Have you noticed your cat's interest in bags? It's enough to leave a bag unattended for a short time, and the meow is already there: climbing into it, rustling, and even trying to taste it. The owners have a logical question: what causes such interest in bags for cats and, more importantly, is such a game safe.
Reasons for cats' love for bags:
They smell delicious. Just recently, you were carrying food in them, the smell of which whets the appetite. You may not feel it, but the sensitive cat's nose still catches the scent of sausages.
Chemical composition. Bags use slip agents in their production. This is a special lubricant needed to prevent bags from sticking together. The main substance in the slip agent is stearic acid, which, in turn, is made from vegetable or animal fats. Therefore, the smell of the lubricant with which the bags are treated attracts animals.
Sounds. The rustling is associated with the sound made by prey, and it triggers the hunting instinct in cats. Consequently, this creates an irresistible desire to track down, catch, and eat the source of the sound.
Smooth texture. Cats like tactile sensations, so they may start to tread, jump on the bag, and scratch it with their claws.
Cozy place. Cats like to hide in a tight enclosed space. A bag perfectly matches these characteristics, as it is easy to hide from prying eyes.
Health problems. Oral diseases, pain, or itching in the mouth can prompt a pet to chew on a bag. Sometimes animals may try to eat inedible items due to digestive system disorders.
Stress. Chewing helps to calm down, distracts from unpleasant experiences even though the bag is not tasty or edible.
Nutritional deficiencies. A cat may try to compensate for a lack of nutrients and essential substances by eating inedible objects.
Psychological problems, early separation of the kitten from the mother, various disorders can prompt a pet to chew on bags.
Parasites. The presence of internal parasites is a common reason why a cat may chew on a bag.
Dangers of playing with a bag:
It is funny to watch how a pet plays with a bag, mimicking hunting. The cute, focused expression during the game, adorable jumps, and funny poses make people forget that such games can end badly.
There is a danger of getting tangled in the handles, which can lead to choking. Even a small piece of polymer swallowed by a cat can lead to serious problems. A bag can block the airways from the inside. And even if it successfully passes through the throat, there is a risk of damage to the gastrointestinal tract and the possibility of obstruction. In this case, surgery is inevitable.
Therefore, do not let your pet play with a bag unsupervised, and if it wants to taste the bag, look for the reason for this deviation.
