There are many reasons why your cat or kitten could be eating kitty litter and all but one has to do with the health of your pet. The most likely reason that your cat might be eating kitty litter is the result of a vitamin or mineral deficiency which the cat tries to compensate with the minerals found in the clay of the kitty litter. This can be a very serious problem that should not be taken lightly.

If you use the clumping type of kitty litter and find your cat eating it you should discard it immediately. You will need to prevent your cat from ingesting this type of kitty litter because it may cause serious digestive problems and blockages.

The only exception to a sign of illness when a feline begins eating kitty litter is in the case of a kitten. A kitten that is eating kitty litter may not necessarily be ill. Kittens are very curious and will eat anything - much like a human infant will. When you have a kitten, you will need to kitten proof your home which includes preventing him or her from eating kitty litter. Although you obviously cannot remove the litter box, be sure to not use clumping litter until your cat has learned not to put kitty litter in his mouth.

As for adult cats and kittens that are not just being kittens, eating kitty litter is a common symptom of anemia. Anemia is a medical condition where there is an insufficient number or volume of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the body. The most visible sign of anemia in a cat or kitten other than eating kitty litter is paleness. You can check to see if your cat is pale by lifting her lips and looking at her gums. Normally the cat’s gums will be a healthy pink color. It’s important to note that some cats have very dark pigment in their gums which is normal. If your cat’s gums are white or bluish when they should otherwise be pink, your cat is exhibiting signs of paleness and should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Unfortunately anemia in cats is often, but not always, itself a symptom of a more serious illness. Anemia in cats may possibly be the result of underlying diseases such as feline leukemia (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), kidney failure, abscesses and cancer. Without the expertise of a veterinarian you will not be able to determine whether your cat is anemic, suffering from a disease or just has a quirky personality. When cats become ill, they become ill really fast so if your cat has begun eating kitty litter have her checked out by a veterinarian right away.