Noticed Your Cat Eating Plastic? Here’s Why

It might not be as bad as it seems!

If you’ve ever caught your cat licking a grocery bag or trying to chew on a plastic wrapper, you’re not alone—and you’re probably wondering: why on earth is my cat eating plastic?

While it might seem odd (or even a little funny), this behavior is actually quite common in cats. But depending on the cause, it could also signal underlying issues. So let’s dive into why cats eat plastic, when it’s harmless curiosity, and when it’s time to be concerned.

Common reasons cats love plastic:

1. Tasty Smells and Residue

Plastic bags and food wrappers often carry lingering scents from groceries, especially meat, fish, or dairy. Your cat’s powerful sense of smell may detect even faint traces of these aromas and mistake plastic for a potential snack.

2. Animal By-Products in Plastic

Some types of plastic are made with animal-based additives, such as stearates or gelatin, which can smell or taste appealing to cats. While we might not notice it, your cat could be picking up on something that seems edible.

3. Texture and Chewing Satisfaction

The crinkly, smooth texture of certain plastics can feel good to bite or chew. Some cats enjoy the sensory experience—it may even soothe their gums, especially in younger cats or those with dental discomfort.

The Role of Pica in Cats

If your cat is regularly trying to eat plastic or other non-food items like wool, cardboard, or string, they may be exhibiting a condition known as pica.

Pica is a compulsive eating behavior that can be triggered by:

• Nutritional deficiencies (such as lack of fiber, minerals, or certain vitamins)

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Early weaning, which can cause oral fixations

• Stress, anxiety, or boredom

  
  

In these cases, the behaviour goes beyond simple curiosity and may require medical or behavioural intervention.

Is it dangerous for cats to eat plastic?

Yes, it can be. Even small amounts of plastic can pose serious risks, including:

• Choking

• Intestinal blockages, which may require emergency surgery

• Toxic exposure, depending on the chemicals in the plastic

• Sharp edges or hard pieces that can injure the mouth or digestive tract

  
  

If you ever notice your cat vomiting, straining to poop, losing appetite, or acting lethargic after chewing plastic, contact your veterinarian right away.

How to prevent your cat from eating plastic:

1. Remove Temptation

Keep plastic bags, wrappers, and packaging stored out of reach. Consider switching to reusable cloth bags, which don’t hold food odours or have the same chew appeal.

2. Provide Alternatives

Offer safe, stimulating chew toys made for cats. Cat grass, silvervine sticks, and soft chewable toys can redirect that urge to gnaw.

3. Enhance Their Environment

A bored cat is more likely to seek out unusual behaviors. Increase daily playtime, add interactive toys or puzzle feeders, and make sure they have places to climb, scratch, and explore.

4. Check Their Diet

Make sure your cat is eating a well-balanced, nutritionally complete diet. Sometimes chewing plastic is their way of compensating for a dietary gap.

5. Consult Your Vet

If your cat’s plastic-eating habit is frequent, obsessive, or accompanied by other symptoms, a vet visit is a good idea. They can check for medical causes or refer you to a feline behaviorist if needed.