Cat Ate A String...

I swear, between my three cats, our vet must see dollar signs whenever we call.

This morning we noticed that Emerson had a very sizeable string hanging out of his bottom...it was so big and balled up I thought it was just stuck to his fur, but nope. Fully immersed. Tugged on it gently and it didn't move so we took him in. Vet was able to get the entire string out and said to watch him for a few days.

We got home and he immediately went to the litterbox, squatted, and produced the smallest little poop nugget. I am not sure if this is a cause of concern because:

a. She took out what she referred to as a "fecal plug" (chunk of poop with the rest of the string/thread) so he was pretty internally clean afterwards.
b. Poor guy had a lubed finger shoved up there, which I'm guessing can give the impression that he has to go to the bathroom when he doesn't.
c. He was leaking a little because of the lubricant.

Can anyone who has had this happen comment with warning signs?

I have had two string eaters....one a cat I still own and one a dog who has passed on, not due to any string incidents. You very wisely did not pull, so you don't have to ask yourself if you did any harm. My guess, but it is only based on my experience, is that what you are seeing is normal. But watch for anything suspicious. Without going into too much description, removing a fecal plug is enough of a procedure to make things feel odd in that area and to produce a few side effect which should be temporary. He should go back to normal pretty quickly....this is not like a week recovery or anything. I joke that I bought the vet's last BMW for him.

He just tried to go again and didn't produce anything, looked quite confused...then he got out and drug his bottom on the carpet. Sigh. If he doesn't go within 24 hours we will take him back in. He scarfed his dinner so something should be brewing...

If he's had a string removed and a finger with lube up his bottom he's going to feel a little strange, I imagine. I don't think you need to worry unless he starts bleeding or doesn't poop at all for a few days.

I know what you mean about the dollar signs. I swear I'm putting our vet's kids through college.