Why does my cat prefer to chew the string on the toys, than actually play?
I have alot of cat toys, mostly catnip mice, soft balls and such, and lately the two cats are showing no interest in playing with them. I also have a bird on a string, and rather than play with the bird, they just want to chew on the string. They will chew on other things too given the rare opportunity when I drop a twistie-tie or crafting yarn.
They are fed with Feline CD kibbles, with some canned wet food. I live in the city so they are indoor, but have regular vet checkups. Is there a reason they want to chew so badly? Also, is there something safe I can give them to chew on if they are missing something diet-wise? I tried those long cylindrical treats but they aren’t interested in those. They do like grass but its not like they really chew on it when they get it.
I have alot of cat toys, mostly catnip mice, soft balls and such, and lately the two cats are showing no interest in playing with them. I also have a bird on a string, and rather than play with the bird, they just want to chew on the string. They will chew on other things too given the rare opportunity when I drop a twistie-tie or crafting yarn.
They are fed with Feline CD kibbles, with some canned wet food. I live in the city so they are indoor, but have regular vet checkups. Is there a reason they want to chew so badly? Also, is there something safe I can give them to chew on if they are missing something diet-wise? I tried those long cylindrical treats but they aren’t interested in those. They do like grass but its not like they really chew on it when they get it.
Update : yes i just spent 20 mins attempting to play, and on other days also.
They are on feline CD prescribed by vet, I can’t change the food.
Well my cats like their toys but only if they’re small toys so my theory is that they don’t like to bite off more than they can chew (ha ha). But seriously, they love string as they can claw it and wrap it around themselves – it’s more down to the individual cat so I would say you have nothing to worry about. Mine go bonkers for shoelaces, ribbon and pretty much anything that dangles.
Re the toys themselves – if you’ve had them a while, the catnip smell will have faded. Either buy some new ones or get a catnip spray to spritz over them to make them attractive again.
As long as they’re playing they’re fine – it’s when cats do nothing but eat that they’re bored. Plus you have two so they probably play with each more than the toys. Get some catgrass too if you can which you can grow on a windowsill so they can gnaw on that should they wish. And their diet sounds perfectly balanced so I wouldn’t worry they’re missing something.
December 10th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Well, I have two cats and they like to chew, sometimes.
My little one likes chewing a lot!
I think it is because they are teething – are they still quite young?
My little one used to chew on the corners of books, so lots of my books have the corners chewed off.
Try giving them cardboard to chew on, and see if they like chewing on that – mine do when they’re teething.
You could try a different type of dried food and see if that helps.
I don’t think it is anything to worry about, but if you are worried then it wouldn’t hurt to check with the vets – just in case.
Hope this helps:>)
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December 10th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
hmm. My cat also loves to chew on the strings, but he plays with the toys too.
I think they have each other to play with, so the use the toys for other purposes. Perhaps.
Do you also play with them with the toys? Cats may sometimes lose interest in their toys, so I tend to spend some time each day to play with my cat with one or two toys (which then immediately become favourite(s) again)…
They may also find chewing on the strings feels good to their teeth – and dental health is an issue with indoors cats, I am told (mine is still a little more than a kitten, so I haven’t reached the problem).
These are all the ideas I have on the topic right now… I hope it sheds some light…
Oh yes, the chewing on books… I am working very hard on teaching my kitty not to do it – there are _always_ books lying around at home…
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December 10th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Maybe your ideas of what the cat finds fun and you find fun, do not coincide.
All those cat toys are yet another Blair n Bush conspiracy
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December 10th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
You didn’t mention whether you were actively playing with them? Those toys are for you to interact with them not just hand them over.
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December 10th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
give it more food
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December 10th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
I know it’s weird but mine are the same, they love string, I tie the catnip to the string and they rather chew the string lol
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December 10th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Well my cats like their toys but only if they’re small toys so my theory is that they don’t like to bite off more than they can chew (ha ha). But seriously, they love string as they can claw it and wrap it around themselves – it’s more down to the individual cat so I would say you have nothing to worry about. Mine go bonkers for shoelaces, ribbon and pretty much anything that dangles.
Re the toys themselves – if you’ve had them a while, the catnip smell will have faded. Either buy some new ones or get a catnip spray to spritz over them to make them attractive again.
As long as they’re playing they’re fine – it’s when cats do nothing but eat that they’re bored. Plus you have two so they probably play with each more than the toys. Get some catgrass too if you can which you can grow on a windowsill so they can gnaw on that should they wish. And their diet sounds perfectly balanced so I wouldn’t worry they’re missing something.
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December 10th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
It’s probably due to the same reason that many children get more excited by the cardboard box rather than the toy inside it.
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Former cardboard enthusiast.