Why does my cat so enjoy the sticky side of packing tape?

Asked by Aethelflaed (13755

) February 23rd, 2012

My cat really, really, really loves licking the sticky side of packing tape. He does not care for other tapes. But packing tape, he’ll lick for hours.

Why? What possible reason could there be for packing tape being so alluring to the kitty tongue?

cats

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6 Answers

I am actually researching this for you because you always help on my questions. I found on a forum people discussing this saying it is unhealthy for cats.

Imadethisupwithnoforethought (14682

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Most packing tape adhesive is based on a compound called polyterpene, which is chemically related to certain sex hormones. (this Nobel lecture discusses the chemical relationship)

thorninmud (20495

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@thorninmud So my cat licks it and responds with “I feel… hawt”?

Aethelflaed (13755

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Yeah, that’s essentially what catnip does too.

thorninmud (20495

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Huh. Well, I’ll be… Cool!