging or retching
5. Panic or distress

If you suspect your cat has swallowed a Lego and is having difficulty breathing, it’s crucial to seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Intestinal Blockages

Another big problem that can happen when cats eat Legos is that it can hurt their digestive system. Lego pieces can cause blockages in the intestines, which can be painful and dangerous if not treated immediately. When something foreign gets in the way of food and liquid moving through the digestive system, this is called an intestinal blockage.

Signs of an intestinal blockage in cats include:

1. Vomiting
2. Loss of appetite
3. Lethargy
4. Abdominal pain or discomfort
5. Constipation or diarrhea

For a cat that has eaten a Lego, the toxin usually takes about 1.71 days to leave the body. However, this process can differ for cats and Lego pieces of various sizes. Sometimes, the Lego may get stuck in the stomach and need to be surgically removed.

If you think your cat has eaten a Lego, you must closely watch them. Call your vet immediately if you see any signs of stress or strange behavior in your pet. If the person ate something within the last two hours, they may suggest making them throw up. If not, they may tell you to feed your cat normally to help the Lego pass through their system and keep an eye on their poop for the next three to five days.

Cat Eating Legos and Toxicity Concerns

The Legos are not usually harmful, but some cats may respond poorly to the materials used. Their dyes and chemicals could cause stomach or other health problems if Lego pieces are eaten.

Additionally, if a cat chews on a Lego piece, the small pieces or sharp edges could hurt or irritate its mouth, throat, or digestive system. Inflammation, pain, or even illnesses can happen because of this.

To avoid these risks, keep Legos and other small things out of your cat’s reach. Put them in closed containers or play places your cat can’t reach. Additionally, give your cat suitable toys and enrichment activities to please their natural curiosity and keep them from looking for things that could hurt them.

Always remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry if you think your cat has eaten a Lego or any other strange object. Call your vet right away. They can advise you on what to do and ensure your cat gets medical help immediately if it needs it.

Signs Your Cat May Have Eaten a Lego

If you love cats and own one, you must know the signs that your furry friend may have eaten a Lego piece. Cats are usually interested in new things, and because they like to play, they may explore things with their mouths. Look for vital signs if you think your cat has eaten a Lego.

Changes in Behavior

Your cat’s habits might change right away. Cats that have swallowed something unusual, like a Lego, may show signs of being uncomfortable or upset. There’s a chance that they will get antsy, unable to calm down, or depressed. What you can do is watch your cat:

1. Becoming lethargic or less active than usual
2. Showing signs of anxiety or agitation
3. Hissing or biting when picked up, which is unusual for them
4. Exhibiting a decreased interest in their surroundings

These behavioral changes can be subtle, so paying close attention to your cat’s everyday habits and routines is essential.

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Digestive Symptoms

It’s normal for cats to have digestive problems after eating something foreign, like Legos. The small plastic can cause many issues as it goes through the body’s digestive system. Some signs of a problem with your digestion are:

• Vomiting: This is often one of the first signs that something is amiss.
• Diarrhea: Changes in stool consistency or frequency can indicate digestive distress.
• Constipation: Difficulty defecating or straining to pass stool may occur.
• Loss of appetite: Your cat may show little to no interest in food.
• Abdominal pain or tenderness: Your cat might react negatively when you touch their belly.

Remember that it usually takes a cat 10 to 24 hours to digest something completely. It can take much longer, even months, in some situations, though. Watch your cat’s litter box habits carefully and look for the Legos pieces in their poop for three to five days.

Physical Discomfort

Physical signs of discomfort can also indicate that your cat has swallowed a Lego. These signs may be more noticeable and can include:

1. Drooling excessively
2. Continuous swallowing or difficulty swallowing
3. Extending their head and neck in an unusual manner
4. Gagging or retching
5. Regurgitation
6. Trouble breathing
7. A foul smell coming from the mouth

In more severe cases, where the Lego piece has caused an obstruction, you might notice:

1. Weight loss
2. Extreme lethargy
3. Continuous vomiting
4. Inability to keep food or water down

We strongly advise that you take your pet to the vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, mainly if they occur along with the behavioral and stomach issues we already discussed. Your vet may suggest x-rays to confirm that the Lego piece is there and to find out where it is in the digestive system. Furthermore, they may perform blood and urine tests to check your cat’s general health and rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Cat Eating Legos

Immediate Actions

Cat owners must stay calm and take the proper steps if they think their cat has eaten a Lego piece. The first thing that should be done is carefully looking at the situation. Watch how the cat acts and look for signs of upset or uncomfortable. It’s important to remember that making your cat puke at home is not a good idea because it could hurt its esophagus and stomach lining.

In the meantime, if the eating happened within the last two hours, you should immediately call a doctor. They might say to bring the cat to the clinic so that it can be safely made to puke while being watched by a doctor. This method makes the foreign object more likely to be removed before it enters the digestive system.

When to Contact a Vet

Pet owners should take their cats to the vet immediately if they think their cat has swallowed a Lego, but this isn’t always necessary. If cat owners notice any of the following signs, they should call a vet:

1. Vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Abdominal tenderness or pain
4. Loss of appetite
5. Constipation or straining to defecate
6. Lethargy
7. Behavioral changes, such as biting or hissing when picked up

You must immediately visit the vet if your cat shows any of these symptoms. A vet might suggest X-rays to ensure the Lego piece is in the digestive system and find its exact position. They may also check the cat’s blood and urine to see how healthy it is and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

Home Monitoring

Cat owners can watch their pets at home if they don’t think they need to go to the vet immediately. A cat’s digestive system usually moves something through it in 10 to 24 hours. Sometimes, it may take longer, even up to a few days.

Veterinarians usually say the cat should eat regularly so the Lego piece can move through its digestive system more quickly. This might help push the thing through the intestines. Over the next three to five days, cat owners should closely watch how often their cat goes to the litter box and look in the litter for signs of the Lego piece.

It is essential to monitor the cat’s habits and health closely. If you see signs of pain, changes in how the animal eats, or strange behavior, you should call the vet immediately. Remember that even though many foreign items pass through a cat’s system without any problems, there’s always a chance that something will get stuck or cause other problems.

If the Lego piece gets to the colon, it will pass independently. However, cat owners should never try to pull out a foreign object from their cat’s rectum because it can do much damage if the object is still inside.

Solutions for Preventing Your Cat from Eating Legos

It is essential to keep our favorite LEGO collections safe while caring for our cats. Because cats are naturally curious and like to hunt, they might find it impossible to avoid small LEGO pieces. To ensure your cat doesn’t get sick, let’s look at some good ways to keep them away from these colored bricks.

Proper Storage

Storing LEGO sets securely has an impact on both organization and cat safety. Here are some practical tips:

1. Put separate LEGO sets in plastic zipper bags and use them. This keeps the pieces together and makes them more challenging for cats to access.
2. Cut out the front of the LEGO box and stick it to the outside of the plastic bag to make a label. This visual clue makes it easier to see what’s inside and adds an extra layer of security.
3. Storage systems: To keep the bagged LEGO sets safe, you could use a storage system like IKEA’s TROFAST system. Please put them in more significant bins at the bottom or use long, shallow bins to store them under the bed.
4. Set a rule that pieces from each LEGO set must stay together. This will help keep the sets together and make it less likely that leftover pieces will be lying around and tempting your cat.

Cat-Proofing Techniques

To further protect your LEGO collection and your cat, try these cat-proofing methods:

1. Secure storage: Keep LEGO sets in a separate room or use display cabinets to prevent access.
2. Alter appearances: Change the shape of LEGO constructions or add bulk to make them less appealing to cats.
3. Use deterrents: Apply pet-safe deterrent sprays on or around LEGO storage areas.
4. Train your cat: Teach your cat to sit on cue or when doors open to interrupt potential mischievous behavior.
5. Chemical warfare (with caution): Some cat owners have found success using strong scents like Vicks VapoRub on certain LEGO pieces. However, always ensure the safety of any substance used around pets.

Alternative Toys

Giving your cat something fun to do can help keep its mind off of LEGOs. Here are some toys that cats will like:

1. Electronic toys: Consider toys like the Hexbug Nano Robotic cat toy, which mimics insect movements and can navigate around objects.
2. Prey-like toys: Opt for toys that simulate prey, such as the SmartyKat Hot Pursuit electronic concealed motion cat toy, which mimics mouse movements.
3. Bird-inspired toys: To satisfy your cat’s bird-chasing instincts, try the OurPets Play-N-Squeak Real Bird Fly Over cat toy or the Pet Zone Caged Canary interactive cat toy.
4. Chew toys: Offer kitty-specific chew toys like the Petstages Dental Health Chews to discourage cord chewing and promote dental health.
5. Interactive toys: Invest in toys that require your cat’s active participation, keeping them mentally and physically stimulated.

As a passionate cat owner, I’ve found that keeping my curious cat busy with other things and storing my LEGO collection correctly have all helped keep her away from it. This works out well for everyone because it keeps my cat safe and protects my favorite brick projects.

Final Words

As a cat lover, I’ve learned that it takes careful planning to keep our cat friends safe and our beloved brick collections in good shape. By storing things correctly, cat-proofing surfaces properly, and giving cats interesting alternative toys, we can create a safe space for our cats that satisfies their instincts while keeping them away from possible LEGO hazards. In this sensible way, we can enjoy our LEGO hobby without worrying about the safety of our furry friends.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that cats are naturally interested and want to explore their surroundings. By knowing their needs and giving them healthy ways to work off their energy, we can keep them from eating LEGOs and other non-food items. Since we have cats, we must keep them safe and happy while doing what we enjoy.