Tumbleweed Ate a Piece of Embroidery Floss

I have been extra diligent since Tumbles arrived to put the unused pieces of floss in the jar where Tumble can't get to them. However, last night, I had just snipped a piece off and put it on the table when the ceiling fan blew it off and onto the floor. Mr. Tumbles snatched it up faster than anything and ran off with it. I wasn't able to catch him and I haven't seen the piece laying on the floor anywhere, so I'm assuming it went down the hatch. Other than watching the poop, what else should I be looking for to indicate there's a problem?

Just curious, how long was the piece? Hope he will be ok .. haven't had this issue before so can't offer any advice <3

Depending on how long it is, you may want to give the vet a call.

If you see it protruding from his anus, DO NOT PULL ON IT. It could be tied up in the bowel and pulling on it could cause serious damage.

If you see it sticking out, take him straight to the vet.

If you see him straining to poop, take him straight to the vet.

If he starts vomiting....straight to the vet.

Keep up posted.

It was about 4"-6" long and was dark blue. I have alerted the husband to the situation and he knows to keep an eye on him. He knows not to PUll on it.

It's been more than 24 hours and he's had at least 3 BMs. He's still playing, eating, drinking, and using the litter box as normal. No sign of the string passing, but how much longer should we be on poop patrol?

Originally Posted by stephanietx

It's been more than 24 hours and he's had at least 3 BMs. He's still playing, eating, drinking, and using the litter box as normal. No sign of the string passing, but how much longer should we be on poop patrol?

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If there is a piece bound up with string, don't you have to take apart the poo ? I believe this is what is referred to as "thinning it out."

First thing you need to do (and you need help for this unless you have a really docile kitty) is have someone hold him firmly in their lap. Take a ball point pen (use the end with the clicker)- or the eraser side of a pencil and open Tumbles mouth. Lift up his tongue, if he has swallowed the floss, it often gets caught in the back of the tongue and you can only see it underneath- it will not be visible on top. You need a small flashlight to spot it as well. If you see it- leave it alone and get him to the vet quickly.

You can give him a small amount of organic catnip, mineral oil, canned pumpkin (not the pie mix) cooked green beans or squash to push any string through his system.

Let's hope he dropped it somewhere and didn't swallow it- because it can and does cause some internal issues if not passed. The plus is it should have been made of cotton which will be absorbed over time-

What a little stinker! I'll bet he's going to be just fine. He might have hidden it under furniture, or it could be along a wall where you can't see it. My cats have swallowed my dd's hair (and you saw how much hair she has) and they have been just fine---occasional dangly poo---but just fine.

Cally

I sure hope so! We've been watching him like crazy and I'm sure he's tired of us watching him everytime he goes to the litter box! Nothing like having an audience when you're trying to take care of business.

Thanks for the reassurance! How did your DD do at the meet and how did you survive the heat?