Cat obsessed with string. Normal??

Question

My roommate's cat started playing with a long piece of thick string. When we took it away, he twitched and cried, looking obsessively for it. We gave it back. He drags it all over the house, wants to play with it constantly, cries all night for it when he can't find it. We hide it, and he finds it. Is this attachment abnormal?

Answer 1

I would say yes they do like it, they are attracted to things that move and wiggle. But you need to make sure he doesn't start eating it, as it can get wrapped around there stomach, and intestines, witch can be very dangerous. and sometimes require surgery, and or may stangle the intestine.

Answer 2

Yes the attachment is normal, but you should be careful.

My cats love strings too, but sometimes when they play with it, they may try to swallow it. I once saw a small bit of string dangling from my cat's mouth, I tugged gently and pulled a whole yard of ribbon! I don't dare to imagine what would have happened if he had swallowed that last bit! Since that episode, I store away all strings.

I have read numerous times that after the cat swallows the string, it will get entangled in the cat's intestines and often it's fatal. Even if not, the string may need to be surgically removed,

So the best thing is to take away your cat's string, and entice him with some other safer cat toy instead.

Answer 3

cats are very compulsive , I have had many , if you think he likes string, turn the lights down low and grab a flash light and shine it on the floor. It might take a few minutes but he or she will chase it up the curtains , and basicly turn into butter if you will move it around in a two foot circle no matter how fast you do it they will chase the light spot. I am ashamed to say that when I used to get high I would put the cat in a pillow sack and blow him power hit, through the top, and being carefull not to hurt my cat ,I would twerl the bag around a couple of times or three, and then let him out , he was DWI and loved it!

Answer 4

My cat loves string. We bought her a bunch of those toys that are attached to the string. Hates the toy, loves the string. We just drag the string around by the toy instead of the toy by the string.

Answer 5

It's a toy, and he is playful. Just think all the things a piece of string could be. he can kill the snake over and over. It can flick like a bug, oh the fun with his piece of string. Why not just let him have it, as long as it isn't too long, and he doesn't eat it there shouldn't be any problems.

Answer 6

It's very normal.

It can be dangerous if swallowed though... can cut into the intestines if it goes through the digestive tract in certain positions.

I'd go to the pet store and try to find some other toys to interest the cat that is made with safety in mind.

But I totally understand... my cat was obsessed with EAR PLUGS!? and I thought it was cute until I had to listen to him try to vomit one up all night long.

Answer 7

Yes it's normal, especially if that's the cat's favorite toy to play with. Heck, my cats love to play with string. Another thing, my cats also love to play with rolled up plastic bags, light from the flashlight, and laser pointers.

Answer 8

Yes, this is normal. Better to play with a string than to tear up the furniture.

Answer 9

Yep, normal.

Wait till he starts having sex ... :)

And if you wanna have a good time with him, use a laser pointer ... The dot is something he'll never be able to "catch" and he'll never be able to find it, either, once you've turned it off. :)

I knew a guy in Fredericksburg who'd entertain his cat all day with one in his antique shop on Caroline Street. Funniest thing you ever saw ... :)

Answer 10

As long as he doesn't try to eat it, you can let it be. But if he starts trying to eat string or rubber bands, hide them because they will mess up his intestines and you will have a big vet bill.