Many cat owners notice a strange habit in their pets — the animal keeps licking and chewing a cellophane bag. But such mischief can turn out to be dangerous, so it's better to wean your pet off it.
Why cats love bags so much
Cellophane bags engage several senses at once: they rustle, carry the smell of food, tickle the nose and feel pleasant under the paws. Many cats simply enjoy this entertainment, since ordinary toys aren't always so engaging.
Plastic bags are also often coated with corn starch, which attracts animals as well. And sometimes pets use them to cope with stress that has arisen, for example, after a move.
Why bags are dangerous and how to fight the habit
Playing with bags can lead to quite tragic consequences. The pet risks swallowing a piece of plastic, and as a result the foreign object can cause an upset stomach or even block the airways. And the handles of a bag can easily wrap around the neck and cause suffocation.
Where possible, bags should be hidden away. It's best to keep all the clean, empty ones in a drawer, and the rubbish bag — under the sink. If that's difficult, buy a bin with a lid so the bag is completely out of reach.
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How to keep your pet busy instead of chewing bags
Giving your pet other entertainment is quite simple. For example, you can buy a puzzle feeder that holds a treat, or a maze with balls. You can also set up a little play corner for the cat and give it a special treat that takes a long time to chew. But don't forget that they should be chosen in line with the recommendations of a vet, who will examine the animal first.
On the whole, visiting a vet if your pet likes to chew bags is quite worthwhile. The doctor will be able to rule out pathological conditions — for example, pica. Animals that suffer from it often crave something inedible, from fabric to plastic, writes the portal Hill’s.
Photo source: photobank - unsplash.com
