What is the fascination with licking plastic bags?

[Cleo]

At least 3 of my cats do this. I don't keep plastic bags lying around for fear they'll tear at them and digest the pieces. I do line my tall recycle bins with clear plastic bags and the portion that hangs over the top gets licked and licked and licked.

What is that about??

[slvrwhispr]

Izzy does it too. When I bring groceries in, she licks at the bags the entire time I'm putting things away. I don't get it either, but she sure does love it.

[Traci]

It's the texture and maybe taste of the ink used for plastic bags, which of course is just one reason we have to keep them away from the kitties.

[slvrwhispr]

If cats like the taste of ink, they're more bizarre than I originally thought.

[Tambrey]

Sarah and Munkie do this and I HATE HATE HATE the sound of it....that is ONE sound that will wake me from a dead sleep!!

[Cleo]

Just as I was typing my original post, Katie was in the kitchen licking the clear plastic recycable bag. This one is clear, no ink and I agree slvrwhispr, how bizarre!

I guess we all have our quirks and it doesn't so much bother me like the sound does Tambrey, but I just find it so weird beyond understanding.

[Tina B and crew]

I am glad to see that the sound drives someone else nuts too! Willow does it...in fact when she sees me come in from the store with a plastic bag her eyes light up. If I have too many and sit a few down where she can get to them, it starts....crackle, lick, crackle, lick, lick, lick, lick, crackle...ARGH!!! The new reusable bags really help with the problem

(yes, I do keep all plastic away, at all times, except when I'm putting things away)

[Sonique]

Is this dangerous? My female cat does this constantly.

[slvrwhispr]

It can be, if they chew the bag at all and ingest the plastic. Or if they actually lick the ink, which may or may not be toxic. There's really no way to know, but it's a good idea to keep the bags away from them. Better to be safe than sorry.