The Cat Behavior Associate or CBA's Pam Johnson-Bennett believes that cats may have chewed on plastic items for many reasons saying it is essential "to determine the underlying cause. As indicated in a Newsweek report, cats are "the most pampered of pets," with owners catering to their health, diet, and entertainment.
Consequently, it may be surprising how frequently pet felines are drawn to plastic bags, bottles, and other objects from the trash, in a phenomenon, also called "pica," which is also detailed in the Cat Veteran website.
Vicki Jo Harrison from the International Cat Association or TIKA suggested that most cats chewing or eating plastic begin to do so because the object tastes good or enjoys playing with it. However, there are inherent hazards to the habit.
She also said, some plastic objects are totally fine for the cat to chew on, although plastic objects that are tiny enough to total fit the mouth of a cat pose a choking hazard and result in obstructions that prevent food and water from passing through the body or puncture, or there the intestines or stomach if the item has corners or sharp orders.
She added that ingested plastic could turn lodged in the intestine and require an emergency operation or endoscopy to take out the item from the cat. Such procedures necessitate general anesthesia and are not without their dangers; thus, it is always best to prevent the pet from eating plastic in the first place. Whale letting the cat chew on plastic may appear harmless; this can be a severe health risk for the cat, Harrison explained further.
Cat Eating Plastic
The expert also advised if the cat is eating, chewing, or licking plastic or plastic bags, the initial step is to go to the veterinarian to guarantee the cat is not sick.
Harrison explained many health conditions could be the cause of cat biting plastic, the most common being diabetes, dental problems, hyperthyroidism, anemia, and FeLV or reline leukemia virus. Cat's dental issue is detailed on the Cuteness.com website.
According to Chris Socratous, Brand Manager at pet healthcare experts Bob Martin said, trying to eat plastic can indicate dietary deficiencies.
He explained that it means the cat is not getting adequate nutrients from its dinner and is looking elsewhere to look for the vitamins and minerals they require. A lot of cat owners like to provide their pet's diet with a boost with supplements and vitamins, which could help them prevent any "nibbly behavior."
How to Stop the Cat from Chewing on Plastic
The Cat Behavior Associates' Johnson-Bennett emphasized the essentiality of putting an immediate stop to this habit. She explained that plastic bags are hazardous for cats for various reasons, including the risk of suffocation, so they must be stored totally out of the cat's reach.
Meanwhile, Harrison suggested many ways to alleviate the pet cat's contact with plastic. She cautioned cat owners to be careful in taking out plastic items and promptly dispose of plastic grocery bags.
This is as essential as chewing, playing with, or chewing plastic bags puts them at risk of suffocating or choking. Or, she added, use reusable grocery bags and altogether do away with plastic bags.
The expert also advised attracting the cat to funny safe items that are not plastic like toys of different textures and fabrics, laser pointers, feather wands, catnip trips, or objects they are wanted to chew on or play with.
Lastly, Harrison recommended providing interactive toys, perches, and cat trees or increasing their exercise. She also advised to offer the cat safe items for chewing like Nylabones, cat grass, or soft animal chews to help the cat with his need for chewing.
Related information about cats licking, chewing on, or eating plastics is shown on World's Best Cast Litter's YouTube video below:
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