Linear foreign body

A linear foreign body is a potentially life-threatening emergency condition that occurs when a cat ingests string, thread, ribbon, yarn, dental floss, tinsel, or similar elongated materials that become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. This type of foreign body is particularly dangerous because one end typically becomes anchored somewhere in the digestive system, usually under the tongue or at the stomach outlet, while the remaining length trails into the intestines. As normal intestinal contractions attempt to move the material through, the anchored foreign body causes the intestines to bunch up and plicate around it, leading to obstruction, severe tissue damage, and potentially fatal perforation. Linear foreign bodies represent one of the most common and serious emergency conditions in cats.

Cats are predisposed to linear foreign body ingestion due to their natural hunting instincts and their attraction to string-like objects that mimic prey movements. The barbed surface of a cat's tongue, designed to strip meat from bones, makes it difficult for cats to spit out thread or string once they begin chewing on it, often resulting in accidental swallowing. Kittens and young cats are at highest risk due to their playful nature and tendency to explore objects with their mouths, though cats of any age can be affected. Common household items including sewing thread with or without attached needles, holiday tinsel, gift ribbon, yarn, rubber bands, and even long grass can cause this condition.

The impact of a linear foreign body on feline health is severe and rapidly progressive. Once the foreign material anchors and the intestines begin bunching around it, the normal flow of intestinal contents is obstructed. More critically, the taut string acts like a saw, cutting into the intestinal wall with each contraction. Within hours to days, this sawing action can cause the intestines to perforate, spilling intestinal contents into the abdomen and causing life-threatening peritonitis. Even without perforation, the plication and obstruction cause severe pain, vomiting, dehydration, and systemic illness. Without treatment, linear foreign body obstruction is invariably fatal.

Linear foreign bodies are treatable with emergency intervention, but outcomes depend critically on how quickly treatment is initiated. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical removal before intestinal perforation occurs gives the best prognosis, with many cats making complete recoveries. However, delays in treatment dramatically worsen outcomes as intestinal damage progresses and complications develop. The time-sensitive nature of this condition makes recognition of early warning signs and immediate veterinary attention absolutely essential. Any cat suspected of ingesting string or similar material should be evaluated urgently, and owners should never attempt to pull on visible string as this can cause additional intestinal damage.

The primary cause of linear foreign body obstruction is ingestion of elongated materials that become trapped in the gastrointestinal tract. String, thread, yarn, ribbon, tinsel, dental floss, fishing line, and rubber bands are among the most commonly implicated materials. Sewing thread, particularly when attached to a needle, is especially dangerous as the needle typically anchors in the stomach or intestinal wall. Holiday decorations including tinsel, ribbon, and tinsel-style garlands pose significant seasonal risks. Hair ties, elastic bands, and similar stretchy materials may also be ingested. Even natural materials like long grass blades can occasionally cause linear foreign body problems if swallowed in sufficient quantity.

The unique anatomy and behavior of cats contributes significantly to their susceptibility to linear foreign body ingestion. A cat's tongue is covered with backward-facing barbs called papillae that help with grooming and eating but also make it extremely difficult to spit out string or thread once it enters the mouth. When a cat begins playing with and chewing on string-like material, the papillae tend to move the material progressively toward the throat, often resulting in involuntary swallowing even when the cat would prefer to release the object. This anatomical quirk means that cats may swallow dangerous materials without truly intending to and may not be able to prevent ingestion once play with string has begun.

Environmental factors creating opportunity for ingestion directly cause most linear foreign body cases. Households where string, thread, yarn, or similar materials are accessible to cats present ongoing risk. Sewing and craft supplies left unattended, knitting projects accessible to curious cats, gift wrap and ribbons during holidays, and even certain cat toys with string attachments can lead to ingestion. Some cats develop particular attraction to specific materials and will actively seek them out. Outdoor cats may encounter fishing line, balloon strings, or other environmental sources. The presence of dangerous materials within a cat's environment is ultimately the proximate cause of nearly all cases.

Risk factors for linear foreign body ingestion include age, temperament, and environmental exposure. Kittens and young cats under two years of age are most frequently affected due to their intense play drive and tendency to investigate objects orally. Curious and playful cats of any age face elevated risk. Cats that have previously shown interest in chewing on string-like materials are at ongoing risk for ingestion. Households with children where craft supplies, hair ties, or balloon strings may be left accessible have increased environmental risk. Seasonal factors including holidays with decorations and gift wrapping create temporary risk elevation.

The mechanism by which linear foreign bodies cause harm involves the physics of intestinal motility acting on an anchored object. When one end of the linear material becomes fixed, typically under the tongue at the frenulum, around the pylorus at the stomach outlet, or in the small intestine, the rest of the material extends downstream. Normal peristaltic waves, the coordinated contractions that move intestinal contents along, attempt to propel the trailing string forward. Because the anchored end cannot move, these contractions cause the intestine to bunch up and plicate along the string like an accordion. The taut string then cuts into the mesenteric border of the intestine, the side attached to the blood supply, with each contraction. This sawing action progressively erodes through the intestinal wall, eventually causing perforation. The plicated intestine also becomes obstructed, preventing passage of food and fluids and causing proximal dilation, vomiting, and dehydration.

Early warning signs of linear foreign body ingestion may be subtle and easily missed, particularly if the ingestion was not witnessed. Some cats show initial signs within hours of swallowing the material, while others may appear normal for a day or more before symptoms develop. Early indicators may include decreased appetite, reluctance to eat, or refusal of food. Some cats may seem subdued, less playful, or simply not quite themselves without obvious specific symptoms. Occasional vomiting or gagging may occur. One important early sign is a cat pawing at its mouth or showing oral discomfort, which may indicate string anchored under the tongue. Owners should be suspicious if string, thread, ribbon, or similar materials are found chewed or missing, even if the cat appears normal.

The most common symptoms of established linear foreign body obstruction reflect the gastrointestinal impact of the trapped material. Vomiting is a hallmark sign, often becoming progressively more frequent and severe as obstruction develops. The vomit may contain bile and may occur shortly after eating or drinking. Complete anorexia, with total refusal of food and often water as well, typically develops as obstruction progresses. Abdominal pain manifests as reluctance to be touched, a hunched posture, hiding, and restlessness. Dehydration from vomiting and inability to retain fluids produces lethargy, weakness, and sunken eyes. Some cats develop diarrhea initially, though this often progresses to absence of stool as obstruction becomes complete.

Behavioral changes in cats with linear foreign bodies reflect severe pain and rapidly worsening illness. Affected cats typically become progressively withdrawn, seeking hiding spots and avoiding interaction. Normal activities cease as the cat focuses on coping with discomfort. Vocalization, including unusual crying or yowling, may indicate severe pain. Some cats become restless, unable to find a comfortable position, repeatedly lying down and getting up. Others become extremely still, trying to minimize movement that exacerbates pain. The normal bright, alert demeanor disappears, replaced by dull, depressed affect. These behavioral changes often progress rapidly over hours to a couple days.

Physical signs visible to observant owners provide important clues to linear foreign body presence. The single most diagnostic physical finding is visualization of string or similar material under the tongue or protruding from the mouth or anus. Owners should gently lift the cat's lip and look under the tongue if linear foreign body is suspected. Abdominal distension may develop as gas and fluid accumulate behind the obstruction. The abdomen may feel tense or painful when touched. Dehydration produces decreased skin elasticity, dry gums, and sunken eyes. Some cats drool excessively if string under the tongue causes irritation. Weight loss occurs rapidly due to inability to eat and ongoing fluid losses.

Symptom progression with linear foreign bodies is typically rapid and relentless without treatment. Initial vague signs intensify over 24 to 72 hours into obvious severe illness. Vomiting becomes more frequent and may become projectile. Dehydration deepens despite any attempts to offer fluids. Pain worsens as intestinal damage progresses. If perforation occurs, signs of septic peritonitis develop including fever or subnormal temperature, extreme weakness, collapse, and shock. The rapid progression from early subtle signs to critical illness underscores the urgency of seeking veterinary care at the first suspicion of string ingestion.

Emergency symptoms indicating immediate life-threatening crisis include signs of shock and peritonitis requiring the most urgent possible veterinary intervention. Collapse, extreme weakness, or inability to stand indicates severe compromise. A distended, extremely painful abdomen with guarding suggests perforation and peritonitis. Pale or gray gums, rapid shallow breathing, and weak pulse indicate cardiovascular shock. Subnormal body temperature in a cat that felt feverish earlier suggests sepsis. Any cat with known or suspected string ingestion that develops these signs requires emergency care measured in minutes rather than hours. However, ideally cats should receive care long before reaching this crisis stage, as outcomes deteriorate dramatically once perforation and peritonitis develop.

The diagnostic process for linear foreign body begins with physical examination and history, which may provide immediate confirmation or strong suspicion of the diagnosis. Your veterinarian will ask about potential exposure to string, thread, ribbon, or similar materials and any witnessed ingestion or play with such items. Missing craft supplies, chewed string, or other circumstantial evidence is relevant. The physical examination includes thorough inspection of the mouth, including lifting the tongue to look for anchored string at the frenulum. Abdominal palpation assesses for pain, distension, and the characteristic bunched or ropey feeling of plicated intestines that experienced veterinarians can sometimes detect. Evidence of dehydration and overall illness severity is assessed.

Diagnostic imaging plays a central role in confirming linear foreign body and assessing its extent. Abdominal radiographs are typically performed first and may show characteristic findings including intestinal bunching or plication, gas patterns suggesting obstruction, and sometimes the foreign material itself if it is radiopaque. The classic radiographic appearance has been described as intestines appearing like an accordion or comma-shaped loops. However, string and thread are usually not directly visible on radiographs, and early cases may show only subtle changes. Abdominal ultrasound can often visualize the plication pattern and may detect foreign material that radiographs miss. In some cases, contrast studies using barium may help demonstrate the obstruction, though this is used less frequently when ultrasound is available.

Differential diagnosis considers other conditions that could cause similar symptoms of vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal pain. Non-linear foreign body obstruction from other ingested objects presents similarly. Intestinal intussusception, where one segment of intestine telescopes into another, can appear similar on examination. Severe gastroenteritis causes vomiting and abdominal discomfort without obstruction. Intestinal tumors may cause partial or complete obstruction. Pancreatitis causes vomiting, abdominal pain, and anorexia. However, when linear foreign body is suspected based on history or physical findings such as string under the tongue, the index of suspicion remains high regardless of imaging findings, as false-negative imaging can occur especially early in the disease course.

Confirmation of linear foreign body diagnosis may ultimately occur at surgery, particularly when imaging is suggestive but not definitive. Exploratory surgery serves as both diagnostic and therapeutic when clinical suspicion is high, as delay waiting for diagnostic certainty can prove fatal. During surgery, the foreign material is directly visualized and the extent of intestinal damage assessed. The decision to proceed to surgery is based on the combined picture of history, physical examination, and imaging findings. In cases with high clinical suspicion, surgery should not be delayed for additional diagnostic testing that would only confirm what is already strongly suspected. The urgency of surgical intervention takes priority over achieving diagnostic certainty through non-invasive means.

Emergency stabilization begins immediately upon presentation of a cat with suspected or confirmed linear foreign body, preparing the patient for surgical intervention. Intravenous fluid therapy addresses dehydration and begins correcting electrolyte abnormalities that develop from vomiting and inability to eat or drink. Pain management is initiated to provide comfort and reduce stress. Anti-nausea medications may be administered to control vomiting. Blood work including complete blood count and chemistry panel assesses overall status and helps guide anesthetic and surgical planning. The goal of stabilization is to make the patient as safe as possible for anesthesia and surgery, balancing this need against the urgency of removing the foreign body before further intestinal damage occurs.

Surgical intervention is the definitive treatment for most linear foreign body cases and should be performed as soon as the patient is stable enough for anesthesia. The surgery involves exploratory laparotomy, opening the abdomen to directly visualize the gastrointestinal tract and locate the foreign material. The string is never simply pulled, as this would cause the plicated intestine to cut itself. Instead, multiple enterotomies, small incisions into the intestine, are made at strategic points to cut and remove the string in segments. The entire length of intestine must be carefully examined to ensure complete removal and assess viability. Intestinal segments that have been irreparably damaged may require resection and anastomosis, removing the damaged section and reconnecting healthy intestine.

Non-surgical management may be considered in very select cases where the string is visible in the mouth, has only recently been swallowed, and has not yet anchored or caused intestinal plication. In these rare circumstances, endoscopic retrieval may be possible. However, most cases are not candidates for non-surgical treatment, and any attempt to remove string by pulling risks causing severe additional damage. If string is seen protruding from the mouth or anus, it should never be pulled by owners or veterinary staff. Cutting the visible portion at the mouth may release the anchor and allow the remaining material to pass in some cases, but this approach carries risks and requires careful veterinary assessment. The vast majority of linear foreign bodies require surgical treatment.

Supportive care during and after treatment addresses the metabolic derangements and tissue damage caused by the obstruction. Aggressive fluid therapy continues postoperatively to maintain hydration and support circulation. Electrolyte supplementation corrects imbalances from vomiting. Nutritional support is essential, with food typically withheld for 24 to 48 hours after surgery to allow intestinal anastomoses to begin healing, then gradually reintroduced. Pain management continues through the recovery period. Antibiotic therapy is administered, particularly if intestinal perforation occurred or contamination is suspected. Blood transfusions may be needed in cases with severe blood loss or when sepsis has affected blood clotting.

Post-surgical monitoring focuses on detecting complications and supporting recovery. Cats are monitored for signs of anastomotic breakdown, including fever, abdominal pain, and deterioration. Serial examinations assess hydration status and overall improvement. Return of appetite and normal gastrointestinal function, indicated by absence of vomiting and production of normal stool, are positive prognostic signs. Hospital stays typically range from two to five days or longer depending on the extent of surgery and any complications. Complications including dehiscence of intestinal suture lines, peritonitis, and sepsis can occur and require aggressive intervention if detected.

Treatment decisions in linear foreign body cases often involve considerations of extent of disease and owner resources. Cases presenting early before perforation and extensive intestinal damage generally have good prognosis with standard surgical treatment. Severe cases with peritonitis and multiple intestinal resections carry guarded prognosis and require more intensive and prolonged treatment. The emergency nature of the condition and potential for extensive surgery means costs can be significant, potentially ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. While financial considerations should not prevent emergency treatment when possible, owners facing severe financial constraints should discuss options honestly with the veterinary team.

The recovery timeline for cats following linear foreign body surgery varies significantly based on the extent of intestinal damage and surgery required. Uncomplicated cases where surgery was performed promptly before severe damage occurred typically show improvement within 24 to 48 hours and may be ready for discharge within two to three days. Cases requiring intestinal resection need longer hospitalization, typically three to five days or more, to monitor for complications. During the first few days, return of normal appetite and absence of vomiting indicate successful recovery. Complete recovery to normal activity typically takes two to three weeks, with activity restriction during this period to allow abdominal incisions and intestinal surgery sites to heal.

Post-operative care at home focuses on supporting healing, preventing complications, and gradually returning to normal function. Strict adherence to activity restriction is essential, typically including confinement to a small room or large crate and prevention of jumping, running, and rough play. The abdominal incision requires monitoring for signs of infection including swelling, discharge, redness, or opening of the incision. Food is gradually reintroduced, starting with small frequent meals of easily digestible food. All prescribed medications including pain medications, antibiotics, and any others must be administered as directed. An Elizabethan collar prevents licking or chewing at the incision site. Follow-up appointments, typically at two weeks for suture removal and incision check, should be attended as scheduled.

Prognosis following linear foreign body surgery depends heavily on several factors. Cats that receive prompt surgical treatment before intestinal perforation have generally good to excellent prognosis, with survival rates exceeding 80 to 90 percent in uncomplicated cases. However, outcomes worsen significantly when perforation has occurred, with peritonitis dramatically increasing mortality risk. The extent of intestinal damage and length of intestine requiring resection affects prognosis, as removing large sections of small intestine can cause long-term digestive problems. Overall patient health and age influence recovery, with young healthy cats generally recovering better than older cats or those with concurrent diseases. Complications including anastomotic leakage and sepsis significantly worsen prognosis when they occur.

The long-term outlook for cats surviving linear foreign body surgery is generally excellent for those that recover from the immediate postoperative period without complications. Most cats return to completely normal life without lasting effects from their ordeal. Intestinal function typically normalizes fully unless extensive resection was required. Cats do not develop immunity to future linear foreign body problems, however, and remain at risk for repeat ingestion if access to string-like materials continues. Some cats seem to develop stronger attraction to string after one episode, possibly remembering the play behavior that led to ingestion. Therefore, strict environmental management to prevent access to dangerous materials becomes even more important after recovery.

Primary prevention of linear foreign body ingestion centers on eliminating access to dangerous string-like materials. String, thread, yarn, ribbon, dental floss, rubber bands, hair ties, and similar items should be stored in closed containers inaccessible to cats. Sewing and craft supplies require secure storage after each use. Knitting and crochet projects should be kept in closed bags or containers when not actively being worked. Holiday decorations including tinsel, ribbon, and curling ribbon should be avoided entirely in homes with cats, or at minimum kept in areas completely inaccessible to feline residents. Gift wrapping should occur in closed rooms away from cats, and all ribbon and string should be promptly discarded in secured trash containers.

Environmental hazard reduction extends beyond the obvious craft supplies to include many common household items. Dental floss must be disposed of in covered trash cans. Tampon and pad strings can attract some cats and should be disposed of securely. Balloon strings and rubber bands should never be accessible. Certain cat toys with string attachments pose risk and should only be used during supervised play, then stored out of reach. Fishing tackle, including fishing line, must be secured. Window blind cords can pose risk, though less commonly than shorter string items. A systematic audit of the home from a cat's perspective helps identify potential hazards.

Dietary and play behavior management provides additional prevention layers. Providing appropriate toys and regular play sessions may reduce cats' drive to seek out inappropriate play items. Interactive toys that allow hunting behavior without string-like dangers satisfy predatory instincts safely. Ensuring adequate environmental enrichment reduces boredom-driven exploration of dangerous items. When string toys are used during supervised play, they should be removed and secured immediately afterward. Training cats to respond to a command can help interrupt them if they are caught playing with dangerous items, though prevention of access remains more reliable than intervention.

Vigilant supervision and immediate response to potential ingestion events supports prevention. All family members should understand the dangers of string ingestion and the importance of keeping dangerous materials secured. Children should be taught not to leave craft supplies, hair ties, or similar items accessible to cats. When string or similar material is discovered missing or chewed, cats should be observed closely for any symptoms and examined to check for material under the tongue. If ingestion is witnessed or strongly suspected, immediate veterinary consultation is warranted even if the cat appears normal, as early intervention may prevent progression to emergency surgery.

Education and awareness represent fundamental prevention tools. Understanding that cats are anatomically predisposed to swallow string once they begin chewing on it emphasizes that prevention of access rather than prevention of play is essential. Recognizing that linear foreign bodies are common, serious, and potentially fatal motivates consistent attention to prevention. Knowing the early warning signs enables prompt veterinary attention if ingestion occurs despite precautions. Sharing this knowledge with pet sitters, house guests, and others who may be in the home helps maintain safety when owners are not present. Prevention is far preferable to treating the consequences of ingestion.

Daily management after linear foreign body recovery requires ongoing vigilance to prevent recurrence while allowing the cat to return to normal life. Once fully recovered from surgery, cats can resume all normal activities without restrictions related to their previous condition. However, the household must be permanently modified to eliminate access to string-like materials. Daily awareness of potential hazards becomes routine, with scanning for any string, ribbon, hair ties, or similar items that might have been left accessible. Craft and sewing supplies should remain permanently secured in cat-proof containers. This ongoing environmental management represents the primary daily consideration for linear foreign body prevention.

Home environment optimization for cats with history of linear foreign body ingestion emphasizes eliminating hazards while providing safe enrichment. Storage solutions including lidded containers, closed drawers, and secured cabinets for all potentially dangerous materials become standard. Trash cans with secure lids prevent access to discarded dental floss, food packaging, and other tempting items. Cat-proofing assessments should be repeated periodically as new items enter the home. Safe play alternatives including wand toys, ball toys, puzzle feeders, and climbing structures provide enrichment without string-related risks. String toys, if used at all, should be stored in completely inaccessible locations between supervised play sessions.

Quality of life for cats following linear foreign body recovery can be excellent with appropriate management. Most cats show no lasting effects from their surgery and return to normal energy levels, appetite, and behavior. The absence of string toys does not diminish quality of life when appropriate alternatives are provided. Interactive play with safe toys satisfies predatory instincts. Environmental enrichment including vertical space, hiding spots, and window views maintains mental engagement. Social interaction with family members provides emotional wellbeing. The goal is a full, happy life within a safe environment, not deprivation masquerading as prevention.

Ongoing monitoring focuses on identifying any recurrent symptoms and maintaining prevention. Watching for signs that might indicate another ingestion, including vomiting, appetite loss, or abdominal discomfort, allows prompt response if problems recur. Regular home safety audits ensure prevention measures remain effective as circumstances change. Any new residents or regular visitors should understand the importance of keeping dangerous materials secured. Regular veterinary care maintains overall health and provides opportunity to discuss any concerns. While repeat linear foreign body is not inevitable, some cats seem particularly attracted to string-like materials, making ongoing vigilance essential.

Caregiver awareness and household compliance are essential for successful long-term prevention. All family members must understand the dangers of string ingestion and commit to keeping dangerous materials secured. This may require changing long-standing habits around storage of sewing supplies, gift wrapping, or other household items. Children old enough to understand should be taught why certain items must be kept away from cats. Regular reminders and periodic safety checks help maintain compliance over time. Support from the veterinary team, including reinforcement of prevention importance at regular visits, helps maintain owner engagement with long-term prevention efforts.

Linear foreign body ingestion does not demonstrate breed predisposition in cats, as the behavior patterns leading to ingestion are common across all feline breeds. Domestic shorthairs, domestic longhairs, and purebred cats all face similar risk based primarily on individual behavior, age, and environmental exposure rather than genetic heritage. The playful instincts that lead cats to engage with string-like objects, combined with the tongue anatomy that makes accidental swallowing difficult to prevent, are universal feline characteristics. All cats share the anatomical features that predispose them to linear foreign body problems regardless of breed background.

Age represents the most significant risk factor for linear foreign body ingestion, with young cats dramatically over-represented in case reports. Kittens and cats under two years of age account for the majority of linear foreign body cases, reflecting their intense play drive, curiosity, and tendency to explore objects orally. These youthful behaviors naturally decrease with age in most cats, though some individuals maintain playful tendencies throughout life. Young cats in households where string and similar materials are accessible face particularly high risk. However, cats of any age can develop linear foreign bodies if they encounter and ingest appropriate materials, so age should not create false security in adult cats.

Screening for linear foreign body risk is behavioral and environmental rather than breed-based. No genetic tests predict susceptibility to ingestion. Instead, risk assessment involves evaluating the home environment for accessible hazards and observing individual cat behavior patterns. Cats that show particular interest in playing with or chewing on string-like materials warrant extra vigilance and stricter environmental controls. New kittens entering households should prompt comprehensive hazard assessments before arrival. Regular evaluation of the home environment, particularly after holidays, craft projects, or other activities that introduce new potential hazards, helps maintain appropriate risk awareness. All cats, regardless of breed, benefit from living in homes where linear foreign body prevention measures are consistently implemented.

Several conditions may co-occur with or result from linear foreign body obstruction. Peritonitis, infection and inflammation of the abdominal cavity, frequently complicates linear foreign body cases when intestinal perforation occurs. This secondary infection represents the most serious complication and significantly impacts prognosis. Sepsis, systemic infection spreading from the local peritonitis, can develop in severe cases and requires intensive treatment. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and inability to eat accompany all significant obstructions. Short bowel syndrome, resulting from removal of large sections of intestine, can cause long-term digestive problems in cases requiring extensive resection. Adhesion formation after abdominal surgery can occasionally cause future problems.

Conditions with similar presentations must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Non-linear gastrointestinal foreign bodies from ingesting toys, hair ties, or other objects cause similar obstruction symptoms. Intestinal intussusception presents with vomiting, abdominal pain, and obstruction without foreign material involvement. Gastrointestinal tumors may cause partial or complete obstruction mimicking foreign body presentation. Severe acute pancreatitis causes vomiting and abdominal pain. Gastroenteritis and intestinal infections cause vomiting without obstruction. Distinguishing between these conditions requires careful diagnostic workup, though linear foreign body specifically should be suspected when string or similar material may have been accessible.

Potential complications specific to linear foreign body and its surgical treatment include serious postoperative problems. Dehiscence of intestinal surgery sites, where the sutured intestine fails to heal properly and leaks intestinal contents, represents the most feared surgical complication. Peritonitis can develop or worsen after surgery if contamination occurred. Stricture formation at surgery sites can cause future partial obstruction. Anastomotic leak may occur at sites where intestine was reconnected after resection. These complications are more common in cases with extensive intestinal damage at the time of surgery. Early recognition and aggressive treatment of complications improves outcomes when they occur. Long-term complications are rare in cats that recover without immediate postoperative problems.