You never know for sure what is up with your cat. One moment, everything is fine, but the next moment, your pet is nibbling plastic furiously. Yes, plastic! It Beats logic, doesn’t it? Curiosity might have got the cat, but it isn’t getting us. So, we spent some good time researching why cats chew on plastic. The findings were startling. If your cat has decided all of a sudden that plastic is the go-to meal for the furball, we suggest you sit back and listen to what we are about to tell you. Worthy of breaking news, all the answers here as to why cats chew on plastic?
Why do cats chew on plastic?
There isn’t one reason for this absurd, abnormal feline behavior. Among the many reasons for plastic craving that your cat has suddenly developed, we have selected the top four. Let us have a look at them, one by one.
1- Nutritional deficiency
This was perhaps the most logical reason amongst the many that we came across. There might be an element or a nutrient that is missing from your cat’s diet. To cover up the deficiency, your pet is biting plastic every day. It is worth mentioning here that your cat’s diet must be composed of proteins majorly, apart from a decent percentage of fat and carbohydrates. If your cat isn’t getting enough of the essential nutrients and elements, the chances are high that the pet will turn to other sources to nibble on. Hence, reviewing the diet plan might be a good idea, to begin with!
2- Anxiety
We are not surprised that you are surprised. Animal mental health, after all, is a seriously under-discussed issue. Ok, so there are several reasons why your pet cat might be feeling anxious or stressed. The biggest reason is, of course, a lack of attention. If the pet isn’t getting enough of your time, the fault is yours. Then, introducing a new cat in the building isn’t a happy prospect either for many resident cats. Wanting a piece of their favorite treat but not getting it can also make your pet anxious and fidgety.
3- Inquisitiveness
This might infuriate you a little, but sometimes, cats nibble plastic to figure out what the hell is this thing? Unfortunately, what your cats cannot understand is that this habit is extremely toxic for them, and if they don’t give it up soon, plastic fibers can mess up their GI functions horribly. We will come to the prevention of plastic as cat food a little later. For now, let us stay focused on why a bit of this discussion.
4- Medical condition?
It doesn’t mean that eating plastic is a disease or health disorder of some sort. No. What we mean to say here is that this sudden plastic craving on your cat’s part might be because your cat is feeling unwell. If you don’t know this already, please know that cats would do anything to make themselves feel better. They are very secretive about their health issues. So, if you see your cat nibbling on plastic furiously, it might be a sign that your cat isn’t feeling one hundred percent.
What should you do?
Well, enough reasons to get you worried, won’t you agree? The next question that needs to be answered is, how can you stop it? What do you have to do so that your cat gives up this absurdly toxic habit of chewing plastic? Let us have a look at the probable solutions, one by one.
1- Install scratching posts
Scratch posts solve more than one issue. They serve as an antidote to your cat’s scratching problem apart from plastic chewing as well. A scratch post is certainly a much better way of letting out stress rather than chewing something which can prove to be fatal in the long run; when your cat is exercising and stretching well, chances of plastic nibbling fall dramatically.
2- Spend more time with the pet
Recall the stress bit? Like we mentioned earlier, your cat might be feeling down because you didn’t have enough time to play or interact with the pet. We are not accusing you, it is the 21st century, and we get you completely! However, it wouldn’t hurt your schedule immensely if you could take out five to ten minutes extra every day? Remember that there is no more effective treatment or therapy than love. Talk in low, soothing tones to your pet and see the magic happening!
3- Trick with treats
When was the last time you bought a treat for your cat? A little something which breaks the monotony can be a great way of discarding plastic from your furball’s life. We don’t know what it should be; this is something that you will have to figure out by yourself. But cats love food-based treats the most. So there is your clue. Also, we are suspicious of cats. This whole eating the plastic thing might be just a drama to force you into buying some treats!
4- Get the vet
If you feel like none of the prescribed home-based remedies are working for you, then you should do the wisest thing. What is that? Getting the vet, of course! A professional can diagnose the problem associated with a cat much quicker and accurately. If there is a health condition that makes your cat chew plastic excessively, you shouldn’t play the vet. Instead, the best course of action would be to follow the advice of the veterinarian.
Conclusion
Doesn’t seem like a big problem. And yet, this little trick on your cat’s part can prove to be extremely dangerous and toxic. Well, you know some of the reasons why cats chew plastic. You are also much better equipped now, as far as stopping it is concerned. On this optimistic note that you learned something, if not everything, from this discussion, we bid you farewell!