Cats of any age find yarn and string irresistible. If your kitty goes beyond playing and actually eats some string, they will need care immediately, as string can be dangerous to cats. Visit your animal hospital to determine the next steps to help safely remove the string or yarn from their system.

How to Help Your Cat if It Has Eaten String

Go to the Animal Hospital

The best thing to do is to go to the animal hospital as soon as possible. String can become tangled in the intestines and create a blockage or can lacerate the inside of the intestines. The vet will try to locate the string by first performing a physical exam. X-rays may be necessary if the string has been completely swallowed. Depending on the situation, the vet may induce vomiting, attempt to remove the string via endoscopy, or recommend surgery. Be prepared that surgery may be the best option for your cat.

Check the Tongue

If you cannot take your cat to the vet right away, keep a close eye on them. Check inside the cat’s mouth to see if the string is wrapped around the back of the tongue. If you see it, don’t pull, as it may be tangled in the intestines and pulling may do harm. If the string stays wrapped around the underside or back of the tongue, the tongue may turn purple if the blood supply is cut off. If this occurs, seek emergency treatment for your cat at an animal hospital.

Ingesting string or yarn can create serious health issues for your cat. Harrogate Hospital for Animals, serving Harrogate, TN, offers emergency care, boarding, dental care, vaccinations, and is a full-service animal hospital serving large and small animals. Call (423) 869-3666 for an appointment or go to the website to learn more about services or purchase pet care products. If you have a pet emergency, call their emergency number at (865) 970-5338.