One of my cats chewed/ate ribbon from a nightgown. Not sure which one. ER vet with both or wait and see?

hoobie67

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Hi there.
I’m just about at my wit’s end with my cats eating things. I’m so diligent about picking up anything string-like, removing things from their toys that they could ingest and cause issues after an incident back in May with my oldest male cat. He chewed and ate the elastic cord from a new pair of sandals, we had to take him to the ER vet to induce vomiting. Thankfully he was able to get it all up without it causing an issue.

Now, I have a 2nd kitten who is also a chewer. I’ve had to put up blankets, toys, etc. that have anything remotely chew-able because I’ve caught him trying to eat multiple things. So far he’s been fine, but again I’m not sure who is the culprit of this most recent incident.

About 30 min ago, I discovered my nightgown was pulled out of the hamper on the floor. There is a small ribbon at the collarbone and about half of it was chewed off on one side. I’ve attached a photo just to get an idea of the material.

Both of my male cats were in the room when I found it, the older male closer to it than the younger, but I know that doesn’t really mean anything. Just from experience alone I’m leaning toward my older male (Milo) instead of my kitten (Marty).

Should I head to the ER vet with both and have them both induced for vomiting or wait and see if one starts showing signs of obstruction??? I’m so terrified of something happening to them, but I don’t know what else to do here. Money isn’t a concern but I would prefer to avoid a major surgery if I can…

Let me know what you would do in this situation.
 

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Caspers Human

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How long is the piece that was swallowed? Six inches?

Half the problem is already over... the "going in" part. If the cat swallowed the ribbon without choking, the worst is over.

Now, for the other half of the problem... the "coming out" part. Chances are, as the saying goes, "This, too, shall also pass."
That is the more likely scenario. Unfortunately, likely or not, the alternative could be grave and that's where the problem comes in.

I wouldn't rush off to the emergency room, just yet, but I would still put in a phone call to your regular vet and get their opinion.

The vet might tell you to just watch the litter box and call back if there are problems. They might tell you to bring the cat in for a checkup and, maybe, an X-ray. They might tell you that it's an emergency and to bring the cat in right away.

I'm not a vet so I can't tell you anything for certain but, from my experience, that is the range of things that can happen.

If it was me, I'd be watching the litter box like a hawk until I found the piece of ribbon but keep the vet on speed dial until then.

Probably, the best course of action would be to call the vet and get their opinion.
 

SueLinda

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With my two fur babies, I prefer (prefur?) to err on the side of caution. I would say call your vet and see if they think your cats should come in.
I hope everything comes out fine. Ok maybe that's a bad choice of words.;)
 
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hoobie67

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How long is the piece that was swallowed? Six inches?

Half the problem is already over... the "going in" part. If the cat swallowed the ribbon without choking, the worst is over.

Now, for the other half of the problem... the "coming out" part. Chances are, as the saying goes, "This, too, shall also pass."
That is the more likely scenario. Unfortunately, likely or not, the alternative could be grave and that's where the problem comes in.

I wouldn't rush off to the emergency room, just yet, but I would still put in a phone call to your regular vet and get their opinion.

The vet might tell you to just watch the litter box and call back if there are problems. They might tell you to bring the cat in for a checkup and, maybe, an X-ray. They might tell you that it's an emergency and to bring the cat in right away.

I'm not a vet so I can't tell you anything for certain but, from my experience, that is the range of things that can happen.

If it was me, I'd be watching the litter box like a hawk until I found the piece of ribbon but keep the vet on speed dial until then.

Probably, the best course of action would be to call the vet and get their opinion.
Thanks for your response. I’m at the ER vet with both of them as we speak… I called my regular vet who gave me some options (but unfortunately didn’t have any openings today or tomorrow) and suggested that I call an ER vet for advice to see if they can be brought in for an X-Ray. Milo is going back now & they may induce vomiting in him just to see if they can have him bring anything up before it’s no longer an option. If nothing comes up from him, we will do an X-Ray and then move onto Marty.

I’m hoping Milo is the one who ate the string and he is able to vomit everything out… keeping my fingers crossed.
 
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hoobie67

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What happened at the ER?
Nothing. Milo did not vomit, and they took an x-ray but couldn’t see any of the ribbon. The vet felt that it was not worth putting Marty through it since it was several hours after ingestion and inducing vomiting in cats is already not known to be very successful. She discharged them both with instructions to monitor, check their BMs for any pieces of ribbon and come back if they show signs of a blockage.

I’m really upset and honestly still super scared even though the vet thinks either one will be able to pass it through their digestive system given the material and size. Both cats are still doing completely fine, Milo is a little loopy still but the meds are wearing off.
 

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I understand. I guess you have to completely cat proof your home, or confine them to a cat proof room when you aren’t home. Some cats are like this. They walk around 24/7 trying to come up with ways to hurt themselves. Or at the least spend your money. Obviously, they have no idea what they are doing and just think it would be fun to play with, then eat things.

You could try, if you don’t already, having play and hunt sessions and then feeding to mimic what they would do in the wild.( if domestic cats were wild).
 
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hoobie67

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I understand. I guess you have to completely cat proof your home, or confine them to a cat proof room when you aren’t home. Some cats are like this. They walk around 24/7 trying to come up with ways to hurt themselves. Or at the least spend your money. Obviously, they have no idea what they are doing and just think it would be fun to play with, then eat things.

You could try, if you don’t already, having play and hunt sessions and then feeding to mimic what they would do in the wild.( if domestic cats were wild).
Yeah, I thought I had gone through everything I could think of already to cat-proof my home, remove dangerous toys and other potential issue-causing objects but didn’t consider a ribbon on my nightgown. My partner scoured the whole house while I was gone and removed anything he could see that may cause an issue.

In an effort to get Milo some more exercise and hopefully drop a couple lbs, we started playing with him and having him chase a toy or laser pointer before he gets a treat. I’ll definitely keep doing this and perhaps implement it before breakfast and dinner as well to provide more stimulation.

I asked my vet before if they think this could be PICA but it’s not consistent enough and he doesn’t show any other clinical signs.
 

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We've had similar incidents with one of our cats so ribbons, strings, shoelaces (especially leather), toy mouse tails, and similar materials are cut, permanently out of reach, or kept strictly in drawers. No more ribbon bookmarks! Even so, it can be hard to keep track of everything. I don't remember what Ireland's longest ribbon or string snack was but I've watched the litter box more times than I'd like to remember.

Fingers crossed that both your cats will be okay!
 
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hoobie67

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I understand. I guess you have to completely cat proof your home, or confine them to a cat proof room when you aren’t home. Some cats are like this. They walk around 24/7 trying to come up with ways to hurt themselves. Or at the least spend your money. Obviously, they have no idea what they are doing and just think it would be fun to play with, then eat things.

You could try, if you don’t already, having play and hunt sessions and then feeding to mimic what they would do in the wild.( if domestic cats were wild).
Yeah, I thought I had gone through everything I could think of already to cat-proof my home, remove dangerous toys and other potential issue-causing objects but didn’t consider a ribbon on my nightgown. My partner scoured the whole house while I was gone and removed anything he could see that may cause an issue.

In an effort to get Milo some more exercise and hopefully drop a couple lbs, we started playing with him and having him chase a toy or laser pointer before he gets a treat. I’ll definitely keep doing this and perhaps implement it before breakfast and dinner as well to provide more stimulation.

I asked my vet before if they think this could be PICA but it’s not consistent enough and he doesn’t show any other clinical signs.
We've had similar incidents with one of our cats so ribbons, strings, shoelaces (especially leather), toy mouse tails, and similar materials are cut, permanently out of reach, or kept strictly in drawers. No more ribbon bookmarks! Even so, it can be hard to keep track of everything. I don't remember what Ireland's longest ribbon or string snack was but I've watched the litter box more times than I'd like to remember.

Fingers crossed that both your cats will be okay!
Thank you! I really appreciate hearing that others have gone through this with positive outcomes… it’s hard not to doom scroll & search the internet fearing the worst.

So far both cats are doing fine, ate and pooped this morning. Milo is napping in his cat tree (which is typical for him in the mornings until afternoon) and Marty is playing with his toys. I have gone through their stools and have not seen any signs of ribbon yet, but will continue to monitor.

My partner and I have done another thorough sweep of the house to remove anything remotely resembling a string that could cause a potential issue. We both work from home so luckily we’re able to watch the cats closely and take immediate action if we discover something… but these little jerks are so quick to find their “snacks” and eat them!!!
 

lisahe

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I'm glad they're both doing fine... Just keep watching them (and the litter boxes, which is no fun!) for another couple days.

We also work from home -- it really does help to work so you can keep watch and know the cats' habits. It's amazing the trouble that cats get into, despite how hard we try to keep them out of it!
 
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hoobie67

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Hi there.
I’m just about at my wit’s end with my cats eating things. I’m so diligent about picking up anything string-like, removing things from their toys that they could ingest and cause issues after an incident back in May with my oldest male cat. He chewed and ate the elastic cord from a new pair of sandals, we had to take him to the ER vet to induce vomiting. Thankfully he was able to get it all up without it causing an issue.

Now, I have a 2nd kitten who is also a chewer. I’ve had to put up blankets, toys, etc. that have anything remotely chew-able because I’ve caught him trying to eat multiple things. So far he’s been fine, but again I’m not sure who is the culprit of this most recent incident.

About 30 min ago, I discovered my nightgown was pulled out of the hamper on the floor. There is a small ribbon at the collarbone and about half of it was chewed off on one side. I’ve attached a photo just to get an idea of the material.

Both of my male cats were in the room when I found it, the older male closer to it than the younger, but I know that doesn’t really mean anything. Just from experience alone I’m leaning toward my older male (Milo) instead of my kitten (Marty).

Should I head to the ER vet with both and have them both induced for vomiting or wait and see if one starts showing signs of obstruction??? I’m so terrified of something happening to them, but I don’t know what else to do here. Money isn’t a concern but I would prefer to avoid a major surgery if I can…

Let me know what you would do in this situation.
UPDATE: The ribbon has been located and MARTY was the culprit!!! He crapped out the entire long piece missing in the photo at around midnight. I am so relieved but also feel terrible because of what I made poor Milo go through at the ER vet :(

I’m still going to monitor the litter box for another day at least and check Milo’s stool when he goes (still waiting on him to poo again today) just to be sure.

Thanks everyone who commented and shared their insight. It is much appreciated!
 

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I am glad they are ok and he pooped it out. 😁

I went through that with Merlin when he may have chewed off and swallowed part of a string on the door I was using to trap another cat outside to close the trap. Somehow he got it off the door handle. Anyway, we went to er and it was waste of time and money, no images of anything on xray and the inducing vomit did not work- I don't recommend it. Later people said you can observe them for signs. He never pooped it out that I saw so he may not actually have eaten any of it. One er said to observe him and they don't do the vomit inducement thing because it does not work etc.

Before that Quinn as a young guy chewed a desiccant bag in the garage that fell on the floor. Off to the ER, several hundred dollars later, lol, and the radiologist said he saw no desiccant in him, but dvm thought he saw one small piece because it had iron and lights up. But it did not need treatment. Then it was just the iron content in that particular one that was potentially an issue. He was fine.

None of my other cats have ever chewed anything or swallowed anything except their food etc. Quinn is a bit of a chewer but he focuses on two items mostly so I toss out rubber bands and desiccant.
 
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