The dangers of cardboard and paper: cats, kittens, chewing, eating, tearing is not safe

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Thank you for posting this sarasara, I have to admit I wondered how long before risks would come from recycled material.

[Tiggy's Mum]

Yikes, I really wouldn't have thought something as innocuous as recycled cardboard could be potentially so dangerous  Having read the article in full it does seem that an occasional chew shouldn't be cause for concern but for those who have habitual chewers it's definitely a worry 

[sarasara]

Dear Purrs,

Sadly it is no longer safe for cats to chew, eat or tear cardboard or paper in Europe or certain (probably all)  American States:

"Leading food manufacturers are changing their packaging because of health concerns about boxes made from recycled cardboard, the BBC has learned.

Researchers found toxic chemicals from recycled newspapers had contaminated food sold in many cardboard cartons.

The chemicals, known as mineral oils, come from printing inks.

Cereal firm Jordans has stopped using recycled cardboard and other firms are to ensure their recycled packaging does not contain any toxic oils.

Kellogg's and Weetabix said they were taking steps to reduce the amount of mineral oil in their packaging.

Exposure to mineral oils has been linked to inflammation of internal organs and cancer.

Government scientists in Switzerland found quantities of mineral oils between 10 and 100 times above the agreed limit in foods like pasta, rice and cereals sold in cartons made from recycled cardboard.

'Frightening' potential....Cont:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12663183

(industrial boxes used for delivery of items to businesses and homes also heavily recycled).



Bad news for our Sooty then for whom it was a major occupation!