Why Cats Are Obsessed with Playing with Toilet Paper?
It's no secret that cats have a penchant for playing with toilet paper, often to the point of obsession. But why do our feline friends have such a fondness for this seemingly mundane item? This article delves into the reasons behind why cats are so drawn to the humble roll of toilet paper.
Why Cats Are Obsessed with Toilet Paper
1. Hunting Instincts: First and foremost, cats don't comprehend the actual purpose of toilet paper. They primarily use the litter box for their bathroom needs and clean themselves by grooming their fur. To them, toilet paper serves no practical function. Yet, every cat, whether a stray or a pet, harbors a natural instinct to hunt. The crinkly texture of toilet paper can ignite this instinct in cats. When it flutters in the wind or drifts across the floor, it appears as a moving target to them, sparking their predatory instincts. Moreover, as cats hunt, they often tear the flesh from the bones of their prey. This behavior is mimicked when they play with toilet paper, tearing it into pieces. Cats also have an innate desire to scratch and rip things, and the fragile nature of toilet paper satisfies this urge.
2. Nesting Instincts: Cats often seek to create a safe haven for themselves, a behavior more prevalent in cats without a territory. Pregnant cats also exhibit nesting behaviors before giving birth, ensuring their kittens have a warm, soft, and secure environment. Soft toilet paper can serve as the perfect material for such a nest.
3. Curiosity: Cats are naturally drawn to moving toys, which is again related to their hunting instincts. We often see them play with insects, but they rarely eat them, instead, they chase and bat them around. This is because cats enjoy watching their prey tire without the ability to fight back. Out of curiosity and instinct, toilet paper can be a fascinating toy for cats due to its soft, crumbly texture and tendency to flutter.
However, toilet paper isn't exactly a costeffective luxury for our feline companions. Even if we could afford it, we wouldn't want to see our clean rolls of toilet paper being destroyed. Therefore, if your cat is particularly fond of playing with toilet paper, it's important for owners to train and educate them. When they engage in this behavior, it's crucial to scold them immediately. But since this behavior is often driven by instinct, it can be challenging to change. If you can't prevent your cat from playing with toilet paper, consider placing your rolls out of reach and providing alternative toys, such as cat wands or balls. Additionally, spending quality time playing with your cat daily can help redirect their attention and burn off any excess energy and vitality. Once cats find something more enjoyable than toilet paper, they may lose interest in the paper rolls.
While this article explores the reasons behind cats' love for toilet paper, it's important to note that this behavior can be quite wasteful. As responsible pet owners, we must take timely action to correct this habit.
