Why Does My Cat Lick Plastic?

Content reviewed by Jennifer Sperry, DVM, Medical Director

Why do cats lick plastic? Sometimes it’s the texture or the smell. Other times, it’s a sign your cat is bored, stressed, or trying to self-soothe. What seems like a quirky habit can be worth paying attention to.

Plastic licking might seem like a weird little quirk, the kind of thing you laugh off when your cat goes in for a grocery bag or a shipping envelope.

But behind that behavior could be something more. For some cats, plastic just smells interesting. For others, it’s part of a deeper pattern that has less to do with the bag and more to do with what they might be missing.

Let’s get into why cats love plastic and when it might be a sign to pay closer attention.

Common reasons cats lick plastic 

Plastic might not scream “cat toy,” yet it somehow grabs your cat’s attention. So what makes it so tempting?

Scent attraction

Some plastics are treated with chemicals like stearates, which can smell like animal fat. Add in the possibility of food residue or the faint scent of whatever was stored in the bag, and it starts to make sense. To your cat, that plastic might smell like a snack.

Texture and crinkling

Plastic has a feel and sound all its own. The slick surface and crinkly noise can be interesting, even soothing, for certain cats. If your cat is particularly tuned in to texture or enjoys repetitive sensory behaviors, licking plastic might be their version of zoning out.

Behavioral quirks

Sometimes, it’s just a quirk. Cats explore the world with their mouths, and if they’re bored, understimulated, or just feeling curious, a plastic bag on the floor might get more attention than you’d expect.

When it might be a problem

Licking plastic occasionally isn’t usually a big deal, but if your cat is fixated on it or starts chewing and eating plastic, there could be something more serious going on.

One possibility is a condition called pica.

What is pica?

Pica is a compulsive behavior where cats chew or eat things that aren’t food. That might mean plastic bags, shoelaces, rubber bands, string, fabric, or cords. At first, it might seem harmless or even a little funny, but the risks are real.

Chewing on cords can lead to electrocution. Swallowing fabric or plastic can block the intestines or damage the digestive tract. If your cat is eating non-food items, it’s time to bring your vet into the conversation.

What causes it?

There isn’t one clear cause. Pica can be tied to a mix of medical issues like thyroid disease, anemia, or dental pain. It can also show up in cats who are bored, stressed, anxious, or lacking certain nutrients. Some cats seem naturally more prone, especially Siamese and other Oriental breeds like Persians or Bengal cats. And sometimes, there’s no obvious reason at all. It becomes a coping mechanism, even if nothing is visibly wrong.

Signs to watch for

A single lick doesn’t mean your cat has pica, but if they’re constantly hunting down plastic or other off-limits items, or if they get frustrated when you take them away, that could be a sign of something deeper. Look out for vomiting, drooling, constipation, diarrhea, mouth irritation, low energy, or changes in appetite. These can point to a medical issue or the result of ingesting something they shouldn't have.

When it becomes dangerous

The biggest risk with pica is ingestion. Swallowing plastic can lead to choking, intestinal blockages, or damage to the stomach and digestive tract. If your cat eats plastic or shows any symptoms afterward, it’s important you contact your vet.

The wool-sucking connection

Plastic licking might seem random, but for some cats, it traces back to kittenhood. Specifically, to a behavior called wool sucking. 

Wool sucking tends to show up in kittens who were weaned too early. These cats may knead and nurse on soft things like blankets, sweaters, or socks. It’s not just cute; it’s a coping mechanism that helps them feel safe and soothed when something feels missing. 

For some cats, that habit sticks around. The soft texture of wool might eventually get replaced by something else that feels just as satisfying. Plastic bags, with their slick surface and stretchy give, can fill that role. What looks like a strange obsession is sometimes just a leftover comfort ritual. 

If your cat was adopted young or came from an uncertain background, the connection might not be obvious, but it helps explain why certain behaviors surface and why they tend to stick. It’s often the grown-up version of a need that never got fully resolved. 

Is it safe for cats to lick plastic? 

Occasional plastic licking isn’t always dangerous, but it’s not risk-free either. Some plastics are coated with chemicals that aren’t meant to be ingested. Others may hold onto food residue or carry lingering scents that seem appealing but aren’t safe for cats. 

The real concern comes when licking turns into chewing or swallowing. Ingesting plastic can lead to choking, internal blockages, or damage to the digestive tract. Even small pieces can cause big problems once they’re inside the body. 

So how much licking is too much? If it happens once or twice and stops when you remove the object, it’s likely just curiosity. But if your cat seeks out plastic regularly, fixates on it, or gets anxious when they can’t access it, it’s time to step in. That kind of pattern could be a sign of a behavioral issue or an underlying need that’s not being met. 

When in doubt, ask your vet. They can help you figure out if your cat’s behavior is harmless or something worth addressing. 

What you can do about it

If your cat has a thing for plastic, the first step is to keep an eye on the behavior. Occasional interest might not be a cause for concern, but frequent or intense licking is worth addressing. 

Supervise and make small changes

Start by limiting your cat’s access to plastic. Reusable shopping bags, food packaging, and shipping materials should be stored where your cat can’t reach them. If something plastic does slip into their space, be ready to redirect. 

Offer safe alternatives

Cats who are drawn to licking often enjoy toys or objects with interesting textures. Try offering fabric toys, silicone chew toys made for cats, or even chilled teething rings designed for pets. The goal isn’t to scold them. It’s to offer a better option. 

Keep their space enriching and calm

Boredom and stress can both lead to repetitive or unwanted behaviors. Rotate toys regularly, set up windows for birdwatching, and use puzzle feeders to keep their brain engaged. A little mental stimulation can go a long way in easing compulsive habits. 

Know when to get expert help

If your cat seems fixated on plastic or starts chewing and swallowing it, it’s time to check in with your vet. They can help you rule out medical causes, assess for pica or anxiety, and talk through next steps that support both your cat’s safety and well-being. 

Tuning in, not tuning out 

Your cat isn’t being weird. They’re being a cat, which means there’s usually a reason behind the behavior, even if it’s wrapped in plastic. Whether it’s comfort-seeking, stress relief, or just something they never outgrew, tuning in to habits like this is part of knowing them better. You don’t have to overthink it, but you shouldn’t ignore it either. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your cat safe, curious, and completely themselves.

Annie Turner is the senior copywriter and editor for Figo Pet Insurance. Based out of Columbus, Ohio, she loves synonyms, enjoys painting rocks for her kids to hide in their garden of towering sunflowers, and rocks a mean messy bun.