Have you ever wondered why no matter how many cat toys you buy for your kitty cat, they still prefer to play with your hair ties? You could buy them the most expensive toy on the shelf, and they will still choose to chase after a hair tie instead. It’s no secret that cats love them. The question is, why? Keep reading to find out why cats love hair ties and how you can keep your feline friend safe while they play.
What Causes a Cat to Love Hair Ties?
Both of my cats Luna and Hazel absolutely adore playing with hair ties. They get so excited when I flick the hair ties for them to chase. This led me to being curious about why exactly that is, and I want to share what I’ve learned with you.
Let’s dive straight into the top reasons for cats’ fascination with hair ties.
Cats Have Inherent Hunting Instincts
Cats that are domesticated still have a strong connection to their wild ancestors who, in order to survive, had to hunt for their food. What attracts a cat to its prey is sudden, quick movements. It stands to reason because of the way hair ties flit and fly around when being played with that a cat would tap into its inherent hunting instinct.
When a cat is playing with a hair tie, you’ll oftentimes see their pupils dilate, which is a key sign that a cat has entered hunting mode. The University of Edinburgh has a video demonstrating how a cat’s eyes will dilate when locking in on their prey before pouncing. I’ve noticed with my cat Luna that her pupils grow so big when playing with a hair tie that she almost looks like a cartoon cat!
Cats Love the Way Hair Ties Feel
Not surprisingly, the way a hair tie feels is appealing to cats due to the typically soft and stretchy nature of hair ties. If you have a cat, you know that cats are strangely attracted to certain materials, including plastic bags. Hair ties have one of those hard-to-resist textures to cats.
Hair ties are also fun for cats to chew on, and can even be relieving for cats actively teething. My kitten Hazel is currently in the final phases of teething, and I’ve noticed she enjoys chewing on almost anything, including hair ties.
Cats Love the Smell of Hair Ties
Wait, hair ties have smells? Well, of course they do! Unless you’ve never used your hair tie before, it likely smells just like you, and cats find their owner’s scent very calming. Hair ties easily absorb the smell of your shampoo or the natural smell of your hair. So, it makes sense that your kitty cat would find comfort in the way hair ties smell.
Cats Are Naturally Curious Creatures
I’m sure you’ve heard the infamous phrase ‘Curiosity killed the cat’. Cats are particularly curious by nature, and they will leave nothing and no place unexplored. Their paws are a primary part of their body that they use to analyze their environment because of the many touch receptors present on their paw pads (AKA toe beans!). When a cat bats around a hair tie with their paws, they are naturally drawn to the fast movement since they are so lightweight.
Cats Need Stimulation
Cats require a great deal of mental stimulation to thrive and keep bad behaviors at bay. Hair ties provide them with just that. Cats become motivated to concentrate and focus when they’re playing with hair ties.
Is It Safe for Cats to Play With Hair Ties?
The number one priority that every cat owner should have is keeping their fur baby safe. I know I, personally, care for my cats like their are my own children. I would never forgive myself if something happened to one of them. Therefore, it’s crucial that I explain the safety risks of cats playing with hair ties and how to avoid them.
Due to the size of hair ties, it’s very possible that a cat could accidentally swallow one while playing. If this happens, it could be life-threatening. For one, it could be a major choking hazard if the hair tie gets stuck in their throat. If it makes it past your cat’s throat, it could become stuck in their system causing a blockage. If the hair tie breaks, it becomes a string of elastic that could cut through the wall of the gut.
All of these safety concerns should be considered before you allow your cat to play with a hair tie.
How Can I Keep My Cat Safe While Playing With Hair Ties?
If you decide to allow your cat to play with a hair tie, there are some safety precautions to take.
First and foremost, you should always make sure you are supervising them when they are playing. Never leave your cat alone with their hair tie. This is so important, because it only takes one second for them to swallow it. When you’re not supervising your kitty, put your hair ties somewhere out of reach.
Secondly, you can opt for a larger hair tie that would be harder for your cat to swallow. I have many types of hair ties, and I never allow my cats to play with the thin, tiny ones.
Lastly, make sure you’re always checking under couches and other pieces of furniture for hoarded hair ties. Cats love to hoard items in secluded spots to come back to later. Don’t let your kitty outsmart you!
In Conclusion
Cats are very peculiar animals, so it’s not surprising that they have strange fascinations like hair ties. I find it so cute how excited my kitties get when they play with hair ties. It’s so important to ensure you are taking the proper precautions to keep your feline friends safe, however. Make sure you supervise them when playing with hair ties. If you decide not to let your kitty play with hair ties, place them in a cat-proof place that they can’t access. There are lots of safe alternatives to hair ties that will still satisfy your fur baby’s natural instincts!
Did you find this article helpful? Let me know in the comments!
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