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My cat ate a shoelace but seems fine. What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | 5 months and 20 days old | 10 lbs

My cat ate a 5 inch shoe lace that’s about 5cm wide. I only saw him chewing the last piece of it, so I’m not sure he ate the whole thing. He’s running around playing and seems fine right now but I’m worried. What should I do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 23rd, 2018

If he ate the shoe-lace within the past 90 minutes, take your cat to a PetER where they can make him vomit and hopefully bring up the lace. If it has been longer, then you need to monitor him for diarrhea and vomiting and if this occurs, take him to a PetER for an exam as he then may have an obstruction of his intestine. Should the lace pass naturally and you see it sticking out from his anus, do NOT pull on it. It needs to be pushed out naturally. Pulling on it may damage your cat's intestine.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 21st, 2020

    As long as you are sure the entire string passed and he is eating and drinking, then there is likely no cause for concern. Monitor for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or straining to defecate. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

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