Household danger · 2 min read

Is String, ribbon, and thread dangerous for cats?

No — dangerous

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.

If your cat has just eaten string, ribbon, and thread

  1. Don't try to pull the string out — if one end is in the stomach or further, pulling can tear the intestine.
  2. Don't let your cat keep playing with it; remove any remaining string from reach.
  3. Go to your vet immediately. Linear foreign body is a surgical emergency.
  4. Take a sample of the string or a photo for the vet to see the type (ribbon, thread, elastic all behave differently).
  5. If string is visible at the anus, don't pull — cut off the excess length only, and go to the vet.

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 — a sewing needle still attached to thread is worse.

Linear foreign bodies are surgical emergencies.

Symptoms to watch for

Hours to days
Vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain. String may be visible in mouth or bottom.
Days
Severe deterioration if bowel damage occurs.

If you're worried right now

Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet first. For poison advice, the Animal PoisonLine (UK) is on 01202 509000 — 24/7, charges apply. Your vet can also call the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) directly.

Coins no Gorilla Glue (polyurethane adhesive) no Hair ties and hair bobbles no Plastic bags no Rubber bands / elastic bands no Tinsel no

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

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