My Cat Ate Fishing Line: What to Do Now
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⚠️ Critical Warning
NEVER pull on string protruding from your cat. The line may be anchored internally — pulling can cut through the intestine.
ALWAYS check under your cat's tongue. Fishing line frequently anchors at the base of the tongue.
This requires emergency surgery — do not wait for symptoms.
Assess Your Cat's Risk Right Now
| Exposure Type | Symptoms Present? | Risk Level | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| String visible under tongue | Yes | CRITICAL | 🚨 DO NOT PULL — Emergency vet NOW |
| String seen swallowed | No symptoms yet | CRITICAL | 🚨 Emergency vet NOW — likely surgery |
| String protruding from anus | Vomiting, not eating | CRITICAL | 🚨 DO NOT PULL — Emergency surgery |
What to Do Right Now
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Step 1: Check Under Your Cat's Tongue
Gently open your mouth and look under the tongue and at the base. Fishing line commonly anchors here. If you see string — do NOT pull.
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Step 2: Do NOT Pull Any Protruding String
⚠️ Pulling can cause the line to saw through the intestinal wall. Leave it alone and go to emergency vet.
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Step 3: Go to Emergency Vet for X-rays/Surgery
Linear foreign bodies often require surgical removal. Your vet will take X-rays, start IV fluids, and perform enterotomy to remove the line.
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Step 4: Prepare for Hospitalization
Post-surgery, your cat will need 2-5 days hospitalization for IV antibiotics, pain management, and monitoring for anastomotic leakage.
The Science Behind It
Linear foreign bodies (string, yarn, fishing line) are surgical emergencies in cats. The proximal end anchors — commonly under the tongue, at the pylorus, or in the stomach. Intestinal peristalsis pulls the distal end taught, causing the intestine to plicate (accordion-fold) around it. The taut line exerts pressure on the mesenteric border, causing ischemic necrosis and perforation. Multiple perforations along the intestinal tract lead to septic peritonitis. Unlike dogs, cats have a smaller intestinal diameter and are more susceptible to linear foreign body complications (AAHA, 2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is fishing line so dangerous for cats?
Fishing line is a linear foreign body — when swallowed, it anchors at one end (under tongue, in stomach, or at pylorus) while the rest extends through the intestines. Peristalsis pulls the line taut, causing the intestine to accordion-pleat around it. The line then saws through the intestinal wall, causing multiple perforations, peritonitis, and death if not surgically removed.
What are the symptoms of linear foreign body in cats?
Symptoms include: string visible under tongue or protruding from anus, vomiting (especially after eating), drooling, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, and fever. CRITICAL: Always check under the tongue and around the base of the tongue — the line may be anchored there.
Should I pull the string out of my cat?
NO! Never pull on a string or line protruding from your cat mouth or anus. The line may be anchored internally — pulling it can saw through the intestinal wall causing perforations. Go to emergency vet immediately for proper removal under anesthesia.
What is the treatment for fishing line ingestion in cats?
Treatment requires emergency surgery (enterotomy or gastrotomy) to remove the line. Multiple incisions may be needed along the intestine to release the plicated segments. IV antibiotics treat peritonitis, and fluids correct dehydration. Prognosis depends on how many perforations occurred — early surgery has 80-90% survival; delayed treatment with multiple perforations has 50-60% survival.