Brenna Without Borders

A week went by, and Linus was showing immediate improvement. I was so relieved. But on Sunday, February 7th I woke up to notice that Linus had already gone downstairs.  (He normally sleeps in my room until I wake up, I know, he’s such a dog).  As I walked down the hall to the bathroom, I noticed a trail of tiny poop balls and no cat in sight. I was shocked. Linus never has had a problem using the litter box.  Even when I brought him home at 12 weeks old, he knew where he was supposed to do his business. 

I picked it up and hoped it was just a weird accident. But this was no accident.

I walked into the kitchen and my kitty was crouched in the corner, eyes darting from side to side.  Something was wrong. I slowly approached him. As soon as inched closer he jumped from his spot in the kitchen sprinting around the corner and up the stairs. As he ran away, I watched him from behind and something was not right.  His tail was up but there was something hanging below his tail. Almost the same length as his tail! A second tail!

I quickly chased him up the stairs, treats in hand.  I lured him out and sure enough, there was a piece of yarn or twine (hard to distinguish after the journey it took) hanging from his bum.  When he walked the yarn brushed up against the back of his legs, startling him (funny but sad).  This explained the hiding.

I didn’t know what to do in this situation and immediately consulted google. 

All I can say is I should have known better. If you take anything away from my story, let it be this, Do not google in times of panic. 

Results for “What to do if my cat has a string hanging out this butt?”

• “Just tug on it and see if it comes loose” 
• “Cut it so the cat is more comfortable”
• “Just let it be, it will come out eventually”
• “Consult your vet immediately. The string could be stuck or wrapped around organs causing death” 

I have only ever had dogs growing up. They ate all sorts of stuff and it always worked its way out. I decided I wasn’t going to overreact and would see if it worked itself out of his system within the day. 

I had plans to go to my friend’s house for the super bowl that night. My first social outing in so long and I was really looking forward to it. 

At 5 pm rolled around, Linus had still not come out from under the bed and I decided to head to my friend’s house.  I knew I would feel better if I sought professional help, so I decided I would call the vet and have them ease my mind. 

That they did not.  Turns out “consult your vet immediately”, was the correct response.  

I totally freaked out.  I turned my car around, called my friends to cancel. Called my mom to tell her I’m coming back and I have to take him to the vet. 

I had to move the entire bed to get him out and though he is tiny he is fierce! I had to use my entire body to wrestle him into his carrying case. 

To the vet, we went. Again. 

I called. They took his information. Again. Then the vet tech came to the car and away went Linus. 

And I waited. And I cried. Mostly because I was annoyed. We were just here. Where did he even get yarn? I’m not a crafter, I don’t own yarn. And the question constantly haunting me through this whole story, why couldn’t I prevent this? 

Out came Dr. Miller. With her, she carried a plastic bag filled with at least 6 inches of yarn.  Two separate pieces. It wasn’t attached to anything, nor was it wrapped around any organs as google would have suggested. After doing an exam to ensure it was clear, she pulled it out. 

That poor cat. Can you imagine the trauma of having something pulled out of your butt? I felt so sad. 

Of course, I received a long lecture about the dangers of allowing cats to play with string, yarn, etc. Linear foreign bodies are the technical term that the veterinary world calls these items.  Dr. Miller encouraged me to do a thorough sweep of my house to make sure that there was no yarn around. 

I did just as she said.  I continued to give him his urinary infection medication. And I searched my house high and low for yarn or twine. Yet, nothing of a sort was anywhere to be found.

And I could only wish that this was the end.