Why do cats lick plastic bags?
It’s not random behavior, and it’s not “cute” either.
Most plastic bags are coated with fatty acids and chemical residues from manufacturing.
Cats have an extremely strong sense of smell, so these scents can be strangely attractive to them.
Other common reasons include:
Stress or anxiety (licking works as self-soothing)
Boredom or lack of stimulation
Pica-like behavior, where cats lick or chew non-food items
Sometimes even nutritional deficiencies
The real concern:
Plastic licking can turn into chewing or swallowing, which may cause:
Choking
Intestinal blockage
Stomach irritation
What cat parents should do:
Keep plastic bags out of reach
Provide safe chewing alternatives
Increase playtime and enrichment
Talk to a vet if the behavior is frequent or obsessive
When you understand why cats do this, it becomes easier to protect them.
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