My dopey cat ate some ribbon

I found my cat chewing on wrapping ribbon late last night, looks like he ate about 3in or so. Over the night, he's thrown up 3x (all water) and passed a less than firm stool earlier. DH sifted through it, and can not find remnants of the ribbon. We are closely monitoring him and he seems to be his normal self, albeit the vomiting. He's drinking a ton of water, and nibbling on food. I called the emergency vet, and they said to watch him over the next few hours and if he starts to become lethargic, to immediately bring him in. I plan on bringing him in tomorrow to MY vet, since they have his records. Is there anything Ic an do to help him pass it? Anything I can add to his food?

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

I do not know if hairball stuff would work but I give it to my cat regularly because she is very hairball prone. They sell it in a tube at the petstore.

My dopey cat ate some ribbon

My vet told me that pumpkin is a natural laxative for cats so maybe try some canned stuff?

My dopey cat ate some ribbon

Well, we had quite the afternoon

After waiting 1 hour to even been acknowledged, according to the "Vet" (and I use this term loosely), he has a severe blockage and needs emergency surgery ASAP. Yet when I ask her where the blockage is on the X-ray, she can't pinpoint it. She says, this may be the blockage, but it could also be gas. Quoted us $5125 to $6250 for the surgery. Tells us if we take him home, she doesn't think he'll make it through the night. After getting a recommendation on a low cost surgical vet, we decided to take him home and get a second opinion at his vet in the morning. We open up the cat carrier when we get home, and he jumps out, acting like his normal self, rubbing up against my DH. We'll see how he does through the night. I never do this, but if you could please spare a prayer for my little guy? We've been through a rough day, and it will be on pins and needles until tomorrow. Thank you all!!

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

Was this an emergency vet? I have to say I would have done the same thing as you. I that all is ok but considering he is acting normal and she can't even "see" the blockage, sound pretty dramatic. And the cost sounds over the top too.

Please keep us posted but I would have done the same exact thing as you.

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

OMG, hope all will be ok!

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

Thank you for the prayers! I'm happy to say Koal has been acting perfectly fine since we brought him home. I limited his food, and only gave him 1 tablespoon of wet last night, and he didn't throw up or act like he was in pain. He slept with us the entire night, and has used his litter box 2x. Our vet called us first thing this morning (since the emergency vet was mandated to report we refused surgery) and said if he seems ok, to just monitor him and if he throws up one more time, to immediately bring him in. Since then, he's had about half a can of wet, and is currently curled up next to me on the couch. Please keep those prayers coming

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

Posted by Goobster



Was this an emergency vet? I have to say I would have done the same thing as you. I that all is ok but considering he is acting normal and she can't even "see" the blockage, sound pretty dramatic. And the cost sounds over the top too.

Please keep us posted but I would have done the same exact thing as you.

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

Posted by MrsM429

Posted by Goobster



Was this an emergency vet? I have to say I would have done the same thing as you. I that all is ok but considering he is acting normal and she can't even "see" the blockage, sound pretty dramatic. And the cost sounds over the top too.

Please keep us posted but I would have done the same exact thing as you.

Yes, VMCLI in West Islip. They made my DH and I feel HORRIBLE! I will not put my cat through a potentially unnecessary surgery on the notion there MAY be a blockage.

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

We had a cat who ate tinsel once.

It winded up not being good. His intestines were never right. It's amazing what this stuff can do to them.


It sounds like your cat is in a lot better shape. As long as he is going to the bathroom and not struggling. I hope he feels better.

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

Thanks everyone! He finally passed the ribbon this morning. I never would have thought I would be so happy to see my cat poop

Message edited 2/4/2014 5:45:21 PM.

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

yay for ribbon poop!!!!

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

My cat once ate an entire ribbon in front of me.
I couldn't believe how quickly she grabbed it and I couldn't get it away from her fast enough.
I was petrified but all was well.
The fact they told you he had a blockage when he obviously didn't, and recommended such a pricey surgery is inexcusable.
I'd have gone back to that so called "vet" today -with the ribbon poop in tow- and showed it to them!

Re: My dopey cat ate some ribbon

Posted by NervousNell

My cat once ate an entire ribbon in front of me.
I couldn't believe how quickly she grabbed it and I couldn't get it away from her fast enough.
I was petrified but all was well.
The fact they told you he had a blockage when he obviously didn't, and recommended such a pricey surgery is inexcusable.
I'd have gone back to that so called "vet" today -with the ribbon poop in tow- and showed it to them!