Your Cat's Hair Tie Obsession Could Be Fatal

Found my cat's secret stash under the couch yesterday: 47 hair ties and rubber bands. I thought it was hilarious until my vet friend told me how many emergency surgeries she's done for this exact thing. Turns out cats are obsessed with rubber bands because they trigger their hunting instincts—the springy texture mimics prey tendons. Plus, the chemicals in rubber smell like hormones that cats find irresistible. Some cats even develop pica (eating non-food items) from stress or boredom. Here's the scary part: rubber bands don't pass through their digestive system like other objects. They can literally tie up your cat's intestines, causing blockages that require emergency surgery or worse. Signs of trouble: vomiting, bloody stool, or pudding-like poop. If you suspect your cat swallowed one, get to the vet immediately. Solution? Hide all rubber bands and hair ties. Give them safe alternatives like feather wands or puzzle toys. Your cat's life isn't worth the convenience of leaving hair ties around. #Pets #Cats #CatSafety