Why Do Cats Eat Tape – The Real Reason

As all cat lovers know, cats are curious creatures who often get into things they shouldn’t. One of my cats likes to drink out of my water glass when I’m not looking. This led me to use plastic tumblers with lids to keep him out of it. Drinking water from my glass is harmless, but there are habits that cats have that are not safe. Eating tape is one of those habits. So why do cats eat tape? 

Cats eat tape for a few reasons: they like the taste, smell, or texture. Cats like crinkling noises, and tape has that in abundance. Sometimes they’re just bored, and tape is fun to play with. Sometimes your cat may be eating tape for more serious reasons, like having a condition called pica.

Pica causes cats, and humans, to eat indigestible objects like tape. Read on for more information about pica and other reasons why cats eat tape. 

How do I know if my cat has pica?

The only symptom of pica in cats is the eating of inedible items. That includes tape, but it also includes plastic, electrical cords, fabric, strings, and plants. Ingesting these things can cause secondary symptoms that might indicate pica. These include: 

• Listlessness
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Straining in the litter box

What causes pica?

Research into the causes of pica are ongoing, but veterinarians have weighed in on some likely causes: 

• Diseases such as feline leukemia, hyperthyroidism, anemia, or diabetes.
• Behavioral causes such as simply wanting attention, anxiety, or boredom. 
• Dietary causes such as hunger, lack of fiber, or vitamin deficiency. 
• Premature weaning 

Cats are sensitive to change-related stress; thus, pica can also be caused by moving to a new home, a new baby, or changes to your work schedule so that you’re not home as much. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any changes to your cat’s routine, as that will help with the diagnosis of pica. 

What are some other reasons my cat might eat tape?

Just because your cat is nibbling on tape doesn’t mean she has pica. It’s really a matter of degree. A little taste now and then is probably no cause for concern. Some cats lick tape and never take a bite. However, if your cat is obsessed with eating tape and can’t get enough, it may mean serious trouble. The problem is that the reasons behind minor tape eating are often the same as pica’s. 

One non-pica reason your cat might be eating tape is because the glue that makes the tape stick tastes good. Most tapes use non-toxic glue, so your cat won’t get sick unless she eats a large amount of the glue. 

Since we know that smell and taste are related, cats might eat tape because it smells good. Rubber-based adhesives have a sweet smell that some cats like. Other cats like acrylic-based adhesives that smell like vinegar. 

Other reasons include boredom, anxiety, or being weaned too early as kittens. Have you ever seen a kitten or adult cat suck on a wool blanket? This is an indication that they were taken from their mother too early. The sucking usually starts around the time a cat is three months old. Most cats outgrow it by the time they are one or two years old. Not all cats outgrow it, though, and it can lead to pica. 

Are some cats more prone to eat tape than others?

Yes. Oriental breeds such as Siamese and Birmans are more prone to eating tape than other breeds, leading some researchers and veterinarians to believe there might be a genetic aspect to tape eating and pica in cats. 

Is eating tape dangerous for my cat?

Yes. No matter the cause, eating tape can be extremely dangerous for your cat. Most of the time, your cat will either vomit the tape up or pass it in their stool. However, it’s not unusual for the tape to get stuck in his intestines, causing a blockage. A blockage can be a life-threatening situation, so take your cat to a veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following signs. 

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of interest in food
• Increased sleeping
• Smaller amount of feces than normal
• Hiding
• Aggression – A cat in pain may attack you if you touch the sore spot

If you notice any of these symptoms, all is not lost. Non-surgical treatments will be tried first. Your cat will be hospitalized and given fluids and/or medication in the hopes that the tape will pass naturally. If that doesn’t work, she will have to have surgery to remove the blockage. But be prepared; the surgery is costly. When one of my cats had a blockage, the cost for his treatment was $4000. 

What should I do if my cat ate tape?

More than likely, your cat will either throw up the tape or pass it in their stool. If that doesn’t happen, you’ll need to keep a close eye on him for any of the signs of blockage listed above. If your cat shows such symptoms, take him to the veterinarian immediately. 

How do I get my cat to stop eating tape?

The best way to avoid all the drama and trauma of taking your cat in for treatment is to keep her from eating tape in the first place. 

Keep tape and any other nonfood object your cat might eat away from the cat. Put it in a drawer, closet, or box. Remember to remove the tape from any boxes you get with deliveries. Cats can pull the tape off the box. When using tape, make sure to put your cat in another room or elsewhere so she can’t get to the tape. Just one piece can cause a lot of problems. 

If your cat is eating tape because he’s bored, find something for him to play with. Online retailers sell many interactive toys to keep your cat entertained and away from the tape. Your cat also wants to play with you, so schedule some playtime with your cat each day. You can also distract your cat from the tape with soft, chewable cat toys and treats. 

Keeping tape away from your cat is the best method, but if you can’t, try using bitter apple or other foul-tasting substance. Just make sure whatever you use is safe for cats. Bitter apple is made from a flavoring called “extract of bitters” that is used in some alcoholic drinks. Cats do not like it, and it’s non-toxic. You can buy it in spray form from any pet store or online. Spray some on a piece or two of tape and leave them where your cat can find them. The goal is to convince the cat that tape tastes bad and, hopefully, they will leave it alone in the future.

If your cat is eating tape because she’s malnourished, her diet might be lacking in essential nutrients. Your veterinarian can recommend prescription cat food or prescribe supplements that will aid in making your cat’s diet more nutritious. 

Will my cat ever stop eating tape?

The answer to that question is maybe. Some cats with pica grow out of it; others need long-term treatment. Suppose the problem persists after all other methods have been tried. In that case, your veterinarian can refer you to an animal behaviorist who might be able to train the behavior out of your cat.

Conclusion

Cats like to explore their world, and that exploration often includes licking or eating the things they find, which can be harmful. Eating tape can be very dangerous for cats because of its sticky nature. It can easily get stuck in the intestines and cause serious harm to your cat. The best thing you can do for your cat is to keep tape and all harmful items away from him. Do this, and you can look forward to having your cat around for a long time.