Is String, ribbon, and thread dangerous for cats?
No. String, wool, ribbon, shoelaces, and sewing thread can all become linear foreign bodies that damage the intestines. Keep all string-like items away from cats.
Responsible cat owners also keep parasite protection up to date — Best Vet Care ships prescription flea, tick and wormer treatments direct from licensed vets. (affiliate link)
Key facts
- Verdict: No — dangerous to cats. String, ribbon, and thread should never be given deliberately.
- Category: Linear foreign body
- Onset: Signs can start hours to days — see the full timeline below.
- If it's already happened: Call your vet now, or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, charges apply) — see the emergency steps below.
If your cat has just eaten string, ribbon, and thread
- Do not pull any visible string — pulling can cause the bunching string to cut through the intestinal wall.
- Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet immediately — this is a time-critical emergency.
- Note approximately how long the string was and when your cat swallowed it.
- Keep your cat calm and confined — do not let them eat, drink, or vomit if you can help it.
- At the vet, imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) will be used to locate the string and assess damage before a decision on treatment.
What's the full picture?
The classic image of a cat playing with a ball of wool is dangerous. Swallowed string or thread is particularly nasty — once one end is fixed (often around the base of the tongue or caught on a tooth), the intestine continues to contract around it. Instead of passing through, the string "bunches" the gut — a condition called intestinal plication. This can cut through the intestinal wall, causing peritonitis, which is life-threatening.
String injuries in cats are considered surgical emergencies. Unlike a solid object that might pass through, a linear foreign body (the vet term for string, ribbon, or thread) almost always requires intervention. The longer it stays in, the more damage it causes — each peristaltic wave of gut muscle tightens the bunching. Internal perforation can occur within hours of ingestion.
All types of string-like material carry risk: wool, cotton thread, dental floss, tinsel, ribbon, fishing line, rubber bands, shoelaces, hair ties, and even long strands of Easter grass or raffia used in gift baskets. Cats are attracted to the texture and movement of these materials, and once they start chewing, swallowing can happen quickly.
Signs that a cat has swallowed string include vomiting (often repeatedly), loss of appetite, lethargy, a hunched posture suggesting abdominal pain, and — crucially — string or thread visible protruding from the mouth or anus. Never pull a protruding string — you risk accelerating the cutting action. Contact a vet immediately.
Prevention is straightforward: store sewing supplies in closed containers, dispose of used floss in lidded bins, use pet-safe ribbon alternatives at Christmas and birthdays, and supervise cat play with string-type toys (never leave them accessible unsupervised).
Symptoms to watch for
We earn commission from some links below (Amazon Associates, Commission Junction, AWIN). This supports the site at no extra cost to you.
Cat-safe interactive toys
For prescription-strength flea, tick and wormer protection, Best Vet Care ships direct from licensed vets — no vet visit required. (affiliate link)
Questions owners ask
My cat swallowed a piece of string. What should I do?
Call your vet immediately — this is a potential emergency. If you can see string hanging from the mouth or from the anus, do not pull it. Bring your cat in as soon as possible. Describe how long the string was and how long ago it was swallowed.
How do I know if my cat has eaten string?
You may not know immediately — cats sometimes ingest string without you seeing it. Watch for vomiting (particularly repeated vomiting), loss of appetite, lethargy, a tucked-up posture, or string visible at either end of the digestive tract. If in any doubt, see a vet.
Is tinsel dangerous for cats?
Yes — tinsel behaves exactly like string and is one of the most common causes of linear foreign body emergencies around Christmas. It is highly attractive to cats but should be kept well out of reach. Many vets recommend avoiding tinsel altogether in homes with cats.
Can string pass through a cat naturally?
Very rarely — and only for very short pieces. The danger is that one end anchors (often under the tongue) while the rest feeds into the stomach and beyond. This bunching effect makes it almost impossible for string to pass safely without veterinary intervention. Don't wait to see if it passes.
Are cat toys with string safe?
Wand and teaser toys that contain string should only be used under direct supervision and stored away after play. Cats should never be left alone with dangling string toys. Shorter, stiffer attachments (feathers, fabric ribbons sewn to a handle) are lower risk than long loose threads.
A bitter deterrent spray makes cables, bin lids, and cupboard edges taste unpleasant without harming your cat.
Recommended for cat owners
Related
Sources referenced for this guidance
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) — UK clinical toxicology reference used by vets
- International Cat Care — feline-specific clinical guidance
- BSAVA — British Small Animal Veterinary Association reference materials
- Merck Veterinary Manual — professional veterinary reference
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team