What would happen if my cat ate a rubber band? Will she get sick? Who should I call? You get many such questions if your cats ate some unknowing thing. You get worried and stressed. But why did the cat eat the rubber band? What do they like in rubber bands?
Why do cats enjoy using hair elastics and rubber bands? Cats like hunting for chewable, string-like, and bouncy things. Although using rubber bands & hair ties to play with them may appear innocuous, if they are swallowed, rubber bands can hurt your cat’s digestive system and may need to be surgically removed. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on your cat or provide different toys.
Why do cats prefer rubber bands? Let’s solve this riddle together if you’re curious to learn more.
Rubber contains hormone-like compounds that cats love. The most crucial aspect of cats playing with rubber bands is preventing them from swallowing them because doing so may be dangerous to their health.
You can also refer to Cat Judo, a blogging site, where you get many answers related to your cat.
Reasons Why Cats Like Rubber Band
Rubber bands are a favourite toy and chewing object for cats for several reasons, including:
- Hunting habit
Cats hunt smaller birds and rodent-like creatures in the wild, which they consume or bring home. Moreover, cats frequently exhibit predatory tendencies even while they are playing.
In general, cats like playing with tangible objects, and because of their tiny size, elasticity, chewing, tendon-like feel, and intense attraction, they may perceive rubber bands as prey.
- Chemical and Hormones
Cats have between 45 and 80 million olfactory sensors in their noses, giving them a highly developed sense of smell. Numerous compounds in rubber and plastic may imitate hormones that cats find very attractive.
This explains why cats like licking, gnawing and toying with synthetic objects like rubber bands and plastic hairbands. You may also draw your pet to the chewy texture and fragrance.
- Stress
Cats similarly experience stress compared to humans. Additionally, anxious pets may engage in excessive activities, including hunting, gnawing, sucking, and licking various items. Further, they could indulge in these actions to comfort themselves.
To reduce your cat’s worry, anxiety, and overactivity, you must try to pinpoint any environmental or social issues causing these symptoms. Consult your veterinarian or a feline behaviourist, who can assist you in determining the cause of your pet’s fear and helping you find a solution.
Is It Okay If your cat plays with rubber bands?
Cats like playing with objects you may consider strange; therefore, it might not be all terrible for your pet. It’s crucial for your feline companion’s enjoyment and mental health to play with toys and other things, such as rubber bands.
With the aid of toys, your pet may practise their pursuing and pouncing abilities in the comfort of your house while also being mentally stimulated and able to act out their natural impulses for hunting and predation. This is a fantastic method for your cat to receive the exercise they require while amusing themselves and having a chance to let off some steam.
However, not all items and toys are secure for your cat to play with. In reality, several materials and objects, such as ribbons, stretchy yarn, rubber bands, and small toys potentially harmful to cats if swallowed, are said to pose a risk to them by pet insurance providers.
Therefore, keeping your cat away from objects like rubber bands, hair bands, and other potentially harmful toys is crucial. Keep a close eye on your cat to ensure it doesn’t ingest any of these objects if your kitty does manage to place its paws on them.
