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Linear foreign body of the cat

The linear foreign body is one of the most typical surgical emergencies in cats: sewing thread, roast twine, ribbon, Christmas garland, hair elastic, wool. One end gets stuck, most often under the tongue or at the exit from the stomach. The...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

The linear foreign body is one of the most typical surgical emergencies in cats: sewing thread, roast twine, ribbon, Christmas garland, hair elastic, wool.

One end gets stuck, most often under the tongue or at the exit from the stomach. The intestine continues to contract and tries to push the rest of the wire forward. Failing to achieve this, it folds on itself like an accordion threaded on a shoelace.

The wire, stretched, then saws the intestinal wall from the inside. It can perforate it in several places and cause a generalized infection of the abdomen.

Key point

Vital emergency. Never pull on a thread coming out of a cat's mouth or anus: the thread may be attached higher and sever the intestine.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Vomiting Loss of appetite Reduction Pain Dehydration Diarrhea Excessive salivation Weight loss

Repeated vomiting, often violent, sometimes uncontrollable.

Total refusal to eat, even though the cat ate normally the day before.

Rapid despondency, cat that hides and refuses to be touched.

Clear abdominal pain: tense stomach, cat growling or stiffening upon palpation.

Salivation, unusual jaw or tongue movements when the thread is stuck under the tongue.

Dehydration that sets in quickly.

Diarrhea sometimes, with or without blood.

Weight loss when the situation persists for several days.

A visible thread coming out of the mouth or anus, but it is often invisible.

Some cats initially show discreet signs, which should not be reassuring: the condition can deteriorate within a few hours.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

Accidental ingestion of a long, thin object during play. The cat's tongue, covered with small points pointing backwards, prevents a thread from being spit out: once engaged, it can only be swallowed.

Objects most often involved: sewing thread with or without a needle, kitchen twine impregnated with meat odor, gift ribbon, garland, elastic, dental floss, lace, wool, bag string.

Feathered or string toys left unattended are a classic source.

Young and playful cats, particularly exposed.

Homes where sewing thread, wool, ribbons or garlands are lying around.

Holiday periods, with accessible garlands and packaging.

Kitchen where roast strings soaked in juice are thrown into an open trash can.

Cats that have already swallowed an object: the behavior is often repeated.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Examining the mouth is part of the veterinary reflex: the veterinarian lifts the tongue to look for a coiled wire at its base, which is not seen by simply looking at the open mouth.

Palpation of the abdomen reveals grouped and painful intestinal loops.

X-rays show a characteristic wrinkled appearance of the intestines and abnormal gas bubbles.

Ultrasound identifies the damage and looks for effusion, a possible sign of perforation.

A blood test assesses dehydration, mineral salts and general condition before anesthesia.

Time matters: the quicker the intervention, the less extensive the lesions.

Treatment

Treatment is surgical in most cases. The cat is first stabilized: infusion, painkillers, correction of dehydration.

If the thread is still free in the stomach and detected very early, removal by endoscopy is sometimes possible.

Most often, abdominal surgery is necessary to release the thread, check the entire course of the intestine and remove damaged or perforated portions.

Antibiotics and painkillers accompany the procedure.

The return to food is gradual and monitored, with hospitalization lasting several days in complicated cases.

At home, never try to make your cat vomit, give him oil, or remove the thread yourself. None of these maneuvers help, and all of them can make the damage worse.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Systematically store threads, needles, wool, ribbons, elastics and dental floss in a closed container.

Dispose of the roast strings in a lidded trash can, out of reach.

Avoid tinsel and angel hair, very attractive and very dangerous.

Never leave a string or feather toy accessible outside of play sessions with you.

Offer suitable toys, without detachable elements or thin cords.

Explain these rules to the children in the house: it is often a shared game that leads to an accident.

Possible complications

Perforation of the intestine in several places and generalized infection of the abdomen, which puts life at risk.

Need to remove a portion of intestine, with a risk of leakage at the suture in the days following the operation.

Shock and multiple organ failure in case of late treatment.

Adhesions and persistent digestive problems after surgery.

Hepatic lipidosis in a cat who has gone several days without eating.

When to see a veterinarian

You have seen or suspect that your cat has swallowed a thread, a string, a ribbon or an elastic band: consult immediately, even if he is fine.

A thread protrudes from its mouth or anus: don't pull, go to the vet right away.

He vomits repeatedly and refuses to eat.

He is dejected, hides, refuses to be touched on his stomach.

He drools, makes abnormal movements with his tongue or jaw.

A needle may be attached to the thread: this is an absolute emergency.

Prognosis

Operated early, before the intestine is perforated, the cat generally heals very well and returns to normal life.

The prognosis worsens as soon as there is perforation and infection of the abdomen, or when several days have passed.

Recurrence is possible in cats who readily swallow objects: prevention at home is part of the treatment.

Frequently asked questions

A piece of wire is protruding from his anus, can I gently remove it?

No, never. The other end may be stuck under the tongue or in the stomach, and the intestine is folded around it. Pulling can tear it several tens of centimeters. Take your cat to the vet immediately.

My cat swallowed a thread but he is doing very well, should we still consult him?

Yes. The signs often appear several hours late, and it is precisely during this window that treatment is simplest and safest.

Can we wait for the thread to come out on its own?

It's a dangerous bet. A stuck wire transforms a trivial situation into major surgery in just a few hours. Only a veterinarian can decide on monitoring.

Why can't the cat spit out a thread?

Its tongue is covered with small points facing backwards, made for washing. They push anything that clings to it towards the back of the throat: the cat is mechanically forced to swallow.