why do cats eat string

Alexander

I’ve noticed my cat has a strange obsession with eating string. No matter how careful I am, she always seems to find a way to chew on shoelaces, yarn, or even thread. I’m worried this might be dangerous for her, but I’m not sure why she’s so drawn to it. Is this normal behavior, or should I be concerned? What can I do to stop her from doing this?

Joseph

Cats are naturally attracted to string-like objects because they mimic the movement of prey, like snakes or worms. It triggers their hunting instincts, making it hard for them to resist. However, ingesting string can be extremely dangerous—it can cause intestinal blockages. Try redirecting her attention with safer toys, like feather wands or crinkle balls.

Alexander

Joseph That makes a lot of sense! I never thought about the prey angle. I’ll definitely try swapping out the string for feather toys and see if that helps. Thanks for the tip—I’d much rather her chase something safer than risk a vet emergency.

Emma

My vet told me that some cats develop pica, a condition where they eat non-food items, due to stress or boredom. If your cat is eating string frequently, it might be worth checking her environment. Does she have enough stimulation? Puzzle feeders or interactive toys could help curb this behavior.

Ellie

I had a scare last year when my cat swallowed a piece of ribbon and needed surgery. The vet explained that strings can get tangled in their intestines, which is life-threatening. Now I keep all stringy items locked away and use cat grass as a safer alternative for her to chew on.

Ezra

It’s not just about play—some cats enjoy the texture of string in their mouths. My cat used to do this until I switched to silicone-based chew toys designed for pets. They’re durable and satisfy that urge to gnaw without the risk. Maybe give those a try?

Luca

I read that kittens learn hunting skills by playing with string-like objects, so it might be a leftover instinct from their wild ancestors. That said, adult cats should know better, but some never outgrow it. Supervising playtime and removing temptations is key to keeping them safe.