Household object
String, Thread, Tinsel and Hair Ties
Emergency. Linear foreign bodies saw through the intestinal wall.
SevereCatsDogsFerrets
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
What to do right now
- 1.Never pull on visible string — it may be anchored inside
- 2.Go to a veterinary practice immediately
- 3.Withhold food while awaiting assessment
Symptoms
- Repeated vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Painful abdomen
- Straining
- String visible under the tongue or at the anus
Details
- Category
- Household object
- Toxicity
- Severe
- Species affected
- Cats, Dogs, Ferrets
- Routes of exposure
- Swallowed during play
- Urgency
- Emergency. Linear foreign bodies saw through the intestinal wall.
Veterinary notes and prevention
Linear foreign bodies frequently require surgery. Store sewing supplies, hair ties and tinsel securely in homes with cats.
Prepare the information your vet needs
- For String, Thread, Tinsel and Hair Ties, report the exposure route: Swallowed during play. Tell the clinic the time, possible amount and your pet's species and approximate weight.
- Photograph the packaging, ingredient list or plant if safe. Do not handle contaminated material without protection or delay the call to identify it perfectly.
- Keep other animals away from the source. An animal may appear normal before signs develop; do not wait for symptoms or calculate a home 'safe dose'.
- Follow the clinic's transport instructions. Do not give food, medicines or home remedies unless instructed, and take packaging with you if available.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.