Is your cat unrolling toilet paper and dragging it all around — or even out of — the bathroom? You're not alone! Walking into a bathroom strewn with toilet paper is a very common occurrence for cat parents.

But why do cats love toilet paper so much? Is it just to drive their pet parents crazy? Your feisty feline is doing more than simply terrorizing your toilet paper; they're engaging in instinctive behavior.

Cats and Toilet Paper: Why Do They Love It So Much?

Most, if not all, cat parents have witnessed the destruction left behind by cats with toilet paper streamers. Typically, you'll see this behavior more often in kittens, but active older cats also indulge in a little toilet paper shredding. Most often, your cute house cat wreaks havoc on toilet paper because their big cat instincts are still very much a part of their life. Boredom and, less commonly, health reasons also contribute to toilet paper wreckage.

Hunting

As natural-born predators, cats are on high alert much of the time. To such a skilled innate hunter, a fluttering roll of toilet paper is hard to resist. The act of "catching" and pulling the loose end of a toilet paper roll is akin to a cat's hunting process. This "toying" with inanimate prey exemplifies "predatory behavior directed towards inanimate objects," explains International Cat Care.

Gray and white striped cat looks as if they were caught in the act as they play with toilet paper on bathroom floor.

If your kitty successfully knocks off the entire roll of toilet paper and clutches it in their paws while performing the cat bunny kick, they're engaging in instinctive behavior. It's an aggressive move, however, so it's best to avoid trying to take away the toilet paper until your cat's finished attacking it.

Boredom

Cats are happiest when their humans are home 24/7, and they'll exhibit certain behaviors while you're out of the house, including tearing up toilet paper. Boredom can cause other destructive behaviors, leading some cat parents to think that their cat is out to get them. This is a "common misconception," points out the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, since many destructive behaviors are "usually part of normal investigation and play." Boredom can occur while you're at home, too, so set aside time each day to engage your cat in interactive play.

Health Concerns

Sometimes, cats chew on toilet paper because of pica, which is the urge to eat non-food items such as wool, plastic and paper. A cat unrolling toilet paper as a form of play isn't a cause for concern, but as Cat Health emphasizes, if your cat regularly chews and ingests toilet paper, contact your veterinarian to determine whether an underlying issue, such as stress, anxiety or another medical concern, is causing this urge.

How to Stop Your Cat from Unrolling Toilet Paper

If your kitty is bound and determined to get at toilet paper, they'll usually achieve that goal. However, there are a few ways to keep your cat from mangling the toilet paper roll:

  • Keep the bathroom door shut
  • Use a toilet paper guard
  • Install your toilet paper holder vertically instead of horizontally to make the toilet paper less accessible
  • Reshape the toilet roll so that it's less round and more square

Because every cat has their own unique personality, not all tricks work for all cats. For example, some cats don't take kindly to a closed door while others may see a horizontal roll of toilet paper and think, "challenge accepted."

Redirection

One effective way to break up a relationship between cats and toilet paper is to redirect your cat's attention. Ideally, this redirection happens when they're kittens, but it's never too late to try! Redirecting attention is a positive, effective way of disciplining your cat properly because it distracts them from destructive behavior while positively reinforcing positive behavior, like attacking a catnip mouse or whacking a toy bird on a stick.

Although cats unrolling toilet paper can be cute, it's also wasteful. Toilet paper (clean or used) cannot be recycled, and you definitely shouldn't use the toilet paper remnants: they can be contaminated with cat saliva and fur, bits of cat litter and who knows what other visible and invisible germs. But it doesn't have to be a total waste. You can use the now-empty toilet paper tube to create boredom-busters like a cat food puzzle, DIY cat toy or other craft for fun activities to do with your cat.

Christine O'Brien Christine O'Brien

Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.

Related articles

Feline Pancreatitis: What You Need to Know

Learn from a veterinarian: How to spot the serious signs of feline pancreatitis, emergency care, and what kind of diet to feed her while she's recovering.

Cat Grass: Is it Safe for My Cat?

Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.

The Tales Your Cat's Tail Tells

Your cat's tail can tell you about what's going on inside her head. Tails are good indicators of mood. Take a little time to observe your cat's behavior and you will start to get a feel of the tales the tail tell

Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way

Discover how to train your cat, starting with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.

Understanding Why My Cat's Stomach Gurgles

If you're a cat parent, you may find yourself saying, "I wonder why my cat's stomach gurgles after they eat." Read on to learn what this gurgling may mean.

Your Cat is Always Hungry: What Should You Do?

Learn why your cat might show signs of being overly hungry, if there could be an underlying medical concern, and options to help them control their hunger.

Special Care Considerations for Senior Cats

Senior Cats & Their Special Care Needs

Why Adopting a Free Kitten Isn't Always a Good Idea

If you're considering adopting a free kitten, learn some of the things to keep in mind, from potential health problems to socialization issues.

Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood?

Learn causes & symptoms associated with blood in cat urine, including underlying urinary tract problems or issues like FLUTD, as well as treatment options.

Important Information About Kidney Disease in Cats

Kidney disease and renal failure can kill your cat. Know these 4 facts about feline kidney disease, the symptoms to look for, and when to call your vet.

Why Do a Cat's Eyes Glow?

Learn the science behind your kitty's shining eyes and find out why their eyes have a unique glow to them.

Everything You Need to Know About Cat Tongues

Why does your cat's tongue feels so rough? Why does their tongue hang out of their mouth sometimes? Learn fun and interesting info about your cat's tongue.

How to Make DIY Cat Shelves

Creating DIY cat shelves gives your cat a place to play and relax that isn't your dining table! Here's how to make them attractive and functional.

Kitten's Development Milestones: First Weeks & Months

Follow this timeline to learn the weekly & monthly progression of your kitten's development, including when to expect her to start walking & needing vaccines.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Risk Factors, Symptoms & Treatment of FIP in Cats

Learn helpful info about Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP in cats, including risk factors, common symptoms, treatment options & how to prevent it.

DIY Cat Stain & Odor Remover That Actually Works

Learn how to make your own DIY cat stain remover, as well as how to remove cat odors from your home.

Top 5 Tips For You After Adopting a New Cat

Adopting a cat feels like an easy choice, but ensuring their comfort takes preparation. Follow these tips for a lifetime of love with your new cat.

Vegan Cat Food for Carnivorous Felines?

Discover what vegan or vegetarian cat food is, and why it is not the best choice to feed your carnivorous cat.

Cat's Upset & Sensitive Stomach: Treatments & Food Choices

Just like people, cats can experience occasional stomach upset. If your cat exhibits any of the following, especially after eating, she may have a sensitive stomach.

Mixing Cats and Holidays: Tips for a Safe Season

Learn fun ways to involve your cat in this holiday season, from preparing your house for holiday guests to participation in holiday traditions.