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Cat ate string, now lethargic & not eating. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 years and 7 months old

My 3 year old male cat ate some string 2 days ago. He vomited shortly after what seemed to be the amount he ingested. He has vomited twice since then but only what looks like water and some food. His first bowel movement contained a long piece of string and the second one had none. He has voided his bowels twice since the incident and his bladder 3 times. Today he won't eat, other than treats. He seems more lethargic than usual but no pain or discomfort when his belly is touched. Is he ok?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 1st, 2016

Oh naughty Loki for eating string! If he is more lethargic than usual and isn't eating, I would take him into the vet right away. It is possible there is still more string instead his intestines, and he should be examined by a vet now. If there is still string in his GI tract, then he will need surgery to remove it.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sarah Smith, Bsc (Hons) BVM&S MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 22nd, 2017

    If your cat has possibly eaten string and is vomiting then I would urge you to contact your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately. A linear foreign body such as string is serious and even life threatening. Besides causing intestinal inflammation and obstruction they can also cause multiple perforations of the bowel will require surgical intervention. Your veterinarian will be able to examine your cat and perform X-rays to determine if the string is the reason behind the vomiting or if there is another cause.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 10th, 2019

    Winston is very sick, and this won't be in relation to his eye. He has to see a vet immediately. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

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