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For cat owners, plastic bags seem to hold a strange kind of magic for many cats. Some cats love batting at bags that make crinkling sounds, pawing at them over and over. Others like to chew on them. But why do cats chew on plastic?<\/p>\n
There are a few reasons that might explain why cats lick and chew plastic. According to National Geographic<\/a>, one reason is an eating disorder called “pica<\/a>.” Pica<\/a> is the compulsive urge to eat non-food items \u2014 in this case, driven mainly by the texture of the object. Pica might sound alarming, but as long as your cat isn’t swallowing the plastic, it shouldn’t pose a danger.<\/p>\n Pica can also drive cats to lick other non-food items like knitted fabrics, which may be linked to a deficiency in certain minerals or vitamins. If you’re unsure whether your cat is getting enough vitamins<\/a>, it’s best to consult your vet.<\/p>\n There are other theories about why cats love licking plastic. One suggests that plastic bags may contain food-related ingredients and scents<\/strong>. Some plastic bags are made with cornstarch, while others contain tallow (animal fat). Some bags are coated with fish oil to make them easier to open.<\/p>\n The reason cats like to chew on plastic bags might not actually be about the bag itself. After all, plastic bags retain the smells of whatever was inside them. If they once held meat, cat food, or anything else that interests a cat, your cat may simply be picking up on those lingering scents.<\/p>\n Another theory is that cats chew on plastic simply because they enjoy the texture and the sound it makes<\/strong>. Many cat toys even use crinkly materials inside to grab a cat’s attention.<\/p>\n Whether a cat is drawn to plastic bags because of pica, an appealing scent, or just the satisfying crinkle sound, it’s generally not a major concern as long as they aren’t swallowing the plastic. That said, it’s best to store plastic bags safely out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.<\/strong><\/p>\n Simply chewing on plastic isn’t harmful on its own, but swallowing a plastic bag can be dangerous for cats. If your cat ingests plastic, it can cause an intestinal blockage<\/strong>. It’s important to make sure your cat doesn’t swallow any plastic.<\/p>\n Chewing on plastic can also be a sign of pica. Pica is sometimes caused by a deficiency in certain vitamins or micronutrients, so if your cat frequently licks plastic (or other non-food materials), it’s worth checking whether their nutritional needs are being met.<\/p>\n There are a few theories about why cats like to chew on shopping bags. One is that it may be related to pica. Another points to food-based ingredients that some shopping bags contain, such as animal fat, fish oil, or cornstarch. And yet another theory is that cats simply enjoy the texture and sound of plastic bags.<\/p>\n Whether they’re licking, chewing, or just playing with it, plastic bags offer a quirky and entertaining sensory experience for most cats. They love the crinkly sound, the interesting smells left behind by the bag and its former contents, and the smooth texture \u2014 which may also appeal to cats prone to pica.<\/p>\n Cats may also lick and chew on fabric for a variety of reasons. They might detect an appealing scent, or if they can’t groom a certain part of their body, they may lick other surfaces instead (like carpet). Regular brushing can help with this. Cats may also lick fabric due to pica. Licking is relatively harmless, but actually eating and swallowing fabric can be dangerous for cats.<\/p>\n Whether your cat is drawn to plastic, fabric, or something else, the first step to changing the behavior is limiting access<\/strong>. Put plastic bags away, tidy up blankets, and store away string, yarn, or twine.<\/strong> Instead, offer safe, chewable cat toys<\/strong>. If that doesn’t work, you can spray items with a scent your cat dislikes to deter them from licking<\/strong>. PetMD<\/a> recommends using scents like lemon, chili pepper, or rosemary to discourage cats from biting, licking, or eating things they shouldn’t.<\/p>\n Whatever the reason, plastic tends to be an irresistible source of entertainment for most cats. But it’s important to make sure they don’t swallow any. When your cat is home alone, it’s best to store plastic bags and similar items safely away \u2014 or pick up a new crinkly cat toy they can safely chew on to their heart’s content.<\/p>\n Author: Michelle Ropp<\/a><\/p>\n Translated from: ‘Why Do Cats Lick Plastic?’ https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/why-do-cats-lick-plastic\/<\/a><\/p>\n #Give your pet the best \u2014 and the most fitting<\/p>\n If you’d like to give your pet a more personalised, home-like care experience, why not try Fluv’s in-home pet sitter service?<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/2.png\")
<\/p>\nAre plastic bags harmful to cats?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why do cats love chewing on shopping bags?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWhy does my cat love plastic?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why do cats lick and chew on fabric?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nHow to stop cats from licking plastic<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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