Table 1.
Demographic characteristics of the cats in the pica group (P) and those in the control group (C)
| Variable | P | C | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean age (months) | 54 | 48 | 0.42 |
| Mean age at weaning (months) | 2.3 | 2.2 | 0.71 |
| Weaning ⩽7 weeks old (n) | 12 | 6 | 1 |
| Mean age at adoption (months) | 8.9 | 4.9 | 0.04* |
| Sex (n) | 0.26 | ||
| Male | 56 | 17 | |
| Female | 35 | 18 | |
| Medical condition (n) | 0.33 | ||
| Yes | 22 | 5 | |
| No | 68 | 29 | |
| Breed (n) | 0.38 | ||
| Domestic | 55 | 24 | |
| Purebred | 28 | 7 | |
| Unknown | 7 | 1 | |
| Source (n) | 0.46 | ||
| Breeder | 16 | 4 | |
| Pet store | 15 | 3 | |
| Shelter or SPCA | 20 | 9 | |
| From another person | 22 | 7 | |
| Stray or found | 10 | 8 | |
| Other | 8 | 4 |
*
Statistically significant
SPCA = Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals