The “String” Swallow: Linear Foreign Bodies and Pica#

It is the classic cartoon image: a kitten playing with a ball of yarn.

In reality, yarn, thread, ribbon, and tinsel are the deadliest things in your house.

Maine Coons, with their high prevalence of Pica, are notorious for eating “Linear Foreign Bodies.”

Unlike a toy mouse which might just get stuck, a string creates a “Drawstring Effect.” One end gets stuck in the stomach, and the rest travels down the intestine. As the intestine tries to push it through, it bunches up (plicates) like the fabric on a curtain rod. The string can saw right through the intestinal wall, causing fatal peritonitis.

The “Thread Under the Tongue” Check#

If your cat is vomiting excessively and you suspect they ate string:

Open their mouth.
Look under the tongue.
Often, the string wraps around the base of the tongue, anchoring it while the rest goes down the throat.

CRITICAL WARNING: If you see a string hanging out of their mouth or anus, NEVER PULL IT. Pulling it can slice the intestine like a cheese wire. Cut it short (so they don’t trip on it) and drive to the vet immediately.

Prevention: Safe Alternatives#

You cannot stop a Maine Coon from chewing. You must give them safe things to destroy.

No Tinsel: Never use tinsel on a Christmas tree. It is irresistible and deadly.
Supervised Wands: Put wand toys in a closet when not in use.
Chew Toys: Offer silvervine sticks or heavy-duty rubber chew toys (like Kong for Cats) to satisfy the gnawing urge.

Silvervine Chewing Sticks

A safe, natural alternative to plastic or string. Promotes dental health and satisfies the urge to gnaw.

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Conclusion#

If you sew, knit, or wrap gifts, you must treat your craft room like a biohazard lab. Count your needles. Lock up your ribbon. It only takes one second for a Maine Coon to slurp down three feet of thread.

Resources & Further Reading#

ACVS (American College of Veterinary Surgeons). (n.d.). Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies.
Pet Poison Helpline. (2022). Tinsel and String Dangers.