Cats can be rather kooky creatures. As well as the odd behavioral quirk, they’ll often become attached to some pretty odd objects.
Drinking straws are fairly typical examples. While this may seem strange to us humans, felines have their own reasons for liking straws.
In this article, we delve into the possible reasons why certain cats are so drawn to straws.
Engaging and Stimulating
One possible reason for a cat’s love of straws is that they provide an engaging and stimulating form of play.
Cats are natural hunters and straws offer a small, maneuverable object that they can chase and pounce on.
Texture
It could also be that cats are attracted to the texture. The smooth, cylindrical shape may be appealing to a cat’s sense of touch.
Some cats may even enjoy the sound that a straw makes as it is dragged across the floor or batted around.
Similar to Prey
Another theory posits that straws remind cats of the kind of prey they would naturally hunt in the wild.
The movement of the straw, as it is flicked or thrown into the air, may stimulate a cat’s natural predatory instincts.
Can I Let My Cat Play with a Plastic Straw?
You might be tempted to allow your cat to play with straws provided he dosn’t chew it.
But we recommend finding your cat an alternative. Chewing the plastic from a straw may lead to small pieces breaking off.
These have the potential to cause digestive blockages. What’s more, any sharp edges could result in internal injuries.
There are far safer toys and objects that will stimulate and engage your cat such as balls, chasers, wands and scratchers.
If you allow your cat to play with a drinking straw and he starts chewing it, you should probably intervene.
Why Does My Cat Eat Plastic?
Cats chew on plastic for a variety of reasons. Some do it out of pure curiosity while others chew plastic to alleviate boredom.
Understimulation
This is a common cause of plastic chewing. So be sure to provide your cat with plenty of activities to satisfy his hunting instincts and desire to play.
Toys and interactive activities are the most obvious solutions here.
They’ll help to prevent boredom, thereby reduce the likelihood of your cat chewing on inappropriate objects.
Try to ensure that he gets enough time outside too.
Anxiety/Stress
Cats also chew plastic and other bizarre objects to cope with anxiety or stress. If you’re concerned that yours might be feeling uneasy about something, try to identify the cause.
Speak to a vet of cat behaviorist as well to find ways to solve the problem.
Pica
It may also be possible that your cat has pica. Feline pica is a mental health condition in which the sufferer ingests non-edible items.
There are a number of causes including cognitive problems, nutritional deficiencies or environmental factors.
Pica can also be a sign of stress or anxiety in cats.
Again, consult with your vet to with a viwe to finding the cause and the most suitable course of treatment.
In the meantime, we’d recommend that you keep plastic objects such as straws out of your cat’s reach.
Instead, provide him with safe and appropriate toys to chew on.
