Why Do Cats Like Rubber Bands? 5 Likely Reasons

Have you ever found your cat playing with a rubber band? Ever wonder why cats are so drawn to this humble household item? The answer may surprise you! Cats love rubber bands for many reasons, and some are quite fascinating. So read on to learn more about felines’ mysterious behavior and the secret behind their fascination with rubber bands.

The 5 Likely Reasons Why Cats Like Rubber Bands

1. Versatility

Cats love that rubber bands can be used in a variety of ways. They can bunch them up and bat them around, stretch them between their paws to practice their hunting skills, or chew on them for a bit of sensory stimulation. The possibilities are endless!

And really, it gets down to having fun and using up some pent-up energy. After all, cats can’t just take a walk around the block as we can, so they need to come up with creative ways to keep themselves occupied.

All is not perfect at playtime, though, as rubber bands can be fatal if ingested. It’s important to keep an eye on your kitty and make sure they don’t get carried away with their rubber band play!

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2. Smell

Cats have an incredibly sophisticated sense of smell, which explains why they are drawn to rubber bands in particular. Rubber has a distinct smell that is pleasing to cats, and they can easily detect it in the air.

While you might not be able to pick out the scent of a rubber band, your cat certainly can! Cats are drawn to the smell, which is why they find themselves attracted to these seemingly innocuous bands.

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3. Taste & Texture

Rubber bands also have an interesting taste and texture for cats. This can be especially true for certain types of rubber bands, such as those made from natural latex.

These bands have a slightly sweet taste and are quite elastic, making them fun to bite and chew on. So, if you find your cat munching away on a rubber band, they may just be enjoying the flavor.

That’s not to say that you should allow them to chew on rubber bands, though. They may seem safe enough, but as discussed, ingesting them can cause serious health problems—even death—and should be avoided at all costs.

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4. Curiosity

Cats are naturally curious creatures, so it’s not surprising that they’re drawn to rubber bands. They often want to investigate new things that come their way, and a rubber band is no exception.

Cats love to explore the world around them, and rubber bands give them a chance to do just that. The stretchy material provides an interesting tactile experience for cats, as well as plenty of entertainment.

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5. Reminds Them of Prey

Many experts believe that rubber bands feel like tendons to cats—like they’ve just ripped into prey. This is especially true for those rubber bands that are thicker and a bit tougher to bite through.

This can be an instinctual reaction, as cats may feel like they’ve just caught something juicy and are ready to devour it. If that is indeed the case, consider giving your cat something other than rubber bands. There are plenty of ways to replace your cat’s rubber band addiction, which we detail below.

Be Wary of Rubber Bands!

While it can be endearing to watch your cat playing with a rubber band, these are not the best toys. If your cat swallows it, it could be fatal.

If your cat is overly obsessed with rubber bands, there are some ways to redirect their attention to reduce their chance of swallowing one.

By offering your cat alternative sources of stimulation and activity, you can help reduce their rubber band fixation and keep them safe from harm.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, cats are curious creatures, and rubber bands can provide an outlet for their natural instincts. But it’s important to be aware of potential dangers, as rubber bands can cause serious health complications if ingested.

So, while they may seem harmless at first glance, it’s best to keep the rubber bands out of reach. Thankfully, you can find plenty of other ways to keep your feline friend occupied, entertained, and, most importantly, safe!

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Featured Image Credit: JumpStory