You want what’s best for your cat, and she sure does like her toys with feathers at the end of a wand. Is there anything you need to remember before she plays with the feather toy, and why does she like it so much? Let’s take a look at feather toys and cats.

Cats and Hunting

Felines are predators, but you might already know that. Evolution favored cats that could hunt and do it well. Now, even our pampered indoor kitties will often find something to chase, whether a mouse or a receipt falling to the ground. Cats learn to hunt through play behaviors and by watching their mother. They utilize several methods of hunting, such as the “stalk and pounce” method or even fishing. Cats will hunt everything from mice to birds to fish.

The 4 Reasons Cats Like Feathers

1. Simulates Prey

The main reason cats enjoy playing with feather toys is that they simulate prey and trigger our feisty felines’ prey drive. Your cat will often chase after toys with feathers on the end, sometimes stalking and pouncing.

2. Colorful Attraction

Cats don’t see colors quite the same way that we do. However, they do have cones, the color receptors in the eyes, so they can likely see some shades. Feather toys are often quite colorful, so between the prey-like fluttering, the colors should trigger your cat to treat the toys with feathers like prey.

3. Unpredictable Movements

Like the colorful nature of feathers, the movement of feathers can attract cats. As you whip the feathers on the end of a stick around, they flutter and drift like a bird, which can bear a striking resemblance to prey.

4. Enrichment

Playing with feathers is one of the many ways you can offer your kitty enrichment activities. They stimulate your cat’s mind and can help keep her away from trouble triggered by boredom.

The Dangers of Feathers

While feather toys can help offer enrichment with mental and physical stimulation, they aren’t without risks.

Foreign Bodies

The main danger of feathers occurs if your cat eats them. Natural feathers are not digestible; faux feathers are often plastic and even less digestible. Because of the rigid nature of the feathers, these toys can quickly cause obstructions or even intestinal perforation. It’s even more concerning if your cat eats a string with a feather attached, as that steering can cause intestinal plication, where the intestines get folded up like an accordion and can tear.

If your cat eats more than one feather, getting a blockage anywhere in the intestines is possible. Surgery might be necessary to remove the feathers.

Choking Hazard

Feathers can also pose a choking hazard, especially if little feathers or tufts come off while your cat is playing. They could inhale those pieces.

Dyes

Many plastic or faux feathers are dyed. These feathers are not meant to be eaten, and they can have toxic dyes. A veterinarian will need to assess your cat for possible toxicity.

Other Injuries

If you’re not careful, your cat could develop injuries playing with the feather toy. If your cat doesn’t blink as the feathers whip by her face, the feathers could cause a scratch on the cornea, also known as an ulcer. This injury can be quite painful and may even lead to blindness.

Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe Around Feathers

The number one guideline for cats and feathers is to ensure your cat is supervised when playing with feather toys. If your cat can rip off feathers unsupervised, there could be dire consequences.

If your cat has a feather toy that is starting to look frayed or the feathers are loose on the toy, it’s time to get rid of that toy. When hunting prey, cats often lick off some of the bird feathers so that they don’t eat them. Unfortunately, a kitty excited about their toys might not pay as close attention.

If your cat eats a feather, stop what you’re doing and contact a veterinarian immediately. You should not try to remove the feather yourself because it could cause more trauma with you trying to remove it. (Your cat could also bite you while they are choking or gagging on the feather.)

The veterinarian may need to sedate or anesthetize your cat to remove the feather. In some cases, an endoscope might be able to remove the feather without performing exploratory surgery. This tool is a long, flexible camera with attachments that can be used to remove foreign bodies from the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

If you have a question about your cat's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for Free with Catster. Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it okay for cats to chew on feathers?

Cats should not chew on feathers due to the potential health risks. Feathers are indigestible and can cause obstructions and perforations to your cat’s gut.

Why is my indoor cat hunting?

Hunting is a natural behavior for cats. They hunt for enjoyment and to get a meal. Cats are only successful with some of their hunting, so they may attempt any time they are presented with a chance to ensure they always have their next meal.

Conclusion

Cats like feathers because it reminds them of their prey, but feathers can be dangerous for your cat if she eats them. Feathers can’t be digested and are associated with different issues, such as obstruction. It is better to find more cat-friendly toys to entertain your cat!

Featured Image Credit: ChocoPie, Shutterstock