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My cat ate dental floss. Is it an emergency if he seems fine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Male | neutered | 7 months and 15 days old | 7 lbs

My Persian just swallowed dental floss! Maybe 10"-12".... I gave him some cat food and water He seems fine - wanting to play and very frisky.... Any suggestions? Many Thanks!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 6th, 2018

Oh no! That is definitely an emergency. Mischa needs to go to an emergency clinic right away so that the floss can be removed from his stomach (ideally by endoscopy so that he doesn't need a full surgery) before it moved in to his intestines where it can cause the intestines to bunch up (like a scrunchie) and kill the bowel. Do not give him any food, just go straight to the ER. Food would make endoscopy or surgery harder.

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  • Image profile

    Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I wanted to add that you wouldn't actually see problems from this until he was very ill. It's possible it would pass on it's own, but not worth the risk. This is a time to treat aggressively. Good luck!

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