Why Do Cats Like To Shred Toilet Paper?

If you’ve ever walked into your bathroom to find shredded toilet paper scattered across the floor, you’re not alone. Many cat parents experience this frustrating yet oddly amusing behavior. But why do cats love to destroy toilet paper?

The answer lies in their natural instincts, sensory experiences, and even their emotional well-being. By understanding the reason’s why your cat likes to shred toilet paper – or even napkins can help you figure out the “why” of it.

A Hunter’s Instinct at Play

Cats are born hunters, and even though they don’t need to catch prey for food, their instincts remain strong. Shredding toilet paper mimics the act of catching and dismembering prey in the wild. When a cat swipes at a roll, it unravels in a way that stimulates their natural predatory drive, making it an exciting and rewarding activity.

Kittens, in particular, are more likely to engage in this behavior because they are still learning and refining their hunting skills through play. Pouncing, tearing, and batting at toilet paper are ways for them to practice coordination and improve their reflexes.

The Role of Texture and Sound

Another reason cats love toilet paper is its texture. It is soft, lightweight, crinkly, and easy to rip apart, which makes it an ideal object for playful paws. The sensation of shredding is satisfying for cats, much like how they enjoy scratching furniture or digging into a scratching post.

The sound of toilet paper crinkling and tearing can also be stimulating. Cats have excellent hearing, and they might be drawn to the rustling noise that the paper makes as it is shredded. This auditory feedback reinforces their desire to keep playing with it.

Kittens vs. Adult Cats: Who’s More Likely to Shred?

While both kittens and adult cats may shred paper, kittens are particularly prone to this behavior.

Here’s why:

Exploratory Play: Kittens are naturally curious and love to interact with new textures and objects. Since toilet paper is easy to manipulate, it becomes an irresistible toy for young cats.

Teething Relief: Some kittens may chew and shred objects to soothe sore gums while they’re teething. Toilet paper is soft enough to provide relief without being harmful.

Developing Coordination: Young cats refine their motor skills through play, and shredding toilet paper helps them practice swiping, pouncing, and grasping.

Adult cats, on the other hand, may shred paper out of habit, boredom, or simply for entertainment. If an older cat continues to engage in this behavior frequently, this could be a sign that cat might need additional mental and physical stimulation.

Beyond Toilet Paper: Other Items Cats Love to Shred

If your cat has a penchant for destroying toilet paper, chances are they also enjoy tearing up other items, such as:

Napkins and Paper Towels: These lightweight materials provide the same shredding satisfaction as toilet paper.

Tissues: The soft texture makes them an appealing alternative, especially if left within a cat’s reach.

Cardboard Boxes: Some cats enjoy ripping apart cardboard, as it provides both a scratching and shredding experience. And the love to hide in boxes too!

Books and Magazines: While less common, some cats may be drawn to the pages of books or magazines, especially if they have a habit of chewing.

Shredding as a Stress Reliever

Shredding paper isn’t just about play—it can also be a coping mechanism. Some cats engage in destructive behaviors as a way to release pent-up energy, frustration, or anxiety.

Just like how humans might fidget or doodle when stressed, cats may shred objects to self-soothe.

If you notice that your cat tends to shred paper more frequently after a change in their environment (such as moving to a new home or introducing a new pet), it may be a sign that they are using the behavior as a stress reliever.

When Shredding Becomes a Problem: Pica in Cats

While most cats shred toilet paper just for fun, some may develop a habit of eating it, which can be concerning. Pica is a condition in which cats chew or consume non-food items, including paper, fabric, or plastic. If your cat is eating shredded toilet paper rather than just tearing it apart, they may be at risk for digestive issues or blockages.

Common reasons for pica include:

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Stress or anxiety

• Underlying medical conditions

If your cat is frequently ingesting paper products, it’s best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.

How to Prevent Toilet Paper Destruction

If you’re tired of cleaning up shredded paper or shredded furniture, here are some effective ways to prevent your cat from getting into the toilet paper roll:

Keep Toilet Paper Out of Reach: Store toilet paper in a cabinet or use a covered dispenser to make it less accessible.

Provide Alternative Shredding Outlets: Give your cat designated items to shred, such as cardboard scratching posts or paper bags.

Increase Playtime: Boredom often leads to destructive behaviors. Spend time playing with your cat using interactive toys, such as feather wands or laser pointers, to redirect their energy and tire them out.

Use Deterrents: If your cat keeps attacking the toilet paper roll, you can try using citrus-scented sprays or double-sided tape around the area to discourage them.

Enrich Their Environment: Provide cat trees, tunnels, and puzzle feeders to keep your cat engaged and mentally stimulated.

Final Thoughts

While it may be frustrating to find your toilet paper in tatters, it’s important to remember that this behavior is completely natural for cats. Whether it stems from hunting instincts, sensory enjoyment, boredom, or stress relief, understanding why your cat engages in shredding can help you redirect their energy in a positive way.

By providing appropriate outlets and increasing mental stimulation, you can keep your feline friend entertained—without sacrificing your bathroom supplies!