My Cat Ate String
This can become a life-threatening emergency because string may bunch up or cut through the intestines. Here’s what to do right now, what signs to watch for, and when your cat needs immediate veterinary care.
This is a veterinary emergency.
Call your vet right away, and if you can see string in your cat’s mouth or coming from the rectum, do not pull it.
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If your cat has consumed string and is showing severe symptoms — such as vomiting, tremors, seizures, or collapse — they may need in-person emergency veterinary care immediately. If this is the case, we recommend calling our partner Pet Poison Helpline ($85 consultation fee). They work directly with your emergency vet to guide treatment and help resolve your pet's case faster.
When to call a vet
Go to the ER now
- ● You saw your cat swallow string, thread, yarn, ribbon, dental floss, tinsel, or a toy string.
- ● String is visible under the tongue, hanging from the mouth, or protruding from the rectum.
- ● Your cat is vomiting repeatedly, retching, drooling, or cannot keep food or water down.
- ● Your cat has belly pain, a swollen abdomen, lethargy, weakness, or collapse.
- ● Your cat may have swallowed string attached to a needle, hook, or other sharp object.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● You are not sure how much was swallowed, but some of the string is missing.
- ● Your cat seems quieter than normal, hides, eats less, or has diarrhea after possible string ingestion.
- ● Your cat is acting uncomfortable when picked up or resists belly touch.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● Even if your cat seems normal, string can cause internal injury before obvious signs appear.
- ● Call your vet for guidance rather than waiting to see if it passes.
What Happened & Why It's Dangerous
String can anchor inside the body
Cats can trap string under the tongue or in the stomach, while the rest moves into the intestines.
It can saw through the intestines
As the intestines try to move normally, a tight string can bunch them up and cut into tissue.
Blockage may develop
String can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction, stopping food and fluid from moving through.
Surgery is sometimes needed
Veterinarians may need imaging, endoscopy, or surgery to remove the string and repair damaged tissue.
What to Do Right Now
1. Call your vet immediately — Tell them what type of string was swallowed, when it happened, and whether your cat has vomited or seems painful.
2. Do not pull visible string — Never pull string from the mouth or rectum. Pulling can tear or perforate the intestines.
3. Keep the remaining material — Save the toy, thread, floss, ribbon, or packaging so your vet can estimate what may have been swallowed.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically tells you to — Home vomiting attempts can be dangerous, especially with long or sharp foreign material.
5. Head to the clinic if symptoms start — Vomiting, drooling, belly pain, hiding, weakness, or loss of appetite mean your cat needs urgent in-person care.
- 1. Call your vet immediately
- 2. Do not pull visible string
- 3. Keep the remaining material
- 4. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically tells you to
- 5. Head to the clinic if symptoms start
Common questions
How much string is dangerous for a cat?
What symptoms can happen after a cat eats string?
How long until symptoms appear?
Will the string just pass on its own?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.