Alexei Volkov
Cats licking plastic is a common behaviour that has puzzled many pet owners. While it is not necessarily harmful for cats to lick plastic, chewing and ingesting plastic can lead to serious health issues. There are several reasons why cats may lick plastic, including attraction to the smell or taste, the texture, and underlying behavioural or nutritional issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Curiosity | Cats are naturally curious creatures and may lick plastic as a result of exploring their environment. |
| Taste and Smell | Plastic may carry the scent or residue of food, which attracts cats. Some plastics may also contain animal fat, fish oil, or cornstarch, which smell appealing to cats. |
| Texture | The texture of plastic may be appealing to cats. The smooth, cool surface probably feels good on a cat's tongue. |
| Sound | The crinkly sound of plastic mimics the sound of natural prey, triggering a cat's hunting instinct. |
| Boredom | Cats may lick plastic when they are understimulated or bored. |
| Compulsive Behaviour | Licking plastic may be a sign of compulsive behaviour, linked to pica, an underlying health issue where cats eat non-food items. |
| Nutritional Deficiency | Cats may lick plastic due to nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamins. |
| Health Issues | Ingesting plastic can lead to intestinal blockages and other health issues. |
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What You'll Learn
Cats may lick plastic due to the smell or taste
Cats are drawn to licking plastic due to their heightened sense of smell. Their sense of smell is 14 to 40 times stronger than that of humans, and they are attracted to the scent of certain plastics. Some plastics are made with animal fat, tallow, or fish oil, which may be appealing to cats. Plastic bags can also retain food smells or the juices from meat, fish, or other appealing items that were stored inside. The smell of food on plastic may trigger a cat's hunting instinct, making the plastic irresistible.
Additionally, the taste of plastic may be appealing to cats. Some plastics contain biodegradable ingredients, such as corn starch, fish oil, or animal fat, which can smell and taste like a treat to a cat. Cats may also be attracted to the taste of food residue left on plastic bags.
Licking plastic can be a sign of pica, a compulsive disorder where cats eat non-food items. Pica can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, underlying health issues, or the cat's emotional state. If you suspect your cat is licking plastic due to pica, it is important to consult a veterinarian and provide your cat with a diet rich in high-quality animal proteins, essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
To prevent your cat from licking plastic, it is recommended to keep plastic bags and other plastic items out of their reach. Providing cats with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and dedicated playtime can also help distract them from licking plastic.
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The texture of plastic may be appealing
Cats are attracted to the texture of plastic for several reasons. The smooth, cool surface of plastic bags, for instance, probably feels good on a cat's tongue. This may be a novel sensation for them. Plastic bags can also mimic certain aspects of a cat's natural environment. The crinkly noise they make can remind cats of the sound of small rodents or birds, triggering their hunting instincts.
The crinkling sound of plastic bags can also be similar to prey animals moving through grass, which further entices cats. This attraction to the texture of plastic can lead to health risks if cats start chewing and ingesting plastic. Intestinal blockages and choking hazards are potential dangers, as well as the small chance of getting entangled in a plastic bag, leading to suffocation.
If you notice your cat licking plastic, it's important to provide safe alternatives like catnip toys and puzzle feeders to distract them and ensure their safety. It's also crucial to keep plastic bags out of reach and opt for reusable shopping bags instead. Additionally, if your cat is licking plastic due to nutritional deficiencies, consult your veterinarian about supplements or a diet rich in high-quality animal proteins, essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
While the texture of plastic may be appealing to cats, it's important to supervise their interactions with plastic and address any underlying health or behavioural issues that may be contributing to this behaviour.
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Boredom or curiosity
Cats are curious creatures and are always exploring their environment. They are attracted to the crinkly sound of plastic, which they associate with the sound of prey. The noise plastic makes is similar to that of small rodents or birds moving through grass, triggering their hunting instincts. This is especially true for bored cats, who are understimulated and looking for something to do.
The texture of plastic can also be appealing to cats. The smooth, cool surface of plastic bags probably feels good on a cat's tongue. The crinkly texture may also be interesting to cats, providing a novel sensation.
The scent of plastic can also be a draw for cats. Their sense of smell is 14 to 40 times stronger than that of humans, and they are attracted to the scent of animal fats, fish oils, or food odors that cling to plastic. Some plastics are made with biodegradable components that smell like a tasty treat to cats, such as corn starch, animal fat, or fish oil.
Cats may also lick plastic out of boredom or a need for stimulation. To prevent this, provide your cat with interactive playtime at least twice a day, using toys designed to simulate the movements of prey, such as fishing pole toys. When they're alone, give them puzzle feeders, catnip toys, or a window with a view of nature to keep them entertained.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Dr. Akers, a holistic veterinarian, suggests that a diet rich in high-quality animal proteins, essential amino acids like taurine and arginine, fatty acids, vitamins like vitamin E and B complex, and minerals like magnesium and zinc can help combat pica caused by nutritional deficiencies. Supplements and probiotics can also support your cat's digestive health and deter them from eating plastic. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any supplements.
Some signs that your cat may be licking plastic due to nutritional deficiencies include a persistent attraction to licking or chewing plastic, even when other toys or distractions are provided. If you notice that your cat is consistently licking or chewing plastic, it may be a sign of pica, and it is recommended to consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and ensure your cat's health.
Additionally, certain breeds, such as Siamese, Birman, and Oriental, may have a higher predisposition to engage in pica behaviors due to genetic factors. Younger cats and kittens are also more likely to chew on plastic as part of their exploratory behavior and teething.
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Underlying health issues
While licking plastic is not necessarily harmful to cats, it can indicate underlying health issues. One of the most common health issues that lead to cats licking or eating plastic is pica, a condition where cats persistently eat non-food items. Pica can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamins, or underlying health issues. In addition, certain cat breeds, such as Siamese, Birman, and Oriental, may have a higher predisposition to engage in pica behaviours due to genetic, behavioural, or environmental factors. Age also plays a role, with younger cats and kittens more likely to lick or chew on plastic out of curiosity, teething, or attraction to animal-based stearates in the plastic.
Pica can also be linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder or compulsive behaviours. Some experts speculate that licking plastic is a mild version of wool sucking, a compulsive disorder where cats suck on wool, leather, rubber, or plastic. This behaviour may be a self-soothing mechanism, similar to thumb-sucking in human babies, or a result of being weaned too early. However, it is important to note that the weaning theory has not been experimentally proven.
If your cat is licking plastic during stressful times or very frequently, it may be a sign of an underlying emotional or health issue, and a visit to the veterinarian is recommended to determine if medication is necessary. Additionally, ingesting plastic can lead to intestinal blockages, which can be fatal if left untreated. Therefore, it is crucial to supervise your cat and prevent them from chewing or swallowing plastic.
To address your cat's plastic-licking behaviour, you can provide safe alternatives like indoor cat grass and toys filled with catnip. If pica is suspected, improving your cat's diet by including high-quality animal proteins, essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can help deter them from licking or eating plastic. However, always consult with your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes or adding supplements.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why cats lick plastic. One of the most common reasons is the appealing smell and taste. Plastic products are made with animal fat, tallow, or fish oil, which attracts cats. Plastic bags can also retain food smells or juices from meat, fish, or other appealing items stored inside. The texture of plastic may be another reason for your cat's licking behaviour. The smooth, cool surface probably feels good on a cat's tongue. Lastly, your cat may be licking plastic due to boredom or curiosity.
Licking plastic isn't necessarily unsafe, but chewing and ingesting plastic can be dangerous. It could lead to intestinal blockages and other health issues. There is also a risk of choking or getting tangled in a plastic bag, which could lead to suffocation.
If your cat is licking plastic but not ingesting it, there is usually no cause for immediate concern. However, it's important to keep plastic bags and other plastic items out of your cat's reach to prevent potential harm. Provide your cat with alternative items to lick and chew on, such as indoor cat grass and toys filled with catnip.
If your cat is eating plastic, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition called pica, which is characterised by the persistent eating of non-food items. Pica can be driven by nutritional deficiencies, underlying health issues, or psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.
If your cat is eating plastic, it's important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They may recommend dietary changes or supplements to address any nutritional deficiencies contributing to pica. In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage underlying health issues or psychological factors.
