Find alternatives to your feline's love for paper, plastic

I have several paper and plastic crazed felines at my home. For those of you who have one too, I am sure you have asked the question, "Why?"

This frenzy usually involves paper bags, their handles and crumpled paper. Plastic usually involves chewing on plastic bags, magazines in plastic, and, yes, even the tops of the bread bag. With the last mentioned item, perhaps it is a combination of the plastic and the twist-tie.

By watching my feline's behavior, I have concluded that there are several factors contributing to the conduct. I blame sound, texture, warmth and play as my culprits. I will try to explain this conclusion, but for you knowledgeable feline enthusiasts, I believe you already know where I am going with this.

We all know our felines must explore everything in their world, and then own it. But beyond that, paper crackles, is crunchy and has potential shredding fun. What a mess when the paper obsession goes beyond the newspaper and involves Kleenex, paper towels and toilet paper.

To remedy these bad habits, we must offer an alternative that is just as delightful.

First, let's address the warming, or insulation, factor. If we can eliminate the extra paper bags and wrappings they crave, we will be successful and declutter. The need for heat can be solved by using a self-warming mat, pad or blanket.

K & H self-warming mats are available at Kohl's and K & H Thermo Kitty is available at PetSmart or online at Wayfair.com. I always advocate crossing to the dog-side of the aisle in a store if you cannot find what you need on the feline side.

Self-warming crate pads and bed covers are available at JCPenney and MeowTown thermal mats can be found at Chewy.com. I even found a soft-sided igloo and warming blankets at Bulbhead.

Now that we have satisfied our feline's warmth issue, we need to find something to satisfy the love for crinkle and crunch in the volume department. The first item that comes to mind for my felines is the Kong active play mat. You can find a host of Kong products at Amazon and Chewy.com. If you order the Kong mat, also order the Kong body pillow that allows a feline to play and divert aggression.

Even big-box stores have jumped on the feline bandwagon. Target carries a SmartyKat play mat and Bed, Bath and Beyond has a Petlinks mat that looks very feline interesting. The next time you're at the home improvement store, check out the catnip scratch and play mat at Menards.

I guess by now you get the general idea. Whenever I shop for my household, I look for all things feline, even in unlikely places.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a volunteer nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization with all funds directly assisting its animals. For information visit thebuddyfoundation.org or call (847) 290-5806.