Why Do Cats Like String?

Have you ever noticed how excited your cat becomes when playing with string? Do you ever ask yourself, ‘why do cats like yarn?’ Do you wonder if it is safe? These are a few questions that run through the minds of cat owners. Cats are known to enjoy playing with strings and balls of yarn. This serves as an amusing pastime for your feline. It also serves as a cost-saving alternative for pet owners as it is an inexpensive distraction for your cat and stops them from destroying your furniture. So stick with us and read on as we seek to answer the question ‘why do cats like string?’ We will also assess whether string is harmful to your kitty and how to make it safer.

Biological Stalkers

Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, cats are naturally one of the most deadly and efficient hunters in the animal kingdom. Domesticating them has reduced their wild ways, but it has not made them less of hunters. Studies have shown that the long slim, windy nature of string is akin to the movement of some of the types of prey and threats like the snake. This tends to activate their latent predatory instincts to protect and satisfy by attacking. Your puss will, therefore, treat string and yarn as prey by stalking and descending on it, just like in the wild. Cats are also known to be eccentric and sometimes display this by showing off. Since this is a hunting venture for them, they show off their catch by playing with the string, much like toying with their victims. This allows them to display to the world their helpless prey and flaunt the magnificence of their capture. When you see your cat playing with string, know that it is also fine-tuning their motor skills. This activity not only helps them keep in touch with their inner hunter, but it also helps them exercise and stay fit.  In light of this, the question “why do cats love string?” would have been answered.

Mental Stimulation

Cats are known to get bored quickly. Some cats just love to sleep as they have nothing stimulating or exciting to do. String is one of the best stimulants for your cat as it moves them from dull “bleh” animals to “yay” pets. The presence of a ball of string in their environment can do much good for their mental health.  Stress is a problem that cats face. They will usually deal with this stress by scratching and urinating on furniture and other things they can lay their paws on. They also resort to exhibiting various degrees of aggression towards people and pets alike. You will even notice an increase in meowing and an escalation in dependency on others. These behaviors are also seen when they are anxious. This can be remedied with a ball of string. Playing with balls of thread gives them an object to project their stress. While interacting with the ball of string, your feline friend is becoming mentally stimulated. This is necessary for optimal growth. Have you seen kittens playing with string? These kittens tend to have healthier growth and development. Also, they get them a sense of satisfaction, which is essential for good mental health.

Check out our guides on Cat Toys and Laser Pointers for Cats.

The Dangers Of String

Strings are fun and healthy for your kitty. The texture and weightlessness make it an easy and accessible item it play with. This same string can be a threat to your feline. String-based issues are a familiar problem veterinarians help pets and their owners solve. They often find that their furry patients have swallowed string which has a needle at one end. At times the ingested needle ends up in the stomach, and this will require surgery for removal. In other circumstances, the needle gets lodged in the mouth and throat. The distress will cause them to regularly paw at their mouth to try and get it out. This part of the article looks at some specific dangers string pose to your cat.

• Choking Hazard: Due to the soft texture of the balls of string and yarn, some cats love to bite at them. Some overly aggressive chewers end up swallowing the thread. This becomes a problem as the swallowed string can get stuck in their throats or the back of their mouths and cause them to choke. This incident is an emergency and will require the immediate attention of a vet.
• Obstructions: Another threat posed by strings is intestinal obstruction. Due to the easy-to-break nature of strings, cats end up swallowing them through aggressive play. They will also try to eat them when ingested.  This series of events can cause an obstruction, which in turn leads to intestinal obstruction. If the blockage is not identified early, it can tangle parts of the intestines, and this can be fatal. This is also an emergency that usually requires surgery to remove.
• Constriction: Cats playing with strings tend to have much fun. This fun sometimes becomes distressing when they get stuck in a giant ball of yarn. They, in turn, will struggle to get out, which makes it worse. Sometimes it twists and entangles their feet and tails. If it gets tighter and is not disentangled in quickly, it could lead to a reduction in blood supply to that part of the body. The constriction will lead to pain and swelling of affected body parts. This can lead to the death of tissues. This also means the body parts can die and fall off, leading to an amputation. To prevent any of these, you can safely stash your balls of string in yarn bowls. You can also put them in bags to keep your feline beauties out.

If you notice your cat has swallowed some string, it is advisable to see a vet immediately. In the event they get entangled in a woolly trap, hold them down and cut the bonds to release them from their prison.

How To Make A Yarn Ball For Cats

Balls of string may be a threat to your cat. If you closely monitor and supervise them as they play, you can reduce the possibility of danger. Better still, you can make them a safe ball of yarn as a plaything. Below are steps to make your cat yarn balls.

• Get a lengthy piece of string and a needle.
• Wind the string in a loop. Wrap continuously and make sure loose pieces are covered up. Do this repeatedly to create a huge and durable ball of yarn.
• Thread the needle at the end of the yarn. Force the needle through the middle of the ball, and pull the entire length through to enhance the durability.

To Summarize

In conclusion, pets deserve happy, fulfilling lives. They include a healthy dose of activity. String happens to be one of their favorites. If you have ever wondered, “Why do cats love string?” then here is an answer: it is a part of them, and they need it to be smarter. Be sure to supervise their string play to reduce or entirely avoid all potential accidents