Cat licked up tiny bit of thread

[tdonline]

Why didn't I pick it up...

So there was a tiny bit of cotton thread on the sofa.  The type that's a scrap off an end of cloth.  My cat jumped on the sofa, licked at it and swallowed...My reaction was a very smart, "Why would you do that?"

I'm not sure if I should induce vomiting?  Or give her a dollop of petroleum jelly?  She did this once with a much longer piece of dental floss and the vet recommended PJ.  She pooped it out the next day.

PS. I'm going to give her PJ.

 

[peaches08]

I can't tell you the number of times my cats have eaten something and I've thought, "oh boy...that wasn't good."  You know the risks, you know the options, and it sounds like you're going to watch her so I'm not super-concerned.  Also, mine have pooped out stuff and I've thought, "What is that?"  Sigh.  We do the best we can.

 

[tdonline]

Thanks.  Looking back I should have gone with vomit.  My cats vomit within minutes ingesting diary. I should have given her some milk.  Now I have to wait and hope it comes out the other end. 

 

[peaches08]

Well, it's faster I suppose but not always the safest.  It can get "hung" on the way back up and you've got aspiration risks.  I think you did the right thing.

 

[mosimom]

How long was the thread? It will most likely wad up and pass. Don't worry unless your cat starts vomiting or refuses to eat. That will mean it is in the intestines acting like an accordion backing everything up. Inducing vomiting could get it caught at the back of the throat and cause damage.

 

[tdonline]

It wasn't very long, just a scrap.  But who knows, maybe it was bunched up?  She pooped this morning...and I forgot to check!  She does seem to be okay and has had her typical day (eat, bully her sister for a bit, steal her food, play fetch and sleep).

 

[stewball]

If it was a little bit you probably don't need to worry just keep your eye on the kitty.