The cause of OCD remains unknown, especially for cats. OCD is a behavioral disorder usually characterized by repetitive tendencies like eating plastic or odd items without purpose. While this condition is better known in humans, it will affect cats in the same ways.

If your cat tends to chew on plastic bags, it may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When given the chance, your feline will happily try to get a taste. This can include:Ĭats find these substances tasty, even more so if the cat is low on nutrients. Your cat may be able to tell what individual materials your plastic bags are composed of. They can’t smell as much, but they’re better at telling individual scents apart. In fact, cats are known to have more precise odor receptors than dogs. Even if you can’t tell the difference, your cat certainly will. Others are made entirely from organic material that can be recycled. Some plastic bags are coated with biodegradable substances to make them more earth-friendly. You should also pay attention if your cat makes any pained sounds while it chews the bags or normal food. Persistently chewing on a plastic bag can help reduce irritation or pressure on a cat’s:Ī trip to the vet can help determine if your cat has any dental issues. While kittens and young cats often chew on plastic during teething, adult cats may pick up this habit to soothe dental problems. This should end the cravings and let your cat return to edible food. If so, consider swapping out your cat’s diet with more protein- and vitamin-rich foods. It could even be desperate enough to chew on anything, your bags serving as only one of many options. The light, floaty movements could trigger its hunting instincts and make it believe animal protein is within reach. The cat may smell a faint odor that reminds it of food in the plastic. They will always look for these nutrients in other items when their mealtimes aren’t sufficient.Ĭhewing on plastic is usually an impulse. Felines thrive on a diet of fat and proteins.

If your cat chews on plastics bags often, it may be missing essential nutrients. If you suspect it’s not, though, you should take your cat to the vet. If the cat only eats a small piece, it might pass the bag on its own with a little discomfort. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, behavioral changes, lethargy, and even death. If a cat eats a plastic bag, it’s in danger of an intestinal blockage. There are times when a cat will eat a plastic bag because it’s nutrient-deficient, has pica, or has OCD. Kittens often teethe on plastic bags, while stressed cats or those with dental issues chew on plastic for relief. The cat may like the flavor of biodegradable plastic or enjoys the smell of food that’s left behind. Your cat might chew on a plastic bag because it is a curious new object worth investigating, or it considers it a fun, interactive toy. Even chewing and licking the material can lead to small pieces getting ingested accidentally. Although this is cute behavior, it’s also dangerous if your cat starts eating plastic. As soon as you arrive home with groceries, your feline may spring into action, batting around the leftover bags. The habit of chewing on plastic bags is fairly common in cats.

Medical causes of pica in cats