Happy Sunday, Cats.com community!
At least once a week my peace and quiet is interrupted by the sound of Munchkin chewing on plastic. She doesn’t eat it, but there’s something she enjoys about the texture or the sound it makes when she chomps on a shopping bag. Does your cat do this?
In this Sunday’s mailer, we’ll talk about why some cats like to chew on plastic and what you can offer them as a safer alternative. And read to the end to learn about this week’s cat in need, Cheyenne!
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The Story: Why Do Cats Chew on Plastic?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Cats are weird. Chewing on plastic is not exactly normal, but it’s pretty common. Consuming non-food objects—a condition called pica—can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Some cats, however, just like to lick or chew on plastic.
Here are some of the reasons why cats like plastic:
- It’s fun to play with. With its lightweight, crinkly texture, plastic is easy to bat around, and it’s fun to chase when it catches a breeze.
- It has an interesting smell. Plastic might not smell like much to you, but it’s a symphony of smells for your cat, especially plastic takeout bags.
- It feels nice to chew on. Some cats chew on things when they’re feeling stressed or anxious, and plastic has a unique texture that provides sensory stimulation.
- It tastes good. Plastic can be mixed or coated with other substances like cornstarch or gelatin that has a flavor your cat finds appealing.
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Many cats chew on things from time to time, but if inappropriate chewing suddenly becomes compulsive, it might be a sign that your cat is suffering from chronic stress.
Changes to your cat’s routine or environment are some of the most likely culprits when it comes to stressors. If you can identify the trigger, you can remedy the situation, and your cat’s nervous behavior should resolve. Consider consulting your vet, however, if your cat’s behavioral changes persist to make sure there’s not an underlying health problem to blame.
Chewing is normal for teething kittens and, for some cats, it’s an element of play. If your cat is healthy and just likes to chew, the following toys might be a good fit. |
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Encourage Safe Chewing with These Chew Toys
These lightweight toys are easy to bat around, carry, and chew. Plus the outer netting and streamers satisfy a cat’s chewing and crunching instincts while removing soft tartar from their teeth. |
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The padded center is filled with catnip to release an aroma your cat won’t be able to resist. They’re non-toxic and safe for cats, though supervision is recommended with any chew toy.
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Relieve Teething Pain with a Dental Chew Toy
Perfect for teething kittens, this plush banana toy is covered with soft mesh. The material provides sensory stimulation while gently massaging your kitten’s gums and cleaning their teeth. |
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With its elongated banana-like shape, this toy is also a good choice for cats who like to bunny kick. They can latch on with their front claws (and teeth) and then kick away with their back legs.
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Here’s a quick summary of the deals we’ve found this week :
Cats.com receives commissions on purchases made through product recommendations in this mailer. This helps us to continue our mission of giving you the best cat information on the web. Thank you for your support! |
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This Week’s Cat In Need: Cheyenne
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Estimated to be 10 years of age, Cheyenne is a calm, senior cat looking for a quiet home where she can enjoy her golden years in peace.
Cheyenne is currently living in a foster home near Atlanta, GA. She gets along well with other cats but, because she’s a little shy, she spends a lot of time curled up in her bed. She’d love to find someone who will be patient with her and give her lap time when she wants it.
Though Cheyenne is easygoing, she’s a special needs cat. Her previous family abandoned her when she was diagnosed with a thyroid condition. Fortunately, her condition can easily be managed with a topical medication applied to her ear once a day.
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Sneak Peek At Tuesday’s Mailer
Cats may not speak human language but they have many ways of making their feelings known. It gets confusing, however, when a single sound has multiple meanings. In Tuesday’s mailer, we’ll talk about what it means when your cat growls. |
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Meet The Author
Kate is a pet food nutrition specialist and writer who has been part of the Cats.com family for over three years. She is the doting owner of three cats - Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit - and often shares stories about them in weekly mailers like this one! |
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Meet The Author
Kate is a pet food nutrition specialist and writer who has been part of the Cats.com family for over three years. She is the doting owner of three cats - Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit - and often shares stories about them in weekly mailers like this one! |
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