Cats are known to eat non-food items like plastic bags.It could be caused by deficiencies in diet, boredom, and anxiety.When your cat gets into plastic, stop it immediately and keep plastic items out of its access.Be sure to play with your cat toys at least twice a day.If the problem persists, talk to the vet about changing the diet or testing the underlying medical issues.If your cat's vet is willing to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication, you can ask.If all else fails, get help from a trainer or behaviorist.
Step 1: When you catch your cat eating plastic, stop it.
If you see your cat eating plastic, clap your hands loudly and say, "No!"It is important to stop your cat immediately because it will make a connection between chewing plastic and your negative response.
Step 2: It's a good idea to keep plastic out of its access.
All plastic items should be removed from your cat's body.A lidded trash can or recycling bin is the best place to dispose of plastic bags.If your cat can't open plastic items, put them in drawers or cupboards.Keep trash and recycling bins lined with plastic bags in closed rooms or cupboards that your cat can't get to.
Step 3: If possible, use non-plastic bags.
You can use canvas bags instead of plastic bags at the grocery store.If your cat chews plastic, replace it with glass bottles.Plastic bottles and containers can be kept in the fridge or other accessible area.
Step 4: Plastic items can be sprayed with a cat safe deterrent.
Make plastic items unattractive by discouraging your cat from chewing or eating them.Cat safe deterrents include spraying plastic bags, electrical cords, and other tempting items.Hot sauce, bitter apple spray, and another type of cat safe deterrent are available at your local pet store.
Step 5: It's a good idea to spend more time with your cat.
Lack of exercise and boredom are possible causes of eating non-food items.You can play games with toys like a feather on a string.Make sure your cat gets enough exercise by playing with it for at least 15 minutes a day.Cats have evolved to use a lot of energy in a short period of time.
Step 6: Substitute plastic with textured toys.
Cats like the sound and texture of plastic.Substitute plastic items with crinkle balls to keep them out of reach.These and other stimulating toys can be found at a nearby pet store.
Step 7: Try playing with food or puzzle toys.
Puzzle toys might be the best way to keep your cat occupied.Purchase puzzle feeders from your pet store.Before you leave, place the treats around the house.While you are away, a cat tree or perch can help keep your cat stimulated.
Step 8: Discuss your cat's diet with the vet.
Sometimes eating non-food items can be related to a missing ingredient in your cat's diet.Your cat's vet can recommend changes to your diet.Do blood tests show any deficiencies?If you don't already, try keeping dry food out at all times so your cat can eat on its own time.If you have more than one cat, make sure to put out as many food containers as you do cats.
Step 9: Discuss the underlying medical issues with your cat's vet.
Leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), diabetes, and brain disorders are some of the underlying medical issues that could cause chewing or eating plastic bags.If you haven't had much luck with steps like providing more exercise or more engaging toys, you should bring your cat in for an examination.Do you think this behavior has anything to do with more serious medical conditions?Can you rule out any conditions through a physical examination?
Step 10: Ask the vet if they recommend medication for anxiety.
Non-food items can cause anxiety.Ask the vet if they recommend anti-anxiety medication.Feliway is one of the calming pheromones they might recommend.Talk to the vet about how to reduce your cat's stress.Giving your cat plenty of space, making sure it has enclosed spaces to withdraw to, providing it with a cat perch, and limiting encounters with strangers are all stress-relieving actions.You may be able to relieve your cat's stress by dealing with any social conflicts in your household, such as between you and another pet, or as a result of an outdoor cat harassing you.Consider if your cat is anxious for other reasons, such as separation anxiety or a stormphobia.
Step 11: A professional trainer is needed.
If the problem persists despite your efforts, you should seek the assistance of a professional trainer or board certified veterinary behaviorist.Ask your cat's vet if they can recommend a trainer or behaviorist to help you correct the behavior.The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants has a search tool that you can use to find a certified professional.
Step 12: If your cat chokes, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
Don't put your fingers in your cat's mouth.If a cat is in distress, it may bite.If you call the vet, you can attempt the Heimlich maneuver.Put one hand on the cat's back and the other on its belly and push it up and down.Continue giving pushes until you can easily get the object.Look for signs of labored breathing, blocked air flow and panic.Don't confuse these signs with hairballs.
Step 13: If your cat has an obstruction, get emergency care.
Vomiting after meals, weakness, and weight loss are symptoms that can be caused by eating non-food objects.Bring your cat to the vet if it has these symptoms.If the vet has this equipment, they can perform an endoscopy.This procedure uses a small camera at the end of a tube to examine the stomach.The vet may be able to remove the item using the endoscope, or they may have to perform surgery to locate and fix the problem.If the vet finds a problem, they'll have to remove it.