Why do cats like plastic?

The litter box for my cats is in my spare bathroom. Under the sink I keep some plastic grocery bags to use when I clean out the litter box. One of my cats knows they are there and insists on breaking into the cabinet, pulling out the bags and licking them. She sometimes will pull one out and lie down on it too. So, what's the deal? Why does my cat lick plastic? If your cat licks plastic too, read on for more about this strange feline habit.

Why do cats like plastic? In particular, why do cats like plastic bags? 

Catster.com says that plastic bags can be interesting to kitties because of the crinkly sounds they make. The sound a plastic bag makes might sound similar to the sound of a mouse or other small prey animal walking in the grass to your cat, and trigger it's hunting instinct!

In addition to the enticing sounds, a plastic grocery bag might retain the smell of the tasty foods that were carried home in it. Even if it doesn't smell like anything to you, your cat might still be able to detect the food smell. Catster.com also mentions that some plastic bags have biodegradable ingredients like cornstarch, animal fat or fish oil, so even if the bag didn't contain a tasty treat, the plastic itself might have a tempting smell for your cat.

Another reason for cats licking plastic might just be the texture. It's cool and smooth, and so it might just feel good to lick plastic bags. 

If your cat likes to lay on plastic bags, it might also be due to the crinkly sound, delicious smells and smooth texture. Caster.com offers one more reason why cats like to lay on plastic bags and that is because they can help keep them warm. 

Another reason for a cat licking plastic might be emotional. It could just be that it is bored and looking for something to do. Cats.com says that anxiety in cats can also lead to chewing on inappropriate things, and that it can become a compulsive behavior, like a person with OCD. So, if licking plastic is a new activity for your cat, and you have had a change recently, like a move, a new family member, like a baby or new pet, or even changes like construction noises, it might be that your cat is suffering from anxiety, and that is causing their sudden obsession with licking plastic. 

There could also be medical reasons why cats lick plastic. Pica is a disorder that leads to eating non-food items. Catster.com says it is common in humans, especially children, but that sometimes cats can be affected too. Cats.com goes on to say that pica can be caused be underlying medical conditions. It lists diabetes, hyperthyroidism, anemia, infections like FIP, vitamin deficiency, dental problems, parasites, stomach issues and even neurological conditions as things that could cause pica! That all sounds scary, but usually your cat would have other signs besides just licking plastic if they had an underlying medical issue. For example, cats.com points out that a cat with dental issues might also have bad breath, drooling, or sore gums. So, if your cat is licking plastic and has other symptoms, it's probably time to visit the vet! 

 Is it dangerous for a cat to lick plastic? 

Catster.com says if your cat is just licking plastic they should be fine, as long as there was nothing harmful in that bag that might still be able to hurt your cat, like chemicals. They give the example of antifreeze, which is poison, even though it tastes good to cats! However, if your cat tries to eat plastic, they are getting into the danger zone. If you have a cat chewing on plastic, it could cause intestinal blockages if swallowed, so it's time to break your cat of the plastic bag habit if you can!

How do I stop my cat from licking plastic? 

Catster.com has some good advice on how to stop cats from licking plastic, and the easiest one is put them away where they can't get to them. In my case, a child safety latch on my bathroom cabinet will help keep my cat out of the plastic bags! If there are plastic items in your home that can't be locked away, the catster article also mentions using a deterrent spray to keep your cats away from those items. 

If your cat is licking plastic just because they are bored, then try some more play time with them, and make sure they have fun toys, scratching posts and things to explore, which could be a cat tree, or even just a cardboard box. Cats.com also mentions cat grass as a good alternative for cats that like to chew. (If you would like to try some cat grass, we offer a grow your own cat grass kit that might help!)

Another thing that might help is to make sure they have a healthy diet that is nutritionally compete for cats to try to avoid licking plastic due to a dietary deficiency. When in doubt about your cats diet, or about the possibility of another underlying medical condition that might be causing your cat's plastic obsession, it's best to consult your vet!

To sum up, if your cat loves plastic, you're not alone! Your cat might just like the smell of plastic, the texture and the crinkly sounds of plastic, but if your cat is actually eating plastic, it's time to take action to avoid health problems. If your cat also has other symptoms besides just licking plastic, a trip to the vet is probably in order!

Cover Photo by Chris Yang on Unsplash