If you’ve ever found your rubber band or hair tie missing, only to find it later stretched out and played with by your cat, you’re not alone. While the reasons behind many of a cat’s behaviors are a mystery, there are a few possible explanations for why cats like rubber bands and hair ties. One theory is that the elasticity of the rubber band or hair tie is similar to that of a prey’s body, making it an appealing toy for a predatory instinct. Additionally, the texture of the rubber band or hair tie may be satisfying for a cat to chew on or bat around. Whatever the reason, if your cat likes rubber bands and hair ties, it’s best to keep them out of reach to avoid a costly vet visit for a swallowed foreign object.