Cat Swallowed Something: What to Do and When It Is an Emergency
You turn around, and the ribbon from the gift is gone. Your cat is licking their lips, and a short end of thread is poking out of their mouth. It is tempting to tug it out, or hope it passes. With cats, the safest move is different.
A cat that has swallowed something they should not have, in particular string, thread or a needle, needs a vet the same day. Call us first, so we can tell you what to do on the way.
If this is happening now, call our 24/7 emergency line on +971 55 201 6353. Calling before you travel lets the team get ready for your cat. You can also read about our emergency care.
What cats swallow
Cats explore with their mouths, and many are drawn to things that move or smell of home. The items we see most often are:
String, thread, ribbon, dental floss and tinsel
Sewing needles, often with thread attached
Hair ties and rubber bands
Small parts from toys, such as bells, feathers and acrylic eyes
Some of these pass through the gut without trouble. Others cause a blockage, and it is very hard to tell which is which from the outside.
Why string and thread are the biggest worry
String has a particular danger for cats. One end can catch around the base of the tongue, or lodge in the stomach, while the rest is pulled along the intestines. The gut then bunches up around the string like a drawstring, and it can cut into the intestinal wall.
If the intestine is damaged, its contents can leak into the belly and cause a serious infection. That is why a short thread hanging from your cat’s mouth or bottom can be a small sign of a much bigger problem.
What to look for
Signs depend on what was swallowed and where it has stopped. Look for:
Licking the lips or pawing at the mouth, or drooling
Gagging or retching
Vomiting, sometimes again and again
Refusing food, or eating less than usual
Hiding, quiet behaviour or a hunched posture
Straining in the litter tray, or diarrhoea that may be dark or bloody
A tender or tight belly
Some cats seem fine at first. If you saw your cat swallow something, or an item has gone missing, call us even if they are acting normally.
What to do right now
Call us first and tell us what your cat swallowed, roughly when, and how much. We will tell you what to do next and get the team ready.
Leave any string or thread that is visible exactly where it is. Pulling on it can injure internal organs, especially if the rest has already gone further. Cover the end loosely if it is hanging out, and keep your cat calm.
Leave vomiting to us as well. Making a cat sick at home can cause harm, and some items, like needles, can do more damage on the way back up.
Hold off on food and water until we advise, as your cat may need anaesthesia. If you can, bring the item, its packaging, or a photo of it so we know exactly what we are dealing with.
Then bring your cat in. Use a carrier, keep them warm and quiet, and let us know when you are on your way.
What happens at the clinic
Your vet examines your cat and gently checks their belly. What happens next depends on what your cat swallowed and how unwell they are.
X-rays can show many items, such as needles, and an ultrasound helps when the item doesn't show up on an X-ray, like string. Our diagnostic imaging team can do both on site. Some cats can have the item removed through the mouth, sometimes using an endoscope, a thin camera that reaches the stomach without surgery. Others need an operation to remove the object and repair the gut.
We call you before starting any treatment, so you know what to expect. If your cat needs a stay, our ICU and hospitalisation team looks after them.
A real case from our clinic
A young kitten called Kitty swallowed a sewing needle. Her family noticed something was wrong and brought her in, and X-rays confirmed what our vets suspected. Under anaesthesia, our team removed the needle without invasive surgery, and within hours Kitty was eating again and had more energy. Read her full story in Kitty’s journey: a life saved after swallowing a needle.
How to lower the risk
You cannot watch your cat every minute, but a few habits help.
Keep thread, ribbon, dental floss, hair ties and rubber bands in closed drawers or containers, and bin them with a lid. Put wand and string toys away after play, and play with them together instead of leaving them out. Check toys regularly for loose bells, feathers or threads, and replace them when they start to fall apart.
If you sew or craft, pick up needles straight away. Take extra care around festive decorations like tinsel and ribbon, as these are a common attraction.
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