My cat swallowed string 2 weeks ago. It's not out. Is surgery needed?

Hi there. It's very possible that he ingested multiple pieces of string. It sounds like the one that was causing the blockage was removed during surgery, but this doesn't necessarily mean that there couldn't be other pieces still present that are in the process of passing through. As long as Gib is eating and drinking normally, not vomiting, and having regular bowel movements, this should not be cause for concern.

It would be best to seek veterinary care in person ASAP as linear foreign bodies can cause a lot of GI issues if left untreated. Your vet can help monitor Silence, and let you know if he requires surgery or if it looks like things are passing.

Just monitor her for the moment; unfortunately strings and any type of linear foreign body can sit in the intestine and stomach for ages before coming out!. As long as she eating fine and drinking ok and passing feces and urine normally and being normal in terms of demeanor and activity level she will be ok and she won't need any check up. You could potentially give her some mineral oil (2mls every meal )like paraffin oil to lubricate the gastrointestinal canal and help to get rid of the strings if there. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It is common for dogs and cats not to pass stool for several days after these types of surgeries - probably due to the drugs used during anesthesia and the lack of food intake before and after the surgery. I usually don't get concerned until 5 days have passed as long as the cat is eating normally, is not vomiting, and is not straining or attempting to defecate. I bet Jones will go in the next couple of days!

Oh naughty Loki for eating string! If he is more lethargic than usual and isn't eating, I would take him into the vet right away. It is possible there is still more string instead his intestines, and he should be examined by a vet now. If there is still string in his GI tract, then he will need surgery to remove it.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ingested string is a very serious concern as it has the potential to cause an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract which may require surgery. You will need to visit your nearest emergency veterinarian to induce vomiting as soon as possible. After 2 hours, inducing vomiting will have little to no effect as the string will have likely passed through her stomach. Best of luck to you and Oreo!

A two inch long fluffy string likely will not cause a foreign body obstruction. It willl ikely pass the natural way. Should your cat start vomiting, get lethargic or get diarrhea within the next week then you should have her examined by your vet.