Most cat owners just accept the fact that their feline companions are entertained by the most random things, including plastic bags. Some of us have tons of them and some of us hate them, but cats are fascinated by them. If you’ve ever taken a moment to wonder what exactly draws cats to plain old plastic bags, you’re not alone.
There are actually several compelling reasons why cats love sitting and frolicking with plastic bags. Check them out down below to better understand what makes your cat tick.
The 6 Likely Reasons Cats Like to Sit On Plastic Bags
1. Insulation & Warmth
Cats are attracted to warmth and prefer being insulated from the ground because it helps preserve their body heat depending on the material. Even a thin plastic bag serves as a barrier between them and the cold ground in a pinch, but thicker plastics or fabrics are even better. Although plain plastic bags are generally poor insulators and offer minimal insulation, they still may seem preferable to sitting on the bare ground.
2. They Like the Noise
Cats adore novelties that make noise, and plastic bags can keep them occupied for longer than you’d think. Kittens and adult cats alike have been known to roll around with plastic bags on the ground and seemingly relish the crinkly noise it makes. The noise seems to activate their hunting instincts and curiosity as well as encourage play, which you can take advantage of with other toys too.
3. They’re Snug & Secure
Cats often seek out dark, private spaces or new unfamiliar surfaces where they can relax and observe their surroundings. A cat can just pop on top of a plastic bag, lie down, or start playing with it. They may even sit inside it, which can be hazardous.
The imagined confines of the bag may make them feel safe as if nobody can sneak up on them while they’re watching for threats. Of course we know this isn’t true, but cats may find sitting there somewhat reassuring or simply fun. Cats often even acknowledge flat barriers, such as tape on the floor and stay inside its lines, so it’s no wonder a plastic bag may be looked at similarly.
4. They Smell Food Leftovers in the Plastic
Cats have been caught not only playing with plastic bags but chewing them as well but why? It turns out that older plastic bags contained trace amounts of compounds sometimes produced from beef fat, also called beef tallow. Otherwise, it is more likely that your cat can smell the food that was in the bag. With a sense of smell more than a dozen times keener than ours, cats may be smelling food leftovers in the plastic bags that they may go crazy for. It’s crucial that you stop your cat from actually eating plastic, though, because it can be harmful for them and lead to an obstruction. Playing with them is ok at times under supervision, but eating plastic bags is definitely a kitty no-no.
5. Playing With Bags Gets Attention
Cats are intelligent and learn from positive reinforcement and association, so they quickly realize that playing with plastic bags gets them attention from their humans. It’s noisy, showy, and adorable, so they figure out that playing with bags makes you give them love and attention. It’s a cute way to say they want to play with you, which makes it a good time to break out your cat’s other favorite toys.
Playing with plastic bags can also indicate your kitty is bored and needs more physical exercise, mental stimulation and enrichment in their everyday life.
6. Bags Have Tactile Appeal
From carpet to corrugated cardboard, all cat parents know felines love things with interesting textures. They can’t resist touching them with their paws, rubbing on them, and even rolling around in them, which must seem like Space Age technology to cats. Supplement plastic bags with other toys with a focus on textures to keep them entertained and reduce the chances of them getting bored by any one item. If your cat seems particularly drawn to plastic bags, consider picking up some ‘crinkle’ cat toys to more safely meet their needs.
Cat Safety Tips for Playing With Plastic Bags
Plastic bags aren’t safe for cats to ingest, but it’s fine for them to play around with them sometimes as long as you supervise them. To help your cat enjoy playing with bags safely, follow some of our handy safety tips.
- Keep plastic bags put away when you’re not at home.
- Only let your cat play with plastic bags when you’re nearby to supervise them.
- If they start eating plastic, redirect them to a safe, non-toxic toy they can play with and chew on.
- Keep plastic bags away from young kittens to prevent suffocation.
- If your cat or kitten has ingested any of the plastic, contact a vet for advice.
If you want to speak with a vet but don't want to leave home, you can head to PangoVet.com. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your cat — all at an affordable price!
Conclusion
Cats don’t discriminate with their toys, especially if they are bored, and plastic bags tick a lot of their boxes. With a false sense of snug security, food leftover traces, playfulness, curiosity, and the ability to get your attention, it’s not hard to see why many cats love messing around with crinkly plastic bags. We’d suggest redirecting them to a safer toy if they seem interested in eating it just to be safe, though!
For some kitties, however, putting something between themselves and a cold surface is enough to have them sitting on cardboard, clothing, and even plastic bags!
Featured Image Credit: Nadinelle, Shutterstock
The 6 Likely Reasons Cats Like to Sit On Plastic Bags
