What this means
Kittens explore the world with their mouths, but when chewing turns into swallowing and does not stop, it is worth showing to a vet. Some cats suck or gnaw woollen things, clothes, blankets, plastic bags or cables, and others swallow what they chew. Sucking and chewing do not mean the item was swallowed, but watch for anything that has gone missing or got shorter.
The most dangerous things are long and soft: thread, string, ribbon, rubber bands. One end can catch while the rest travels on through the gut and draws it tight, injuring it, so swallowed thread or ribbon is an emergency even if the cat looks bright, eats and behaves as usual. If you can see thread hanging from the mouth or the anus, do not pull on it.
The reasons vary: boredom, stress, being weaned too early or a habit left over from kittenhood, and also health problems such as anaemia, so the cause is worth discussing with a vet. Do not try to give anything or pull anything out at home, and if you suspect something was swallowed, do not wait for signs.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your cat.
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Boredom or too little to do
A cat short of play and activity may chew whatever is within reach. That is no reason to wait, because a swallowed item is dangerous all the same.
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Stress or changes at home
Restlessness, a new animal or a changed surrounding can push a cat to suck or chew things. Such a cause is worth discussing with a vet.
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Being weaned too early, or an old habit
Some kittens separated from their mother too early later suck wool or fabric. The habit can last into adulthood.
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A health problem
Anaemia or another illness can change a cat's behaviour so that it starts chewing or swallowing non-food items. A vet should find the cause.
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A pull towards a certain material or texture
Some cats are drawn above all to wool, plastic or thread. Even if the item appeals, it can block the gut.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Which items your cat chews, sucks or swallows
- Whether anything has gone missing, got shorter or shows chew marks
- Whether it vomits, eats less or struggles to pass stools
- Whether any thread or bits of plastic show in its stools
- When and in what situations it happens: alone, bored or frightened
- Whether it looks pale or listless, or its behaviour has changed
When to book a routine visit
Book an examination if your cat keeps chewing, sucking or swallowing non-food items, even if it otherwise looks bright. If you suspect it has swallowed something, especially thread, string or ribbon, go immediately.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
Body systems: General health