The rubber band hits the floor with a soft snap, and before you can blink, your cat is batting it across the kitchen as theyve just caught the worlds bounciest mouse. It stretches, it wiggles, it moves exactly like prey. And thats precisely the problem.Rubber bands might seem harmless, but theyre one of the more dangerous household items cats can swallow. Unlike actual toys designed for cats, rubber bands dont break down in the digestive system. They get stuck. They tangle. And in the worst cases, they require emergency surgery to be removed.Heres what actually happens when a cat eats a rubber band, which warning signs mean trouble, and how to keep your cat entertained without the risk.Why Cats Cant Resist Rubber BandsImage Credit: xusenru, ShutterstockCats are hardwired to chase things that move like prey. Rubber bands stretch and snap back. Hair ties dangle and swing. These movements trigger the same hunting instincts that make your cat stalk toy mice and pounce on a string. The problem is that rubber bands check all the right boxes for fun while checking none of the boxes for safe.Rubber isnt digestible. If swallowed, it doesnt break down. It just sits there in the stomach waiting to cause problems. And because cats are curious creatures with a tendency to chew and swallow first and think later, prevention is your best defense.What to Do If Your Cat Just Swallowed OneFirst, take a breath. Swallowing a rubber band can cause serious problems, but it doesnt always. A small rubber band or a tiny fragment might pass through your cats system without incident.The key is close monitoring. Check the litter box obsessively for the next few days. If you know exactly what your cat swallowed, look for it in their stool. Spotting it in the litter box is the best-case scenario.Size matters here. If the rubber band was small (less than an inch) and your cat is acting totally normal, you can usually continue life as usual while staying alert. But if it was large (over 1.5 inches), thicker, or extra stretchy, contact your vet even if your cat seems fine. Longer or thicker rubber dramatically increases the risk of complications.Keep in mind that rubber bands arent toxicthe danger isnt poison, its obstruction. Objects that cant be digested may sit in the gut for days before causing symptoms, so problems dont always show up immediately.Warning Signs Somethings WrongCats who develop complications after swallowing a rubber band often show these symptoms: Loss of appetite Vomiting (especially shortly after eating) Changes in stool diarrhea or not passing anything at all Lethargy or sleeping more than usual Avoiding play or interaction A painful belly or resistance to being picked up Drinking excessively and vomiting, or drinking very littleIf you know your cat swallowed a rubber band and any of these symptoms appear, call your veterinarian immediately. Even if youre not sure what caused the symptoms, its still important to get your cat checked promptly.Image Credit: 4 PM production, ShutterstockWhy This Is So DangerousRubber bands can cause several serious, potentially life-threatening complications. They can wrap around the tongue, damage delicate tissues in the mouth or esophagus, or create blockages in the stomach or intestines. In some cases, they cause the intestines to tangle or fold in on themselvesa condition called intussusception.When the intestines are blocked, food and water cant pass through. Cats stop eating. They vomit after meals. And if food cant move through the gut at all, a cat may only survive a few days without treatment. Conditions like intestinal tangling can make cats critically ill very quickly, which is why symptoms after swallowing a rubber band are considered urgent.What the Vet Will DoYour veterinarian will start by asking detailed questions such as what your cat swallowed, when it happened, and what symptoms youve noticed. The more accurate you can be, the faster they can make decisions.Theyll examine your cat, checking the abdomen, heart rate, and temperature. If a blockage is suspected, they may recommend X-rays or scans to locate it, plus blood tests to assess hydration, infection risk, and whether your cat is safe for anesthesia. Surgery is often required to remove rubber bands that have caused blockages, so assessing overall health is critical.Each test helps guide treatment and gives your cat the best chance at a full recovery. Dont hesitate to ask questions, as your vet wants you to be informed and comfortable with the plan.If You Can See the Rubber Band, Dont Pull ItIf a rubber band is visible in your cats mouth, resist the urge to yank it out. It may be caught around the tongue or partially swallowed, and pulling could cause serious internal damage. Dont offer food or water. Contact a veterinarian, who can safely remove itsometimes with sedation or anesthesia.The same rule applies if you see a rubber band partially hanging from your cats rear end. Gentle tension is okay only if it slides out easily with no resistance. If theres any tension or it doesnt come freely, stop immediately and call your vet.Image Credit: JumpstoryCan a Cat Die From This?In severe cases, yes. A rubber band can block the intestines and require urgent surgery. The symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, refusing food) can look like many other illnesses, which is why veterinary assessment is so important. If you know a rubber band was swallowed, and your cat becomes unwell, mention exactly what was eaten when you call.Keeping Your Cat Safe Without Killing the FunThe simplest prevention is keeping rubber bands, hair ties, and similar items off counters, desks, and floors. If your cat loves stringy toys, choose safe alternatives like supervised wand toysand always put them away after playtime ends.For cats prone to swallowing things, enrichment doesnt have to involve strings. Puzzle feeders, tunnels, climbing structures, catnip toys, bat-around toys, and even simple DIY options like balled-up paper or cardboard tubes stuffed with treats can provide stimulation without the risk.The Bottom LineCats are natural hunters, and rubber bands trigger all the right instincts. But just because something looks like a toy to your cat doesnt mean its safe. By keeping risky items out of reach and offering better alternatives, youre protecting your cats health while still letting them do what they love: play, pounce, and explore. When in doubt, your veterinarian is always your best resource.Feature Image Credit: ketlit-ShutterstockDid You Know? Our brand-new posts are rounded up and included in our weekly emails. Dont miss out on the latest sign up for our newsletter below!