Orange oil, spread on the things he likes will deter him. Most cats hate the smell of orange with a passion , plus it tastes foul.
It acts like the nasty varnish they put on kids nails to stop them chewing.

My cat Mouse, is somewhat weird and has an expensive taste. She never like chicken or fish. She likes STEAK and nothing else. We gave her a fish head and just played around with it a little and didn't eat it.

This is actually more common than I think even the article realizes. It's MAINLY a vitamin thing. If you're going to buy Zeke anything get him better food and/or some vitamin supplements. Obviously this is if it's nutritional based. Most 'common' cat foods are really not good for your cat, so unless you're feeding something that doesn't have a cute cartoon kitty on the front you're probably not feeding him good stuff.

DO NOT cover everything in tin foil, as some cats love eating it and or chewing on it that can result in dental issues. I've never had a cat actively dislike oranges, BUT you can use clove oil to good effect and or mothballs(or just stuff that smells like camphor).

If, as you suspect, it's behaviour and mostly due to attention then you need to train YOURSELF first, then the cat. As of right now you're giving him lots of attention when he's going after things he shouldn't. So this means if he wants you to pay attention he does what he knows will get you over there STAT.

Instead give him loads of attention when he's doing something ELSE and IGNORE when he's going after plastic. If he suddenly finds that he gets more attention for something simple, like chasing a wadded up peice of paper(cheap cat toy) he'll do that rather than go after your six pack holder. It's hard to ignore bad behaviour, but we in effect CAUSE it by yelling/swatting/correcting it. So, when he DOES go after a qtip, break out a mangled paper clip and skitter it across the floor. As soon as he starts playing with it praise him and give ear skirtches.

Unlike dogs cats rarely go for 'up front' training, you have to be subtle about it, and it can take them longer because they KNOW that with time you'll revert to old behaviours. It's even harder when there's multiple people in a household that are doing it.

If Zeke is in the habit of chewing plastic before he eats, it could be that his stomach is bothering him in some way. I've heard of things like cat grass that might help for that, or at least give him something more attractive to chew on than plastic.

Unfortunately, quality pet food can generally be related to price, but there are little things you can do to help thing along. I know more about dogs than cats, but some research might find things for you. For instance, my dog needed more fibre in his diet but the food the vet wanted me to use was higher fibre but not nutritional enough. He'd need to eat all day to keep his weight up. On the other hand, a spoonful of plain pumkpin or sweet potato on his regular kibble would accomplish the same thing and be cheaper.

Just some thoughts.

Actually it could be more then just a vitamin thing.

there are Numbers of reasons for pets to do this and so far zeke only seems to show symtoms of the one where he wants more attention

That sounds like it would be easier to deal with, but that's relative I suppose.

My sister's dog was obsessed with wood it seemed. He chewed anything wood, and she reasoned that it was due to his past being chained to a tree (he was a rescue) and sticks being his only toys. With some new toys he's gotten over his wood fetish it seems, though not necessarily the chewing.

I've read a few Vet made websites on the subject.

it could be countless things

Quiet, that sounds like a behavioral one. I'm glad he got over it.


so far when we notice he's going for something plastic we just call him over to us and he comes running.. I wasn't able to get him any toys yesterday =( but just keeping him entertained when he goes for something seems to be helping

That's good to know. That means it's not obsessive. He sounds like a very social cat. :)

social.. YES xD he LOVES attention. door bell rings he goes to greet the person and beg for some love

Heh. A friend of mine has a "lap cat" that likes to sprawl on whomever is around that will pat him.

i wish zeke were a lapcat.. =p

I wouldn't call that unusual eating material. It's sounds like it's just a naughty cat. ;)

Stray cats learn that to survive in the out doors. the eat bones cause they still have the meat taste on them. My late cat Tom, he would do that. He used to be an abandoned cat. when my mom and i lived with my one ex, his mom let Tom out, he got mange and was really sick and she refused to take him to the vet. D<

Bones can still have marrow in them, though not sure if your average house cat has jaws good enough to crack them open. Marrow is easily as good at meat and there are species like a vulture and even humans that can live off of it.

that.. doesn't sound to tasty xD

I just know cats and dogs can choke to death on bones so its best to wrap them up in something before throwing them away