It’s a mystery to many people why their cats would want to eat plastic. After all, it’s not exactly the most appetizing thing in the world. But for some reason, many cats seem to love the taste of plastic.
Whatever the reason, if your cat is eating plastic, it’s important to keep an eye on them and make sure they don’t ingest too much of it.
Eating large amounts of plastic can cause digestive problems for cats and may even require surgery to remove the blockage.
I got a query from a site visitor. See this:
I have a one-year-old cat who loves to eat plastic. She’s always going for the plastic baggies and wrappers, and she’s even gotten into the habit of chewing on plastic straws. I’m not sure why my cat eats plastic, but it’s become a real problem.
Not only is it gross, but I’m worried about her ingesting harmful chemicals. I’ve tried to keep all plastics out of her reach, but she’s determined to get her fix. Has anyone else had this issue with their cat? What did you do to solve it?
Why Does Cat Eats Plastic?
If you’ve ever caught your cat eating plastic, you’re probably wondering why they do it. There are a few possible reasons for this behavior:
- One possibility is that plastic contains chemicals that are attractive to cats.
- Another possibility is that eating plastic helps them fulfill some sort of nutritional need.
- Could be that your cat is seeking out a different texture to chew on.
- Cats like to chew on things, and plastic can provide a different sensation for them to enjoy.
- Another possibility is that your cat is attracted to the smell of plastic. Certain plastics can have strong smells that are appealing to cats, especially if they’re food-related smells.
- It’s also possible that your cat simply finds eating plastic fun or satisfying in some way. Some cats just seem to enjoy the act of chewing and swallowing something that isn’t food!
What Happens If Your Cat Eats Plastic?
If your cat eats plastic, it is not a good idea. There are a few things that could happen if your cat ate plastic.
Your cat could get an obstruction in their digestive system, they could get sick from the chemicals in the plastic, or they could choke on the plastic.
How Do I Stop My Cat from Eating Plastic?
If your cat has a penchant for eating plastic, there are a few things you can do to try and stop them.
First, make sure that all plastic objects are out of reach and out of sight. This means putting away any loose plastic bags or containers and making sure any recycling is properly sealed.
If your cat is particularly attracted to a certain type of plastic, like bottle caps or straws, it might be best to remove those items from your home entirely.
In addition to removing access to plastic, you can also try feeding your cat smaller meals more often throughout the day. A full stomach is less likely to go searching for trouble in the form of chew toys or other non-food items.
Related: What to do if cats eats plastic
You might also want to talk to your veterinarian about whether there could be an underlying medical condition causing your cat’s unusual behavior.
Is It Ok for Cats to Chew on Plastic?
Most people would say that it is not okay for cats to chew on plastic. The main reason for this is because it can be dangerous for them. Plastic can contain chemicals that can be harmful to cats if they ingest them.
Additionally, chewing on plastic can damage a cat’s teeth. If you have a cat that likes to chew on plastic, you should try to discourage this behavior and provide the cat with safe alternatives to chew on.
My Cat Eats Plastic And Throws Up
If your cat is eating plastic, it’s likely because they’re either bored or hungry. Cats usually eat plastic when they can’t find anything else to eat, so if you think your cat is eating plastic because they’re bored, try providing them with more toys and stimulation.
If your cat is eating plastic because they’re hungry, make sure you’re feeding them enough food and that their food is high-quality.
Either way, if your cat is regularly eating plastic, it’s best to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason, if your cat is eating plastic, it’s important to make sure they’re getting enough of other nutrients in their diet so they don’t become malnourished.
You should also keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not swallowing large pieces of plastic that could cause choking or blockages.
Dr. John Morris, DVM is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who has seven years of experience in feline medicine, dermatology, and behavior. He also enjoys volunteering at a local NGO that supports literacy programs for children and adults. In his free time, he enjoys fostering kittens, traveling, vegan cooking, hiking, and biking. Learn more about Justin here.
