When Collecting Gets Worrying (And It’s Time for a Vet Chat)
While this quirky cat habit is often just part of their charm and generally harmless (as long as the items are safe!), if they start obsessively collecting, or worse, eating things that aren’t food, it could be a sign of something else going on.
- Pica – Eating Non-Food Things: If your cat isn’t just gathering these strange items but is actually chewing and swallowing them, that’s a condition vets call pica. It can be a sign of anything from missing nutrients in their diet, to boredom, stress, anxiety, or even some pretty serious illnesses like FIP, FeLV, or painful dental problems.
- Feeling Anxious or Bored: If the collecting or hoarding seems way over the top, or if it’s a brand new behavior, especially if it comes with other signs of stress (like grooming too much, changes in appetite, or hiding away), it might mean your cat isn’t feeling secure or isn’t getting enough to do to keep their mind and body busy.
- Becoming a Compulsion: In some less common cases, it can turn into a compulsive behavior that really affects their quality of life.
“Look, if you see your cat making a habit of eating things that aren’t food, or if this collecting thing seems to have taken over their life, is a new thing, or comes with any other symptoms that worry you, getting them to a vet for a check-up is absolutely the right move,” is the standard, sound advice from the veterinary world. “We can check for any medical reasons, talk about their diet, and figure out ways to help them behaviorally or make their environment more engaging.”
Living With (and Safely Managing) Your Little Collector Cat
Figuring out the “why” behind your cat’s odd little collections can actually make you appreciate their amazing natural instincts even more. By giving them lots of safe toys to play with, plenty of engaging playtime with you, and a home where they feel secure and loved, you can help satisfy that inner hunter and collector in ways that are healthy and safe.
And the next time you stumble upon a neatly arranged pile of bottle caps (or, yes, your missing hair ties!), try to just smile. It’s likely just your little feline curator, showing off their unique, wonderfully weird, and totally cat-like personality. Just be super, super careful that whatever they’re curating is safe!
