Why do cats like to eat plastic shopping bags?

Question

My cats eats plastic shopping bags then vomets up has a bowel movement (BM) with undigested plastic in it. Plus he will go to great lengths to get these bags.

Answer 1

Hi there...some speculate that cats who lick, chew, eat plastic may be atracted to the rendered animal fat used to manufacture the bags, however after considerable research and speaking with my friend who is a veterinarian I've learned that this condition is called PICA. If ingested it may be fatal. As a general rule, anything which is questionable should be securely put away and out of reach. Here's more on PICA by UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine:

http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/home/beh/feline_behavior/pica.html
Pica: The Un-finicky Feline
Chewing or eating cords, fabric, houseplants, etc.

What is Pica?
Pica is the act of eating non-food items. In less serious cases, cats may chew or suck on objects, but not actually swallow them. Common targets include yarn or string, fabric, wool, phone or electric cords, and plants. Any object may be a potential target, however.

Why is Pica Dangerous?
Other than its destructive potential, pica can be extremely hazardous to your cat's health if non-food items are consumed. Ingested fabric, string, or other materials can lodge in your cat's stomach or intestine. The blockage prevents the passage of food and may cut off the blood supply to these organs. Both are life-threatening conditions. Cat's that chew on power cords may be electrocuted. Additionally, many common houseplants are toxic to cats; chewing or eating these plants can cause a wide range of symptoms from drooling to death. If your cat has a history of ingesting non-food items and becomes lethargic, vomits, or displays other concerning behavior, take them to your veterinarian immediately.

Why Does My Cat Eat/Chew on Non-food Items?
No one knows exactly why some cats exhibit pica behavior. Because pica has been associated with a variety of diseases including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, a veterinarian should examine any cat with pica. A genetic component is also suspected since wool or fabric sucking/chewing is more commonly found in Oriental breeds such as Siamese cats. Although it is normal for cats to eat small amounts of grass, consumption of large amounts of plant material may be an indication of a dietary deficiency or illness. Once medical causes are ruled out, behavioral reasons for pica can include boredom, attention-seeking, attractive odors, hunger, and learned behavior.

...please consider visiting the website for full details on how to treat PICA

Answer 2

Simple, The Cat Is Probably Going Through Teething.... To Keep Him Away From The Bag Just Spray Him With Either Water Or A Responsive Spray And Once You Do It A Few Times It Should Stop Because Of The Harrassment. Dont Worry It Wont Hurt Him.

Answer 3

And here I thought my cat was unique. LOL One of my cat has a wrapper fetish. He'll carry candy wrappers or even plastic baggies around with him ALL DAY! He never really chews them... just enough to crinkle... but he won't eat them. My OTHER cat EATS them. If I leave a bag on the counter more than two seconds, he's up there gnawing on it! And he WILL eat it. He eats ribbon, plastic, terrycloth hair ties (!!!!), EVERYTHING. Freak-a$$ cat! So far everything has passed. I do cat rescue, so I KNOW how BAD all this stuff is for him... but have you ever tried keep EVERYTHING out of a CAT's reach? He can reach things I can't reach!!! Ugh.

They DO make some "crinkly" balls for cats... made out of a sort of foil-like material. My cats love them (makes the same sound as a plastic bag), but unfortunately so does my PUG... so that doesn't work too well. Good luck. I feel your pain.

Answer 4

My aunt has a cat that likes to eat plastic - we have to be extra careful with bags.

Plastic will turn to a substance almost like glass in the stomach of a cat- which means that kitty can get pretty cut up in his digestive system. So while your cat vomits it, you still don't want to risk some of that plastic staying in his system. If he goes great lengths to get the bags, you need to go to even greater lengths to keep them away.

Ask for paper bags at the grocery stores (they are easier to recycle, too- and make great trash can liners), and maybe get a canvas tote bag to carry around for other shopping- that will reduce the plastic bags in your home & help the environment, too. Many stores also give up a small discount for using a badg like this instead of using their plastic/paper bags

Answer 5

Well its just a way of them entertaining themselves. Some just like the smell of it and will chew it right up! It is very bad for them though and if they eat too much it may become fatal.

You really just need to keep plastic bags away from them. Have a specific spot for them in a drawer or some place else.

If they like bags so much then you can just get them the paper bags to play with. They should be fine if they plan on eating that and it shouldnt do any harm. Plus they love them a lot.

Answer 6

My cat is just an idiot. He eats plastic bags as well as climb the door jams and attack peoples hands if you put them on the wall, he has never scratched me or others. He has gotten very lethargic lately and has started to lose weight and eat less. I got him a kitten and started to put his food in a blender. I hope it works.

Answer 7

my cat never stops eating its eating string and plastic before its not nice pulling it out usually the other end try leaving extra food around i always have food out for my cat and it hasnt eaten anything bad again

Answer 8

You need to get rid of the platic bags. They look for food because they are hungry..

Answer 9

paper- bags are way better and safer or cat.If you let you cat play with plastic sacks she could choke or suffocate .