Some cats just seem to like the way the plastic tastes or feels more than that it being a "need" to eat plastic, so it doesn’t automatically qualify as a compulsive behavior. Cats Like the Feel of Plastic It’s possible some cats lick plastic because they like the feel of it on their tongue. Poinsettias are one of the more commonly known plants toxic to cats, although they are not quite as toxic as we are led to believe. This may include chewing on plastics until they are diagnosed and treated. All of her advice is based on years of her own experience with her pets, and feedback that she has received from grateful readers about her tips. If you've just discovered your feline carrying out this bad habit, you may be wondering why do cats eat plastic? When a cat starts to swallow wool, plastic, or any indigestible material, an intestinal blockage can occur. I've seen plastic in his poop, so when he eats it, at least it passes. What do Large Cats Eat? I'll discuss some of them here. There are, however, many possible reasons a cat might start to eat things that aren’t food, such as the following: If a cat is doing some light sucking or nursing on fuzzy items like blankets or stuffed animals, it’s not usually a problem. Perhaps your silk plant is just the tip of the iceberg and your cat is eating and gnawing on unusual items throughout the house. We have removed all the plants from the house. Cats will find a way to let out anxiety, and eating or chewing on plastics is one such way. I'll answer all of these questions and more in this article, and if you've had to deal with this situation before, share how you handled it in the comment section. I got up and saw him with a couple inch strip of plastic hanging out of his mouth. No matter how much you spend on dishing up the best quality cat food and gourmet treats for your furry friend, it’s not uncommon for pet owners to find their feline chomping on garden grass when they’re free to roam in the great outdoors. They like eating them, digging in them, and playing with the leaves. Animals instinctively chew on plants when they're lacking something in their diet. Click the bold links in the article to support our content! "Sometimes it is associated with nausea/vomiting, and sometimes it isn't. Why cats eat grass. For natural laxative benefits . Cats that are teething are more likely to chew on items than adult cats and this is completely normal. Remove sources of dirt from your cat's life: If you allow your cat to go outside, try keeping it indoors instead. Providing your cat with a stimulating environment, which could include some cat-friendly plants, will help alleviate her boredom. "Cats may also chew plastic due to anxiety," says Dr. Pike, noting that it could either be generalized anxiety or a reaction to a lack of environmental enrichment. Help! All I have to do now it tell my cats "NO" and don't even have to have the spray bottle. At first you order your feline to stop, and they do, but a few days later they are back chewing on plastic. Find out what your vet recommends to curb the chewing and eating. Now that you know the answer to, "Why do cats eat grass?" Collect and wash out empty cans — whether for canned vegetables or soft drinks. That’s why choosing cat-safe plants for your home is crucial. Another safe alternative is freeze-dried meats or food toys to keep him distracted and his mouth busy. You can also opt for hiding and seeking games with these toys to enable your cat to let out his predator instincts even though indoors. Keep the cat-friendly plants within easy reach of your cat and take care to keep the others out of bounds, such as at the top of bookcases or hanging from a basket. One of such toys is the wand toys. What Essential Oils Are Safe to Diffuse Around Cats? Could it be connected to any of the reasons below? But sometimes cats start eating things that aren’t food at all. Dietary Deficiency . Why do you think your cat eats plastic? Spray as many of these items as possible while also combining this method with some of the other techniques discussed here. Cats can eat all of these foods. One of the biggies is eating grass, often to throw it up just a few minutes later. Lemongrass becomes a problem when it is distilled or concentrated into an oil. Essentially, because she likes it. Another reason that cats will chew bags can be related to their dental health . We explain why they do in this article. © 2020 All rights reserved. Some cats just seem to enjoy licking or biting plastic. This could also explain why some cats like to urinate on plastic bags. Be especially careful with all lilies (marked *). Applying bitter sprays to plastics and other things your cat easily chews on can significantly lessen the habit. Other major causes of anxiety that could induce a kitty to chew plastic: Social conflict with other felines in the household or situational stresses, such as storm phobias or separation anxiety. In plant form, lemongrass is unlikely to do your cat any harm. Put tin foil down around the plant, or a plastic carpet protector with the knobby side up. Some extreme deficiencies in nutrients can cause pica. What Plants Repel Cats? Another possible cause for a cat to engage in plant eating is boredom. These are often lacking in essential quality protein and fats. If your cat is alone for many hours a day without any other stimulation, she will most likely get into many things, your plants being one of them. Bioplastics are made from vegetable fats and oils and some animal by-products and cats can pick up this scent. One safe place for your plants is in a hanging basket. But seeking out plastic grocery bags, straws, garbage bags, sandwich bags, cups or other plastic items to lick or chew on can be an indication of other issues besides pica. But that doesn’t mean cats can’t eat grains, vegetables, and fruits. This technique should be applied immediately you spot your cat chewing on plastic. Cats need to eat protein. Cats also tend to like barley, oatgrass, or wheatgrass (The down side is that this may simply tell your kitty that eating plants is acceptable.). Why do cats eat plastic? Plastics are up there in the list of fascinating “must-eat” items for a good number of cats. Cats who eat grass may progress to eating outdoor plants, which can have weed killers or pesticides on them. 1 decade ago. Some big cats will indulge in plants as well. Some are just easier for them to digest than others. 6. If your cat is chewing on a fake plant, she probably thought it was real. Cats like the fibrous texture of plants. So, watch your cat closely, and with younger kittens, you have to be super watchful to prevent this behavior as often as possible. After all, cats can, and do, climb up to high places, so placing your plants on a high shelf might not do the trick. While many cat owners just give up on growing indoor plants, there’s no reason to do so. First, it is important to understand why some cats do this. Even though we looked at some of the most typical possible reasons for the behavior, all cats are different, and your cat's trigger could be something else. Consider switching to a food that offers more complete nutrition; read the label carefully so you know what ingredients it contains or ask your vet for a recommendation. Petsmart and Petco offer kits as low as $4. Your cat probably loves chewing on things she isn't supposed to chew on. Has your cat ever eaten something unusual? Cats may chew on everything from plastic bags and wires to wood and certain types of fabrics. Why Do Cats Eat Grass? There are also a few toys that randomly spill food. Possibly it is the crackling sound that plastic makes when chewed that cats find enticing. Well, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they need to eat meat to survive. Lemongrass oil is not edible for cats and you should always keep your cat far away from it. Why Do Cats Lick Plastic? You may not know the exact reason, but usually they do it to cleanse their systems or because they like the taste of particular plants and flowers. Young Cat. Even the slightest wiggle can activate your cat’s hunting instincts. Why do cats like to chew on plastic bags? Why does my cat try to eat plastic bags? Joined Nov 29, 2016 Messages 45 Reaction score 6. Some plants, notably catnip, make cats feel good, Sawchuk says. Certain cat breeds are actually genetically predisposed to developing pica. Adult cats that eat dirt may be suffering from a lack of nutrients and vitamins in their food. Plastic bags appeal to your cat's senses for a variety of reasons: the crinkle of the plastic, the smell of the food that was contained in it wafting through the air, the smooth surface under her paws. Cats love to eat all sorts of plants and grass. While the behavior on its own shouldn’t necessarily be cause for alarm—cats just sometimes like to chew on stuff—if a cat’s urge to chew becomes compulsive, it can lead to serious issues. Unfortunately, cats seem to enjoy our houseplants as much as we do, but for the wrong reasons. Some cats just seem to like the way the plastic tastes or feels more than that it being a "need" to eat plastic, so it doesn’t automatically qualify as a compulsive behavior. Why, '' she said in an email out of your cat chewing plastic... Later they are diagnosed and treated, turkey, chicken, liver, and.. Thankfully, there are also a few questions that need to work with a or... Unwelcome cat behavior: 1 is associated with nausea/vomiting, and why some just... 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