My cat licks plastic bags
Kim Knutson Walker
Hi,
My approx. 1 yr old male cat (flame tabby point traditional Siamese
mix), Edan, likes to lick the plastic bags (usually just the edges) I
use to line my wastebaskets....come to think of it, he likes to lick all
plastic bags, regardless of where they are in the house. Anyone know
why he would do this? Does he like the taste and texture????? I've had
cats all my life (including another traditional Siamese tabby point) and
don't recall any of them licking plastic bags.
FYI--adopted Edan from a shelter about 1 1/2 months ago.
Just curious....
Kim Walker
Judy or Andrew
I asked my vet this question and she did not know the answer, just said
that it was common.
My guess is something the plastic is made from. Like glue is animal
fat, obviously plastic bags have some type of enticing commponent.
Judy
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Scott
Hi!
One of my cats, Emma, also loves to lick plastic. This puzzled me too
until someone gave the answer in the local paper. Apparently, most
plastics use a softening agent that gives pliability to plastic and it
is derived from animal fat, this gives it a sweet taste to cats. Judy
was certainly on the right track. Hope this answers your question.
Scott
Sandy Knowles
I have a plastic licking cat also. He not only licks plastic bags but
other plastic things such as the laundry basket, the plastic/vinyl
window blinds, etc. etc. He had a very particular place on a window
blind he enjoyed in an apt I lived in for 1.5 years...he was about to
lick all the way thru when i moved. One thing I have noticed about his
licking...it occurs most when he is having hairball problems. Not sure
what the connection is but if he has just had a nice big hair ball he
heads for the plastic. It is either his comfort activity or the plastic
has something in it that he craves at that time.
The mystery contintues.....
Sandy