Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/27/2008

Question
My 6 yr. old house cat persistently eats plastic grocery bag handles. They a lot of times are up to about 3 inch long pieces. I can't understand how he swallows pieces that long; how I know is either he will eventually will vmit the bigger pieces with hair balls; smaller pieces I find in his litter box; this worrys me so.....because after he ingests these he won't eat his food at all until he relieves them. What would cause this strange behavior? He recently tried to eat white electrical and white medical tape.

Answer
Ginger,

You are playing Russian Roulette with your cat's life! You have been lucky so far that he has vomited or defecated the pieces, but one time he won't, and it will more than likely kill him when it gets stuck in his stomach, or intestines and causes a blockage and/or cuts off the blood supply to both organs! Why do you allow the cat access to plastic bags or tape? Put them away where he can't get to them! I'm sorry to sound harsh, but it is a serious behavior that can have deadly consequences.

When cats eat, lick, suck, or chew non-food objects or clothing it is called 'Pica'. There is no known cure. Vets are not sure of the cause. Some medical possibilities have included anemia, a mineral dificiency, or a psychological disturbance. Behavioral possibilities have included attention-getting, boredom, hungar, or attraction to the odor of the object.

If your cat is bored get him a kitty friend, or play with him more. Get him some catnip toys. But keep him away from plastic bags!
If you see ANY signs of discomfort, body twisting, or pain take him to the vet immediately!

Tabbi