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My cat threw up ribbon, now bile but acts normal. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 years old | 15 lbs

Two days ago my cat threw up a rather long piece of ribbon he had ingested. After vomiting, he immediately began to eat and drink and hasn’t acted any differently since then. After these observations, I began to think he was ok, but this morning he threw up a small amount of brown liquid, which I assume to be bile. Should I be worried? I don’t want to go to the vet and be charged like crazy if it isn’t anything. He’s still been acting completely normal besides this second round of vomiting.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Tatum!

The vomiting could be from residual irritation from the ribbon or there could be more ribbon that is causing an obstruction. It is also possible it is completely unrelated to the ribbon in general: intestinal parasites, hair ball, ate something else gross (plant, etc), pancreatitis, food allergy/intolerance, reaction to a new food/treat/table food.

You can continue to watch him but if he continues to vomit or stops eating that is an emergency and he needs to see a vet for an exam and an X-ray to check for a blockage.

I wish you the best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 9th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m so sorry to hear about Buddy! My first concern is that he ate something like a string, ribbon, etc that is now stuck somewhere. This is the most common type of foreign body in cats. Because a string will not block the intestines entirely, there is sometimes not any vomiting. However, this type of scenario can be life-threatening. If he is prone to eating stuff like that, I recommend seeing a vet as soon as possible- tonight would be ideal.

Of course it could be many other things too as these are “non-specific” signs.

A simple gastroenteritis (ate something weird and it disaggrees with him), viral infection, pain/injury, fever, toxin, abscess, and even a hairball stuck in the intestines can all cause these types of signs.

Long story short, if Buddy is not better in 48 hours or is worse in any way, it’s time to see the vet.

Best of luck to you and Buddy!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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