Why Does My Cat Eat Plastic & Throw Up? Causes & Solutions

- Will my cat pass plastic naturally if they eat it?
- How long does it take for symptoms to appear after a cat eats plastic?
- Can certain cat s help reduce plastic-eating behavior?
- Is plastic eating more common in kittens or adult cats?
- How do I determine the right CBD dosage for my cat using Bailey’s products?
Key Takeaways
- Sometimes cats chew on plastic because of health issues like pica, missing nutrients, or just boredom and anxiety.
- Eating plastic isn’t harmless but it can cause nasty problems like vomiting or blockages that need quick vet care.
- Keep an eye out for repeated vomiting, low energy, loss of appetite, or weird bathroom habits if you think your cat’s been munching on plastic.
- The best fix? Cat-proof your space by stashing plastic out of reach and giving your kitty plenty of fun things to do.
- Bailey’s CBD has some awesome vet-approved products just for cats, like calming chews, CBD oil, and soothing shampoo, that can help your pets adapt to stress that might be causing the chewing.
Understanding Why Cats Eat Plastic
If your cat’s got a thing for chewing on plastic, they might be dealing with something called pica. It’s a quirky (and sometimes concerning) habit where cats feel the urge to eat stuff that isn’t , like plastic, fabric, or even paper.
The exact cause is still a bit of a mystery, but stress, boredom, diet issues, or even their breed might be behind it.
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SHOP BAILEY'S CBD COLLECTION →Common Triggers Behind Plastic Eating in Cats
1. Behavioral Causes: Stress & Boredom
Cats get stressed just like we do, and sometimes they deal with it by chewing on things, like plastic. A new home, a new pet, or just not enough playtime can push them to find their own (not-so-great) ways to cope.
2. Curiosity & Playfulness
Let’s face it, plastic is weirdly fun. It crinkles, smells different, and feels strange—basically a playground for a curious cat.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies or Dietary Imbalance
If your cat’s diet is missing something important, they might go hunting for it, sometimes in all the wrong places, like a plastic bag.
4. Genetic & Breed Predisposition
Some cat breeds, like Siamese or Burmese, are more likely to nibble on non- stuff. It’s in their genes, and plastic often ends up as the target.
Certain breeds like Burmese are more prone to pica behaviors; chewing or eating plastic may be hardwired into their instincts.
5. Early Weaning & Lack of Socialization
Kittens taken from their mom too soon or raised without enough bonding time might grow up chewing on random objects for comfort, and plastic is a go-to.
6. Attraction to Residue or Plastic Composition
If that plastic bag used to hold or just smells like it, your cat might think it’s snack time. Some plastics even contain animal-based scents that cats find irresistible.
7. Dental or Oral Discomfort
Occasionally, chewing on plastic is your cat’s way of soothing sore gums or a toothache, kind of like a kitty version of teething.
Why Does My Cat Throw Up After Eating Plastic?
Plastic and kitty stomachs don’t mix. Since plastic can’t be digested, it often irritates the stomach or causes a blockage. That’s when the vomiting starts. It’s your cat’s way of trying to get rid of the trouble.
If your cat keeps throwing up or seems uncomfortable, don’t wait around. It’s best to get your vet involved sooner rather than later.
Recognizing the Signs of Plastic Eating & Associated Vomiting
Keep an eye out for these signs that your cat might be munching on plastic and having some tummy issues:
- Vomiting or gagging shortly after chewing or swallowing plastic
- Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Abdominal sensitivity or guarding behavior
- Behavioral changes such as hiding, irritability, or restlessness
- Visible plastic fragments in vomit or feces
Practical Solutions to Prevent Plastic Eating and Vomiting
Environmental Management
If your cat’s always hunting for plastic, it’s time to play defense! Stash bags, wrappers, and anything crinkly out of reach. Then, give them something better, like fun, safe chew toys they can actually sink their teeth into without getting sick.
Dietary & Nutritional Adjustments
Believe it or not, plastic munching might be your cat’s way of saying, “My diet’s missing something!” Make sure they’re getting all the good stuff: fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A quick check-in with your vet can help fine-tune their and cut the cravings.
Behavioral & Environmental Enrichment
A bored cat will find their own fun, and sometimes, that means plastic. Keep them busy with interactive play, puzzle toys, and new things to explore. A calm, predictable routine also helps cut down on stress-fueled chewing.
Monitoring & Early Intervention
Pay attention to those sneaky plastic moments. If you catch your cat mid-chew, gently distract them with a toy or a little playtime. And if they keep going back for more or start throwing up, loop in your vet to figure out the next steps.
Why Choose Bailey’s CBD for Your Cat’s Well-Being
Some cats have a quirky way of showing stress, like chewing on plastic or throwing up out of nowhere. It’s not just odd behavior; it can be their way of saying something’s off. That’s where Bailey’s CBD comes in. We’ve created a line of gentle, cat-friendly CBD products to help calm them down, nourish their skin, and bring a little more balance to their day.
Our CBD oil is specifically formulated for cats and backed by veterinary approval. It comes with a simple dosage guide to help you find what works best for your cat’s size and needs. Just use the dropper to add it to their or give it directly.
Our CBD Oil for Cats is a vet-formulated, feline-friendly supplement. It’s easy to dose and gentle to digest.
For cats that turn their noses up at oil, our calming chews are a treat they’ll actually enjoy. They’re a simple way to help your cat stay relaxed, especially during moments that tend to cause stress, like vet visits or changes at home.
We also offer a gentle CBD pet shampoo that cleans and soothes skin at the same time, delivering calming CBD benefits right through the skin and coat.
What makes Bailey’s CBD different is how seriously we take quality. We work with a single-source hemp farm in Boulder, Colorado; one we chose after searching across the country. Our clean CO₂ extraction method doesn’t use any harsh solvents, and it keeps all the beneficial plant compounds intact. We’re actually the only CBD pet brand in the U.S. using this process.
We’re also licensed by the Department of Health and test every batch in third-party labs for heavy metals, pesticides, and cannabinoid levels. So when you give your cat Bailey’s, you know exactly what they’re getting and that it’s safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will my cat pass plastic naturally if they eat it?
Sometimes, small, soft pieces might pass on their own, but it's a gamble. Bigger or sharp bits can get stuck and cause serious issues. Since cats have narrow digestive systems, even tiny pieces can block things up. If your cat swallows plastic, don’t wait it out and call your vet right away.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear after a cat eats plastic?
Symptoms can show up fast or take a couple of days. If the plastic gets stuck early on, you might see drooling or vomiting in a few hours. If it makes it to the intestines, signs like tummy trouble or tiredness could pop up a day or two later.
Can certain cat s help reduce plastic-eating behavior?
Yes, in some cases. A well-balanced, diet can curb cravings, especially if your cat is chewing plastic because they’re missing something in their . But it usually works best when paired with boredom-busting activities and a bit of behavior training.
Is plastic eating more common in kittens or adult cats?
It’s more common in kittens and young cats since they explore the world with their mouths. But adults can pick up the habit too, especially when they’re stressed or under-stimulated.
How do I determine the right CBD dosage for my cat using Bailey’s products?
Start low and go slow. Bailey’s CBD includes a dosage guide and an easy-to-use dropper, so you can give the right amount based on your cat’s weight. Watch how your cat reacts over a week, then adjust if needed. For extra help, you can use the online dosage calculator or check out the vet-approved charts.
These statements have not been evaluated by the and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.