Paws Corner
Plastic a dangerous delicacy to cats
By SAM MAZZOTTA

Q: A year ago today, I bought our calico cat, "Gina," from the local SPCA. She is now about 2 1/2 years old. At the shelter, she contracted a respiratory infection, but we nursed her back to good health. Gina is a lovely cat, but we find it odd that she wants to eat plastic bags or anything plastic she comes across. We have to hide them. Any ideas why this is happening or what she finds so yummy about plastic? - From her confused owner, Rena M., via e-mail

A: Gina's attraction to plastic is not as unusual as you might think. Many cats take a strange liking to different types of plastic, often attempting to gnaw or eat bags, plastic containers, cups and the like. Some curl up and sleep on them; others eliminate on them.

The reason for the attraction is unknown, or at least, indefinite. I once had a cat that was thrilled by anything that made a crinkly sound, especially crumpled paper (upon which he would pounce the instant he heard the sound, making the act of throwing away junk mail a real adventure), plastic sandwich bags and bubble wrap. There's some unnamed joy being associated with plastic - maybe because it sounds similar to a cat food bag being opened just before dinner.

At any rate, plastic bags (and any grade of plastic, really) are definitely not healthy for Gina, as they can cause blockages and other damage to the digestive tract. Keep hiding the bags. If some plastic objects can't be hidden, spray them with a repellent such as bitter apple (available at pet-food stores) and, if you catch Gina trying to gnaw them anyway, hiss and clap your hands to startle her. Encouraging a negative association with plastic items may reduce her fondness for them.

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