Why is it risky?
Rubber bands are not chemically toxic but pose a significant ingestion and obstruction hazard. Cats are strongly attracted to rubber bands as play items and frequently chew and swallow them. In the GI tract, rubber bands can cause partial or complete intestinal obstruction, which may require surgical intervention.
Affected Systems
Digestive
Symptoms
Following ingestion: vomiting (often after meals), loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, constipation or inability to defecate, progressive deterioration.
What To Do
If swallowing is witnessed or strongly suspected: contact vet. Do not induce vomiting at home. If signs of obstruction appear: emergency vet visit, untreated obstruction can be fatal.
Notes
Store rubber bands in closed containers or drawers. The same risk applies to hair ties, elastic hair bands, orthodontic rubber bands, and snap bracelets. Cats typically swallow these during play in small incremental pieces rather than in one deliberate act, often unnoticed by the owner.
Sources
→ VCA Animal Hospitals — vcahospitals.com
→ American Veterinary Medical Association — avma.org