my 7 yr old cat ate string

josiespcah6ojsh

josiespcah6ojsh

Cathlete
i am not sure how much- inch or 2- or more because i was asleep and woke while she was swallowing some. its the skinny elastic string from toys. it happened sat evening.i was going to take her to the vet mon if nothing comes out.maybe i dont need to worry so much because she is not a kitten

laura
 
If it's only an inch or two, I think she'll be okay, but keep an eye out (especially for vomiting, which may be a clear liquid or blood-tinged if there is a problem).

If it were 3 feet of metallic string (like my cat Frisco once did), then it would be a big problem, and probably require surgery, as his did.

Hope everything "comes out" alright!

(For being so smart, cats can really do some stupid things, can't they? )
 
Hey - had to chime in here, because this happened to us awhile back with a cat we had. The vet is the best option. Whatever you do, do not pull on the string if you see it (from either end). Wet string will act like a saw, and could cut him internally (and you won't know if it's 'caught' on something). The string may have to be surgically removed (that's what happened to us... our cat ate 3 feet, though :eek:. Have NO clue where he got it... silly thing, and obviously we didn't know much he ate until the vet got it out and showed us.). It ended up blocking his intestines. :( Poor baby! If it's really only an inch or 2, things should be okay...

Just really wanted to share, and say taking your cat to the vet is your best bet. Keep an eye on him - HTH and good luck! Please let us know how he does.
 
I agree with the above posters. 1-2 inches should be fine. How do you know that is all the cat ate, though? Remember, Monday is a holiday so if the vet is not open, be sure you know where an emergency vet is just in case (and not bad to know that anyway if you don't already!... as I type this, I realize that I need to update my info b/c there is a new one closer to us...note to self!) Anyway, just be sure it is doing its litter box business and watch for any vomitting, as mentioned. Hope the cat is ok!
 
You might want to feed her some of that hairball remedy stuff (petroleum based). It can help get things moving and lubricate at the same time (only if you are SURE that it was only 1-2 inches and not more.)
 
Ok, I have to share my story, too. When my cat was young, he had to have surgery for something that was showing up on the x-ray -- he wasn't well, but I hadn't seen him eat anything strange. After the surgery, they told me he had string, rubber bands, and paper clips in there. I had no clue as to how to stop him from repeating this expensive exercise (I called him the Donald Trump cat for a while), and asked if they had any advice for me. Their answer: "maybe you could vaccuum more often?" Sheesh!!

-Beth
 
My cat, Madrid, eats everything. I try to keep it away from him at all times. He doesn't get sick. Removing string can be VERY expensive surgery. Feeding it through by hairball catfood and water might be the best. I know that tinsel at Christmas is extremely dangerous for felines.
 
Of course I have a story too.
My sister got a cat from somewhere and I am not sure where but needless to say my sister does not need a pet because she is too young minded and can barely take care of herself. I think it was around x-mas because all I remember is coming around the corner to the cat with part of the x-mas ribbon sticking out of its mouth. And I did not think and just started pulling it out. Freaking out of course. I could swear about 2 or 3 feet came out. Thank goodness the cat still lives because I did not even think about the sawing effect.

Rachel
 
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