My cat likes to lick and bite plastic materials - is this safe?

[macatowner]

Some of examples of things he does is:

• Licks potato chip bags
• Licks bread bags
• Bites/Chews on the plastic seal that is wrapped around the top of some ice cream containers

Is this safe for him to do?  Is there any possible danger in doing this?

 

[williecat]

I can commiserate, two of my three have done that. Willow liked to chew on plastic Target bags so I had to hide them in the closet for scooping her box. I didn't like her doing it because I was always afraid she would swallow a piece of bag and it would get stuck. I tried all kinds of toys that made a similar crinkly sound but she just looked at them. I'd worry about kitty chewing on food bags; things like chip bags can be loaded with salt and oil and probably upset his tummy.

 

[whollycat]

Nope, not safe. You need to keep all things that he will chew on out of his reach. If he goes beyond just licking these, and actually eats the paper/plastic he could develop an obstruction that may require surgical removal (and death if not surgically removed!).

Also, it might be a good idea to have a vet check him out to see if he is deficient in any dietary way.