I do not use hair ties too much. And I think mine would eat them if they were left around. My kitties like to eat rubber bands. They don't just play with them, they EAT them. Also, Taz, my older one LOVES q-tips. He will sometimes knock over the bathroom garbage to get to them. And he will sit on the counter and stare and tap at the glass jar they are kept in. If I leave the lid off he will stick his paw in to get one.