#Pica in cats symptoms how to#

Eating plastic is a fairly common presentation of pica, and can be linked to three main causes.īreed: Some cat breeds have a known genetic predisposition to pica. It can be a serious and debilitating problem, causing severe danger to cat health. The condition of eating non-food items (pica) is a complicated disorder that has multiple potential causes. Some cat breeds have a known genetic predisposition to eating non-food items. Others might develop symptoms of an obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can include repetitive and continuous chewing of non-food objects such as plastic grocery bags. Some cats will hide away, change their interactions with owners, become aggressive, or urinate in odd places. AnxietyĬat behavior can be complex, and cats who are anxious or stressed can present in unusual ways. Cats have an excellent sense of smell and might find the scent of the starch and gelatin appealing, and think that the plastic is worth having a chew on to see if the taste matches the odor. Your cat may chew plastic out of genuine confusion as to whether it is cat food! Plastic bags are often coated in corn starch and stearates, and can be made from gelatin.

The way plastic items move when played with can also stimulate cats’ predatory instincts, and you may see them pouncing and biting at them as if they were a small mouse or bird. Plastic items such as shopping bags have a unique crinkly texture which can be fascinating for cats, especially young, playful kittens. CuriosityĬats are known for their inquisitive natures and are often attracted to new sensory experiences.

#Pica in cats symptoms how to#

Eating non-food items such as plastic grocery bags can be bad news for cat health, so it is best to prevent this habit.Īre you wondering, “Why does my cat eat plastic?” Read on to discover the causes of plastic eating, and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. The reasons behind this odd behavior are varied and may include natural curiosity of cats for new textures and tastes, or a medical condition such as anemia or hyperthyroidism leading your cat’s interest in plastic items.

If your cat eats plastic, keep these items out of reach and provide your cat with plenty of acceptable playthings.