What do you think? Do you have any other ideas about why cats are obsessed with plastic? Do you have a plastic-crazed cat, and what plastics are his or her favorites? Sound off in the comments. About JaneA Kelley: Punk-rock cat mom, science nerd, animal shelter volunteer and all-around geek with a passion for bad puns, intelligent conversation, and role-play adventure games.
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In addition to blogging about cats, JaneA writes contemporary urban fantasy, and whatever else strikes her fancy. Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals. Nov 2. The crinkly sound of the bag can also be enticing to some cats.
Pages: 1 2 3. Pam Johnson-Bennett. Next: Watch Psycho Kitty on Amazon. The hearing range of cats is nothing but remarkable. Many cats find the gentle crinkling sounds of plastic bags to be satisfying. Just like your cat has the instinctual drive to chase a mouse in your home, the sound of plastic bags may remind your cat of a mouse and make her want to lick it — rodents are snacks, after all! In the same way that some cats suck on thick wool when they have pica, other cats crave certain textures.
That plastic bin, water bottle, or bag may be the smoothest object in your entire house — and your cat has undoubtedly taken notice! Your cat may lick plastic because she enjoys the sensation of the smooth texture on her sandpaper-like tongue. Cats are innate hunters who need mental stimulation. If you notice your cat is attracted to the sound of a crinkling bag, find them crinkly cat toys that imitate this sound to encourage them to play with the toy instead.
Plastic bags are potential choking and suffocation hazards, even for cats. Crinkly cat toys are often filled with catnip, too, making it extra fun! Plastic bags are soft and porous and readily absorb the smells of their contents. It could be as simple as that yummy rotisserie chicken you picked up from the grocery store left its tantalizing smell on the bag, and your cat just has to have a taste.
Plastic shopping bags are often created using biodegradable materials containing corn starch. Some cats might find this starchy, corny smell, and taste delicious. The more likely cause? Plastics, and plastic bags, are often treated with stearates, which are derived from animal fat or tallow. Others use materials like fish oils or even fish scales to keep the plastic from sticking together.
All these flavorful materials attract a cat's keen sense of smell, especially as a carnivore. Animal fat and fish oil are right up their alley! Cats are intelligent creatures that need mental and physical stimulation, just like us humans. So if your cat's playing around in plastic bags or whatever might be lying around , it could be because your cat is simply looking for something new and exciting.
If you're not home during the day, leave your cat toys that will that give indoor enrichment for your kitty in your absence. Provide your favorite feline with toys that they can bat around and play with at their own leisure. Catnip-filled toys are a great choice as the catnip also stimulates and encourages your cat to play - instead of nap all day. Some veterinary behaviorists believe that licking or sucking on plastic or other strange materials may be a mild version of a compulsive disorder called "wool sucking.
It is thought some cats do this as an attempt to get nutrients that aren't present in their diet.
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