Cats like to play with lots of things but for some reason string, and its relatives (shoelaces, dental floss, macrame wall hangings, etc.), is absolutely irresistible. So why do cats like to play with string so much? There are a variety of answers ranging from “it’s in their nature” to “it’s just plain fun, silly”!
Let’s explore some of the reasons cats like to play with string as well as if you need to worry about your cat playing with string–we’ll even delve into some fun string alternatives. OK, without stringing you along any longer, here goes…
Why Do Cats Like To Play With String?
The basic reason cats like to play with string is because it’s fun. But there are some other interesting reasons as well:
- Learning: Cats learn from others through observation and play. Play is fun, it’s essential to bonding, and it’s also great training for the next thing on the list…
- Prey drive: Cats are consummate hunters. Though they may laze about most of the day, their entire beings were crafted to be the ultimate hunting machines. Those teeth. Those claws. Those tails!
- Stimulation of the Senses: Cats learn a lot about their worlds through what they see, smell, taste, and touch. String moves in interesting visual ways; it generally has a smell that is different from other things in a cat’s world (especially if it’s a natural fiber); string has a taste and texture; string feels good to grab onto. Kind of like a mouse tail!
- Stimulation in general: All cats need love but they also need physical and mental stimulation. Playing can help reduce boredom, and potential, anxiety in cats. It’s also an amazing way to bond with you, as their favorite person–of course.
When String Play Might Not Be Good For Your Cat
Throwing a ball of yarn out for your cat can be a lot of fun as long as it’s supervised play. If you can’t be actively involved in such play–as well as responsible for safe storage of said plaything–it’s best to avoid string play.
“Any string can pose a hazard to cats because if they ingest it, it can cause an intestinal blockage which can be deadly, as it does not allow things to pass through the digestive tract,” cautions Dr. Mikel Delgado, a a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Certified Cat Behavior Consultant.
“Cats’ tongues have backwards pointing barbs on them, so when they start swallowing something like string, the tongue actually makes it difficult for cats to spit out string once they’ve started swallowing it,” Delgado explains. “If you think your cat has swallowed string, or has lost their appetite, is vomiting, or appears to be in pain, contact your veterinarian right away.”
Of course, most kitty toys with string on them just have very short strands that would not pose such hazards. But there are some other string-like things around your home kitty might want to play with that might not be so great to get their paws, or backwards-barbed tongues, on:
1. Device power cords
most household have many devices as well as cords for charging them. Because these cords can be long and thing, like string, they can easily attract the attention of a curious cat. The danger here isn’t so much in a cat ingesting the cord, it’s the fact that they’re generally plugged in to, you know, electricity. So, a good idea is to ensure that any long, thin cords are kept out of the reach of a cat.
2. Dental floss
We’re all taught to floss well and floss often but that floss can be easily, and inadvertently, accessible to a paws-y cat. In addition to being the type of material Dr. Delgado warns against, many dental flosses are treated with essential oils, which can be poisonous to cats. To keep your cat away from dental floss dangers, a closed-top garbage can in the bathroom is a great idea.
3. Wall hangings
Woven and macrame wall hangings can make your house look beautiful but they can also be irresistible temptations to string-loving cats. Be sure to hang such items out of the reach of kitty to ensure they retain their beauty and don’t end up in your cats tummy.
4. Rubber bands
It’s easy to forget about those rubber bands you left on the counter after putting flowers in a vase or unleashing the world of your printed paper. Rubber bands smell fun, feel fun, look fun, taste fun, and can be fun for cats to play with–but absolutely not something you want your cat ingesting. Be sure to get rid of them or store them safely away from prying paws.
4 Safe Alternatives to String
Cat string toys are a great replacement for dangerous household cords and yarns your cat might be tempted to play with. Good cat string toys have been tested for safety, so don’t worry when you see string included—but do supervise play. Some of the best include:
- Feather toys. The wand and teaser toys with, yes, string, culminating in a whirring, spinning, feathery thing are great fun for kitties and stimulate all of their senses. Pro tip: When not in use, store out of reach of kitties. This ensures no one eats the string part (but also that you aren’t going out to buy a new feather attachment every other day).
- Fabric and ribbon wand toys. Wand toys with long fabric teasers on the end mimic the wiggles of string but are too big to eat. Fun for everyone!
- Laser toys. Laser toys are fun, and you don’t have to worry about kitty eating a thing! These can frustrate some kitties, as they never “catch” their prey. If you use laser toys, finish a play session by offering your cat something to catch—toy mice and crinkle balls should do the trick.
- Electronic toys. Robotic and battery-powered cat toys move in appealing ways, and they have the stamina to keep on playing until your cat is tired. They’re a handy redirection from less appropriate prey. There are even some battery-powered string toys that offer flitting ribbon in cat-safe ways (though supervision is still recommended).
There’s nothing more beautiful than a cat at play. Cats are endlessly interesting, flexible, talented, and entertaining when playing, and the greatest thing is knowing you’ve done your part in getting that play in—without any worry.
Further Reading
- 7 Clever Cat Puzzle Toys to Challenge Your Savvy Feline
- The 9 Best Cat-Safe String Toys To Keep Kitty Coming Back for More
- Why Is My Cat Acting Crazy?
