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Most cats love to play with string! They love to chase and pounce on a string that’s dragged across the floor. Your cat may love this game and look cute/funny as she gyrates and springs while trying to catch that string! But what happens if a cat eats a plastic string?
Has your cat eaten plastic string? Are you worried the plastic string will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about plastic string and whether it can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Plastic String?
Plastic string is a type of string that’s used in crafting. It’s a type of thread that can be knotted in different ways to create bracelets, keychains, and much more.
The string is made from plastic and comes in many colors. However, there’s also a type of plastic string that’s hollow and made from PVC tubes. These also come in many colors and sizes.
While plastic string is considered safe for humans (when used as directed), what about cats? Can plastic string make a cat sick?
Plastic String & Cats
Unfortunately, plastic string can make a cat very sick. Eating this or any other kind of string can cause a life-threatening incident for a cat.
The problem is that string becomes a linear foreign body that can cause intestinal obstruction, twist and cut off the intestines, and more.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Plastic String Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten plastic string:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (may contain blood)
- Constipation
- Panting
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Hiding
If you notice these or any other symptoms, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Note: If you notice string protruding from your cat’s anus, do not pull it. This could cause serious damage to your cat’s gastrointestinal system.
Treatment of Plastic String Ingestion in Cats
The vet may order images to determine where the string is located in your cat’s digestive system. If they find the string in your cat’s stomach, the vet may be able to remove the string with an endoscopic procedure. If the string is further into the cat’s digestive tract, the vet may need to perform surgery to remove it.
After the procedure, your cat may need to be hospitalized, depending on her condition.
The prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical treatment after ingesting plastic string. In the future, it’s best to keep this and all other string out of your cat’s reach. Only allow her to play with string when you are using string to play with her. And never allow her to eat the string. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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