Cats like plastic because of its texture, crinkle sound, or residue of food and fat. Chewing it can be dangerous.
Why
- Texture and crinkle sound.
- Residue of fats or gelatin used in manufacturing.
- Boredom or teething.
- Pica.
Risks
Chewing plastic bags can cause intestinal blockage or suffocation.
What to do
Remove plastic. Offer cat grass or toys.
See a vet
If your cat has eaten plastic.
Prevention
Keep bags and wrap out of reach.
Why plastic attracts cats
A 2022 survey-based study in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science and several vet articles suggest causes include texture, the crinkly sound, smell of gelatin or stearates used in plastic bag production, and a form of pica. Some plastic bags contain animal-derived additives, such as stearic acid from beef tallow, which can smell appealing. Boredom and stress can also increase chewing behavior.
- Pica in cats is more common in Siamese and Burmese breeds.
- Plastic ingestion can cause choking, gastrointestinal blockage and a need for surgery.
- Plastic bags with handles pose a strangulation risk.
- Chewed plastic can have sharp edges that injure the mouth and intestines.
Safer choices
Keep bags and cling film stored in closed drawers. Provide cat grass, chew toys and puzzle feeders to meet chewing and foraging needs. A vet should check any cat that vomits repeatedly, stops eating or strains in the litter box after eating plastic, since blockages can be life-threatening within 24 to 72 hours. Behavior that comes with weight loss may call for blood tests, since conditions such as hyperthyroidism and anemia can change appetite.
Reasons for chewing and licking
Many cats are attracted to plastic bags and wrapping because of the crinkly sound, texture, and in some cases residues of fats such as stearic acid or gelatin used in manufacturing. Some cats chew plastic as a form of pica, a compulsive eating of non food items, linked to boredom, stress or nutrient issues.
Risks
Swallowed plastic can cause intestinal blockage, which may need surgery. Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard. Keep bags and ties out of reach, and provide cat grass, puzzle toys and chew safe toys. A vet should check cats with frequent pica.
Chewing and licking triggers
Veterinary behaviorists link plastic chewing to boredom, anxiety, a lack of play and fibre poor diets. Some cats are attracted to the smell of corn starch in biodegradable bags or to gelatin and fatty residues. Siamese and Burmese breeds show more wool or fabric sucking, which is related to early weaning.
Preventing the habit
Replace plastic with cat grass, safe chew toys and food puzzles. Provide at least 15 minutes of interactive play twice a day. If a cat eats plastic, watch for vomiting, no stool, lethargy and belly pain, and call a vet, since foreign bodies need X rays or ultrasound. Surgery for intestinal obstruction in cats can cost 2,000 to 5,000 USD.
Based on data from Cornell Feline Health Center and the American Association of Feline Practitioners
