Maya Ellison
Cats are curious creatures and often chew on plastic out of curiosity, stress, or anxiety. While it can be amusing to see, it is important to keep plastic items out of their reach as swallowing plastic can cause life-threatening complications. If you suspect your cat has swallowed plastic, you should consult a veterinarian for advice as soon as possible. The vet may advise you to monitor your cat's behavior, appetite, and litter box usage. In some cases, your cat may need to undergo surgery to remove the plastic. To prevent your cat from chewing on plastic, you can use deterrent sprays with bitter tastes that cats find unpleasant, create plastic-free zones, and provide appropriate cat-safe toys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Complications | Plastic is not digestible and can cause many complications |
| Obstruction | Plastic can block food and water from passing through the stomach or small intestines |
| Sharp fragments | Can get lodged in the wall of the stomach or intestines and cause inflammation or a dangerous perforation |
| Choking | Plastic can cause choking |
| Toxicity | Plastic itself is not likely to be toxic, but if it contains something poisonous to cats, it could be problematic |
| Treatment | If treated promptly, most cats do very well |
| Prevention | Keep plastic items out of reach |
| Causes | Cats may chew plastic out of curiosity, stress, anxiety, or nutritional deficiencies (Pica) |
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What You'll Learn
Potential health complications
Plastic is not biodegradable and cannot be digested, so it won't break down in a cat's stomach. This means that a cat that has swallowed plastic could experience a range of health complications, some of which can be life-threatening.
One of the most common issues is a physical obstruction in the cat's digestive tract, which can occur if a plastic item is swallowed whole or in large pieces. This obstruction can block food and water from passing through the stomach and intestines, making eating or defecating difficult or impossible. Even small pieces of plastic can cause issues if they are rigid and sharp, as they can become lodged in the stomach or intestinal wall, leading to inflammation or perforation. Sharp fragments can also cut a cat's mouth and tongue, causing bleeding and pain.
In addition to physical obstructions, there is also a risk of chemical toxicity if the plastic contains harmful additives or residues. Plastics often contain endocrine disruptors like phthalates or BPA, which can interfere with a cat's hormonal balance. Plastic that has been in contact with cleaning products or other household chemicals can also introduce toxins into a cat's system, potentially leading to chronic health issues, including liver and kidney damage.
Some cats may also swallow plastic as a result of nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions such as pica, thyroid problems, or other serious conditions. In these cases, the underlying cause of the plastic-chewing behaviour needs to be addressed to prevent further complications.
While some cats may be able to pass small pieces of plastic naturally, it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian for advice as soon as possible. Early intervention can help to prevent more serious health complications and ensure the best outcome for the cat.
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What to do if it happens
If you suspect your cat has swallowed plastic, it is important to act quickly as it can cause potentially life-threatening issues. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do:
- Contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic immediately, even if your cat seems okay. Provide them with as much information as possible, such as the type and amount of plastic ingested, whether it was hard or sharp, and if it contained any potentially harmful substances.
- If you feel it is safe to do so, carefully check your cat's mouth for any remaining plastic. Be cautious, as cats in pain or feeling stressed may bite or scratch.
- Monitor your cat closely for any signs of distress or changes in behavior, such as choking, vomiting, difficulty passing stool, or a decrease in appetite or water consumption. These could indicate a blockage in the digestive tract, which is a medical emergency.
- If you are unable to get immediate veterinary advice, you can try using an online service like PangoVet, where you can consult a veterinarian online at an affordable price.
- To help your cat pass the plastic, you can try over-the-counter remedies such as laxatone, or ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
- If your cat has a habit of chewing on plastic due to curiosity, stress, or a condition like pica, address the underlying cause. Keep them away from plastic items, provide appropriate cat-safe toys, and consider consulting a veterinarian or cat behavior specialist to improve their well-being.
Remember, plastic ingestion can be dangerous for cats, so prompt veterinary attention and close monitoring of your cat's behavior are crucial.
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Why cats eat plastic
Plastic is not digestible, so it won't break down in a cat's stomach. If a cat swallows plastic, it can cause many complications. Plastic items could be swallowed whole, blocking food and water from passing through the stomach or small intestines. Pieces of chewed-up plastic could also get stuck in the digestive tract, making eating or defecating difficult or impossible. Sharp fragments can cut a cat's mouth and tongue, and could also become lodged in the wall of the stomach or intestines, causing inflammation or a dangerous perforation.
There are several reasons why cats eat plastic. Cats are naturally curious and use their senses to figure out what something is, including tasting and trying to eat it. They may also chew plastic as a response to stress or anxiety. This could be caused by a new environment, changes in the home, or a lack of ability to indulge in natural hardwired behaviours. Eating plastic could also be a sign of a wider health issue, such as hyperthyroidism, feline diabetes, anemia, or dental issues. For some cats, eating plastic is part of a condition known as pica, which is a compulsion to eat non-food items and can indicate a mineral or vitamin deficiency.
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Toxins and chemicals in plastic
Plastic waste is a growing concern for the environment and human health, and it also poses a significant threat to pets such as cats. Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles, can be found in the soil, water, food, and even the air we breathe. Cats can be exposed to microplastics through their diet, especially if they consume fish, which are known to accumulate microplastics in their bodies.
One of the major concerns regarding plastics is the presence of toxic additives and chemicals. These toxins can leach out of plastic products, including those intended for cats, such as food bowls and toys. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), often referred to as "poison plastic," is a common plastic material that tends to release toxic ingredients. Phthalates, added to soften PVC, have been linked to issues with kidneys, liver, and reproductive systems in both animals and humans. Bisphenol-A (BPA), another common additive in plastics, is a known neurotoxin, hormone disruptor, and carcinogen. Studies have linked BPA exposure to low thyroid function and thyroid disease in cats.
The lack of regulation in the pet product industry exacerbates the problem. Unlike children's products, there is often no regulatory body ensuring that pet toys are free from harmful toxins. This results in a potential cocktail of chemicals in pet products, some of which have been banned from children's toys due to health concerns. Additionally, plastic products can harbour bacteria, leading to health issues such as cat acne and potential infections.
To reduce their cat's exposure to harmful toxins and chemicals in plastic, owners should be cautious when choosing plastic products, especially toys and food bowls. Opting for alternative materials, such as stainless steel or natural fibres, can help minimise the risk of toxin exposure and bacterial growth. It is also important to be vigilant about the potential dangers of plastic waste and promptly address any incidents of plastic ingestion by their cats.
While complete avoidance of microplastics may be challenging, pet owners can take steps to reduce their cat's exposure and prioritise their health and well-being.
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How to prevent it from happening
Swallowing plastic can cause serious health complications for cats, so it's important to take steps to prevent this from happening. Here are some ways to help keep your cat safe:
Supervise and monitor your cat's behaviour: Keep a close eye on your cat, especially when they are near plastic items. If you notice your cat chewing or playing with plastic, remove them from the area and safely dispose of any remaining plastic. This is important because cats are naturally curious and may chew or swallow plastic out of curiosity or during play.
Provide appropriate toys and stimulation: Offer your cat a variety of safe, cat-appropriate toys to play with instead of plastic items. Interactive and puzzle toys can help keep your cat mentally stimulated and reduce boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviours. Regular play and grooming sessions can also provide positive interaction and enrichment for your cat.
Address stress and anxiety: If you suspect your cat is chewing or eating plastic due to stress or anxiety, try to identify and address the source of their stress. This may involve removing your cat from stressful situations or seeking advice from a veterinarian or behaviour specialist. Providing a calm and enriching environment can help reduce anxiety-related behaviours.
Treat any underlying health issues: In some cases, cats may chew on plastic due to an underlying health condition, such as dental disease or pica (a condition caused by nutritional deficiencies). If you suspect your cat is chewing plastic due to a health issue, consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Treating the underlying condition can help deter plastic chewing.
Secure plastic items when away from home: Whenever you are leaving the house, ensure that all small plastic items are securely stored and out of your cat's reach. This includes plastic bags, wrappers, and other potential hazards. Taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of your cat swallowing plastic while unsupervised.
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Frequently asked questions
Contact your vet as soon as possible. Provide them with as much information as you can, including the type and estimated amount of plastic swallowed, whether it was hard or sharp, and whether it contained any potentially harmful products.
Plastic is not digestible, so it won't break down in a cat's stomach. Plastic can get caught in a cat's digestive tract, causing a blockage that may be life-threatening. Sharp fragments of plastic can cut a cat's mouth and tongue, and also become lodged in the stomach or intestines, causing inflammation or a dangerous perforation.
Cats are curious by nature and use their senses, including taste, to explore new things. Cats may also chew plastic due to stress, anxiety, or boredom, or as a result of a condition called pica, which is linked to nutritional deficiencies.
