As a cat owner, you may have noticed many peculiar behaviors in your feline companion that seem to defy logic. For instance, cats often show a strange eagerness to knock objects off tables or countertops, or sit on paper placed on the floor. Even more puzzling are their interactions with each other, where one cat might groom another, only to start a fight shortly after.
These behaviors, such as purring and kneading, which we consider normal for cats, are still quite baffling. The list of odd things cats do seems endless, keeping our curiosity piqued and sometimes even providing amusement as we try to decipher their reasons.
When it comes to cats chewing on plastic, there’s a common misconception that it’s always linked to pica, a condition where animals have a desire to eat non-food items. While there is a correlation, not all cats that chew plastic have pica. In this article, I’ll explore how to differentiate between pica and other reasons for this behavior, provide the best explanation I’ve found for this feline fixation, and share my own thoughts on why cats might chew plastic.
I’ll also discuss the potential dangers of this behavior, as it can be both harmless and hazardous depending on the circumstances. Additionally, I’ll offer tips for helping your cat break the habit if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Why Do Cats Chew On Plastic?
As mentioned, many sources immediately associate chewing plastic with pica. Let’s delve into this connection.
Some Cats Chew Plastic Because They Have Pica
Pica is a psychological disorder characterized by a desire to consume items that are not food and have no nutritional value. This includes items like ice, metal, paper, and hair for humans, and for cats, it often includes plastic, wool, cloth, and tissue. The key difference between pica and non-pica cats is that pica cats not only chew but also ingest these objects.
If your cat chews on plastic with the intent to consume, it’s crucial to consult a vet to rule out pica. Ensure you list all symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem, to get an accurate diagnosis. However, if your cat is just chewing and not swallowing the plastic, it might not have pica. It’s possible that your cat enjoys the act of chewing, similar to how humans sometimes chew on pencils or pens.
Even humans sometimes enjoy chewing on plastic, often due to its shape or texture. It’s a common behavior, and many people have pens or pencils with bite marks. Babies, too, might try biting plastic if given the chance, despite the availability of safer, baby-friendly materials. While humans understand the long-term dental and hygiene risks of chewing plastic, without this knowledge, the behavior might be more prevalent. Cats, like humans, may enjoy chewing on plastic, regardless of whether they have pica. A cat that chews but doesn’t swallow plastic likely doesn’t have pica. Dr. Eric Barchas, writing for Catster, suggests that many cats enjoy chewing on plastic bags and other thin plastics, possibly due to the unique texture. While there’s no definitive answer, it seems to be a common feline behavior, as not all cats with this habit have pica. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below on whether you agree or disagree with this perspective. It’s important to remember that while science hasn’t provided a clear answer yet, the frequency of this question suggests it’s a widespread behavior among cats.Many cat owners may have noticed their feline friends enjoying the texture of plastic. Some may even chew on pencils or pens, despite knowing it’s not ideal for their dental health. This behavior can be attributed to the appeal of plastic to cats, which is similar to why they might enjoy chewing on plastic bags or other plastic items. Dr. Eric Barchas, a renowned expert, sheds light on the potential dangers of cats chewing on plastic. He explains that if a cat chews but does not swallow pieces of plastic, it is generally harmless. Most plastics are inert and non-toxic. Even small pieces swallowed by mistake usually pass through a cat’s system without harm. However, there is a slight risk that foreign materials could form an obstruction in the intestines, necessitating surgery. Additionally, if the plastic has been in contact with toxic substances like insecticides or motor oil, it could cause illness. There’s also a risk of suffocation if a cat crawls into a plastic bag and runs out of air. Therefore, it’s best to keep plastic bags out of reach. Most cats will chew on plastic occasionally without any harm, as long as the plastic and any substances on it are non-toxic and safe. However, swallowing plastic, even by accident, can be dangerous as it may lead to an obstruction or cause choking and suffocation. This risk also applies to plastic bags, which can pose a suffocation hazard if a cat crawls inside. When it comes to plastic toys and other items, there is no risk if the cat only chews on them. The danger arises if the cat swallows them, as broken or torn pieces could be accidentally ingested. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep such items out of reach if they can easily break or tear. To deter cats from chewing on plastic, the best approach is to address the underlying need or desire that leads to this behavior. If your cat is chewing on plastic bags or other items out of habit or due to a lack of suitable alternatives, providing safe, cat-friendly chew toys can redirect their urge to chew in a healthier and more acceptable manner. By offering these alternatives, you can ensure your cat’s well-being while also protecting your belongings from damage.
In my opinion, the best way to train a cat to stop chewing on inappropriate things is as follows. When you find your cat chewing on something naughty, say ‘No!’ loudly. Then pick up the dedicated chew thing, which should have been sprayed with appealing catnip beforehand. Give this to your cat. Over time, the cat should understand that it should be chewing on this instead. The fact that you’re not denying the cat’s right to chew but just replacing the object should help the new habit stick.
There are some pet toys made for cats to chew on. For example, the Petstages Dental Health Chew Toy, Petstages Catnip Chew Mice, and the KONG Cat Hugga Wubba Cat Toy. The Catit Senses 2.0 Wellness Center also has a gum simulator, which is a little plastic nipple that cats can safely bite or chew. Any toy a cat chews on will get damaged. Luckily, Catit sells its gum simulators at an affordable price, so it’s easy to replace when it looks worn out. When giving a toy to your cat for the first time, monitor it to make sure the cat is playing safely. If the cat is too aggressive and the toy gets damaged or there’s a risk of small bits being swallowed, take it away. If the first try is okay, it’s safe to leave your cat with multiple cat toys unattended as long as you regularly check to make sure they’re in good condition. If a toy is torn apart, remove it and replace it with a new or different one. Not just chew toys can be a choking hazard. Any toy can become dangerous as no toy is fully indestructible. For example, I bought an OurPets Annette Catnip Fish for my mum and brother’s cats because my cat wouldn’t play with it. That toy had its head torn off in minutes. Another example is the Spot Ethical Pet Cat Springs. They’re of excellent quality, but with prolonged use or if they’re stepped on, they can dent. If I see the plastic starting to bend, I throw it out as there’s a risk of my cat breaking it and accidentally swallowing fragments.As a cat owner, it’s crucial to pay attention to the toys your cat plays with. Damaged toys that could potentially tear or break should be promptly removed and replaced with new ones to avoid any choking hazards.
Cats are natural predators and, unfortunately, they may find ways to destroy their toys over time. Even if a toy is advertised as indestructible, vigilance is key to ensure your cat’s safety. Your thoughts on cats chewing plastic are valuable. Is it due to pica, or is it a common behavior among cats regardless of pica? Do most cats chew and eat plastic, or just chew it? Share your observations regarding your cat’s preferences for chewing on plastic objects. Have you tried using chew toys as an alternative to unapproved objects your cat likes to chew on? How was the reception? Did you try spraying catnip on these toys to see if it helped? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic in the comments section below.
