Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: An intestinal obstruction is a blockage that stops food and fluid from passing through the gut. In cats, common causes are swallowed string, thread, ribbon, tinsel, and hair ties (“linear foreign bodies”), as well as tumors and intestinal telescoping (intussusception). Signs include repeated vomiting, not eating, lethargy, and belly pain. It’s an emergency. If you see string hanging from your cat’s mouth or rear end, don’t pull it: this can cut the intestines. Go to a vet.
Signs
- Repeated vomiting, or retching
- Not eating
- Lethargy or hiding
- Painful belly, or a hunched posture
- Few or no stools, or small amounts of diarrhea
- Drooling, or pawing at the mouth (string caught around the tongue)
- Dehydration
Common causes
- String, thread (often with a needle), yarn, ribbon, dental floss, tinsel, or rubber bands: one end may anchor under the tongue or in the stomach while the intestines bunch up along it.
- Hair ties, small toys, and bits of plastic
- Tumors, such as intestinal lymphoma or adenocarcinoma in older cats
- Intussusception: one part of the intestine telescopes into another, more common in young cats with gut inflammation or parasites
- Hairballs rarely cause complete blockages
What to do
- Don’t pull string from the mouth or rear end.
- Don’t give food, water, laxatives, or hairball remedies to “push it through.”
- Go to a vet or emergency clinic right away.
- If you know what was swallowed, bring a sample or packaging.
Diagnosis
- Exam, including looking under the tongue for string
- X-rays (some objects don’t show, but patterns can suggest a blockage)
- Ultrasound
- Bloodwork to check hydration, electrolytes, and organ function
Treatment
- IV fluids and pain relief
- Surgery to remove the object and repair or remove damaged intestine
- Endoscopy for some objects still in the stomach
- Treatment of the underlying cause for tumors or intussusception
With prompt treatment, most cats recover well. Delays increase the risk of intestinal perforation and serious infection (peritonitis).
Recovery at home
- Small, frequent meals of the diet your vet recommends
- Pain medication as prescribed
- A cone to protect the incision, and limited jumping for about 2 weeks
- Call your vet for vomiting, not eating, lethargy, or a swollen or painful belly
Prevention
- Put away string toys, yarn, and wand toys after play.
- Store sewing supplies, dental floss, hair ties, and ribbons out of reach.
- Skip tinsel and ribbon on gifts and trees in homes with cats.
- Bin food-scented strings and wrappings (like meat netting) securely.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cat pass a string on its own?
Sometimes, but it’s risky to wait. If signs appear, it needs urgent care.
Can hairball remedies clear a blockage?
No, and giving them can delay treatment.
How quickly do signs appear?
Often within 1–3 days, but partial blockages can cause intermittent vomiting for longer.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Intestinal obstruction in small animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Gastrointestinal foreign bodies
- Hayes G. Gastrointestinal foreign bodies in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 208 cases. J Small Anim Pract. 2009
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Foreign bodies
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.