Pica in cats7/2/2023 Your cat may be looking for something to satisfy that primal carnivore craving.įull disclosure: this puzzle has yet to be solved. Some grocery bags are made with animal by-products like gelatin. If your cat prefers flimsy plastic, like what your grocery bags are made of, she may be craving some animal fat. We like this crinkle stick that your cat can cuddle, carry, chase, or chew to satisfy that crazy craving. To see if this is what’s driving your cat’s mad munchies, give her something else (read: safer) to chew on that crinkles. They just love that particular sound, whether it’s crinkling paper, crinkling foil, or crinkling plastic. This question remains a mystery, but there are a few theories floating around. Of all things, why plastic? It seems as though cats could seek out any other substance - cardboard, cloth, even human food - to munch on, but no. While PrettyLitter can’t detect every cat health problem under the sun, it can point out when something’s not quite right and is an excellent tool for keeping tabs on your kitty’s internal health. If you’re using PrettyLitter, make sure you’re checking the color of the litter every day. If you’ve ruled out other possibilities for your cat’s bizarre behavior, let a vet take a look. Many cat health conditions can be treated or even cured if they’re caught early. What to do: Make an appointment with your vet. Cats suffering from anemia, dental problems, diabetes, brain tumors, hyperthyroidism, and immune system deficiencies can exhibit pica behaviors. Nibbling on plastic might be your cat’s way of trying to make herself feel better when an underlying cat health problem has her feeling under the weather. ![]() They prefer to make themselves feel better before letting anyone else know that they’re unwell. Some cats have a strong predatory drive and just need that itch scratched with fun toys and laser beams that make them feel like they’re on the prowl. If your cat and plastic end up in the same frame multiple times, or if you start finding kitty tooth marks on your plastic goods, then it may be time to rule out other options.Īlso, give your cat toys and other places to explore in the house. Cats are naturally curious, and, like kids, they’ll lick, bite, and chew on just about anything. If you just started noticing your cat eating plastic, it may not be a cause for concern yet. Many cats will experience stress due to a health problem, even if they don’t show any other signs of being ill. ![]() If your cat continues to pursue the plastic, get your cat a checkup.Rule out any possible stressors in your cat’s environment and do what you can to make your cat feel at ease.Start by reading our guide to cat stress.This can lead your cat to seek out anything soothing, which may include hiding in dark, quiet places, scratching your favorite curtains, or eating things she shouldn’t. Like too much attention from the kids, not enough attention from you, being bullied by another cat in the house, not having enough stimulation or play time, or hidden illnesses. Unfortunately, there’s a lot that can stress your cat out Get 20% + a Free Toy Use Code PRETTYBLOG at CheckoutĪs cool as they come off, cats don’t handle stress well. As a general rule, the fewer ingredients, the better. Opt for cat food that lists healthy protein and fat sources - like chicken, fish, turkey, liver, and eggs - in the first 5 ingredients. If you see the words “grain,” “byproduct,” or any other harmful pet food ingredients, toss it. Look at the ingredients and make sure the first five are things you recognize. What to do: Take a look at your cat’s food. Cats that are fed manufactured cat food that’s lacking the proper balance may seek out other sources of nutrition. The best cat diet is one that is high in protein, moderate in fat, and super low in carbohydrates. But eating plastic?Īs a good cat owner, it’s up to you to get to the root of the cause and help your fur baby choose healthier options.Ĭats are highly instinctual animals, which means if they’re not getting something important in their diet, they’ll track down ways to get it - even if it means eating plastic bags. Why they do anything is a mystery cat-parents love to ponder, mostly because the majority of your cat’s quirks are ridiculously cute. Here’s what could be causing your cat’s odd plastic habit.Ĭats are enigmas. ![]() As a cat owner, when should you be worried that this cat behavior has gone too far? If your cat is nibbling on grocery bags, packing pillows, and shrink wrap, there may be an underlying reason - other than your cat being weird. Īfter all, plastic isn’t exactly a nutritious feline snack, right?Īctually, plastic pica - a recurring behavior of eating or chewing on plastic - is quite common in cats. ![]() It can be scary to see your fur baby nibbling on something with child safety hazards printed all over it – whether that's a grocery bag, a plastic cat toy, a plastic wrapper, or any other plastic item.
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