Introduction: Wren’s Scary Encounter with String
Cats are curious by nature, and sometimes their curiosity can lead to serious trouble. Meet Wren, a sweet and affectionate cat who found herself in a dangerous situation after swallowing a piece of string.
When Wren arrived at i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, she was vomiting, lethargic, and in pain. Her case highlights the dangers of string ingestion in cats—and serves as a reminder to cat owners about what to do in emergencies like this.
Why Is String Dangerous for Cats?
Cats love to chase and chew on string, yarn, ribbons, and shoelaces. But if swallowed, these items can quickly become life-threatening.
The Risks Include:
- Intestinal Blockages – Strings can become stuck under the tongue or in the stomach, pulling tightly through the intestines and causing them to bunch up like an accordion.
- Tears and Perforations – A taut string can saw through the delicate walls of the intestines, leading to internal infections (peritonitis) or sepsis.
- Emergency Surgery – If the string can’t pass naturally, surgery may be required to remove it, which can be expensive and risky.
Wren’s Story: Diagnosis and Treatment
Wren’s case highlights how quickly string ingestion can escalate—and how prompt veterinary care can make all the difference.
Day 1: Emergency Visit
Wren came in vomiting and showing signs of severe distress. Upon examination, Dr. Alastair Westcott found a string looped around her tongue, pulling tightly through her intestines and causing painful bunching.
Dr. Westcott immediately cut the string under her tongue to relieve tension, which improved her comfort and stabilized her condition. Wren was then sent home overnight with instructions for careful monitoring.
Day 2: Follow-Up Ultrasound
The next morning, Wren returned for an ultrasound exam with Dr. Alastair Westcott, a veterinary ultrasonographer at i-Care.
Why Ultrasound?
Ultrasound provides a non-invasive, real-time view of a pet’s internal organs. It allows us to:
- Detect blockages, inflammation, or intestinal bunching.
- Decide whether surgery is necessary—or whether it can be safely avoided.
- Monitor changes without exploratory surgery, reducing stress and costs.
The ultrasound revealed that Wren’s intestines were no longer tightly bunched, and the string appeared to be moving through safely. We opted to continue monitoring her carefully rather than rush into surgery.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats String
1. Don’t Pull the String!
If string is visible in your cat’s mouth or rectum, never pull on it. This could cause internal damage, including intestinal tears or rectal prolapse. Instead, trim the visible portion and call your veterinarian immediately.
2. Watch for Symptoms
Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal discomfort are signs of a potential blockage and should be treated as an emergency.
3. Seek Veterinary Care ASAP
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and minimize the need for invasive surgery.
Can Cats Stay Overnight at i-Care Veterinary Hospital?
At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we always strive to send patients home at the end of the day, as long as it’s safe to do so. Cats like Wren benefit from being monitored at home overnight, where their owners can observe changes in appetite, comfort, and behaviour.
If a patient requires overnight care, we refer them to an emergency veterinary clinic for continued monitoring and treatment. This ensures your pet receives the best care, even after hours.
The Outcome: Wren’s Happy Ending
Thanks to quick action, ultrasound imaging, and careful monitoring, Wren avoided surgery and passed the string safely. She’s now back to being her affectionate, playful self! Her story highlights the value of advanced diagnostics and timely veterinary care.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared and Stay Alert
String ingestion is a common but serious emergency for cats. Knowing what to do—and acting quickly—can save your cat’s life.
If you’re ever unsure, don’t wait. Call us at i-Care Veterinary Hospital for expert advice and care. We’re here to help, whether it’s an emergency or routine check-up.