See this innocent-looking pincushion with the needle and thread? A needle threaded just like this one caused a huge amount of concern over the past few days.
Saturday afternoon, I was sitting on the couch hand piecing. As I was getting up for a moment, I parked my threaded needle in the pincushion and turned my back on it for a second. I don’t know what I was thinking — I always pick the pincushion up and move it out of reach. But that second was all it took. Smudge, attracted to the thread, was instantly at it. We heard him make an odd noise, turned around and there he was at the pincushion. We immediately looked in his mouth. The needle was visible but we couldn’t get it.
Off we raced to the emergency vet clinic, which is very close, where he was taken in to the vet immediately. It took us probably no more than 20 minutes to get there and have him seen but, in that time, the needle and thread had disappeared — he had swallowed them. They took x-rays and could see the needle in his stomach.
The vet then told us the options, none of which were particularly marvelous. She could try surgery although she said she sometimes would have trouble finding fine needles and, of course, it was a #12 sharp that he had swallowed. That would cost a few thousand dollars. We could have a specialist come to do an endoscopy in the hopes that he could get it, but no guarantees there either. That would cost a thousand or so less. Or we could do nothing, feed him a very high fibre diet and pray that he managed to pass it on his own. What a choice! So here we are with a 10 year-old cat who had eaten relatively recently, which would make anaesthesia a risk, and wondering what to do.
After talking about it for a while, we rather hesitantly elected to take the conservative approach and feed him the high fibre food with the understanding that if he showed any signs of discomfort we could immediately bring him back to the emerg clinic. During all this, Smudge is showing no discomfort at all. His only problem was he was at a vet’s, which is the place he hates most. And there are dogs around and Smudge really, really dislikes dogs — has even been known to growl at them.
So five hours later, we’re back at home watching Smudge’s every move. I decided to stay up all night with him, to make sure that there would be someone awake and observing, just in case. Which was why, as an aside, I was able to get a Pickle Dish block done so quickly. I was so grateful to have that block to work on – it was involved enough to keep me alert. (That’s probably the only quilt-related part to this whole post.) We fed him the high fibre food constantly. Thankfully, he liked it!
Sunday came and our regular vet office called to check. Smudge seemed fine. They said to call Monday morning to bring him in for a follow-up x-ray. Which we did. The x-ray showed it was likely he would pass the needle on his own sometime within the next 24 or 36 hours. Our regular vets, who are absolutely marvelous, said it was in the best possible position for him to pass it on his own.
So since Saturday night we have been watching and waiting for him to pass the needle and thread. Tuesday evening he finally did pass it, with no discomfort at all. In fact, I think he’s probably wondering why on earth we were so elated.
I hesitated writing this post but if this story helps to reinforce the need to keep needles and threads out of the reach of cats and dogs and, for that matter, even small children, then I think the story must be told. All it takes is turning your back for a second and they can get in such danger. I have never felt so irresponsible in my life! One thing’s for sure, I will never leave a pincushion anywhere within kitty reach again.
And the subject of the story? He’s fine. This was him relaxing Tuesday night, in a classic Smudge pose with a teddy bear.
Quilt Obsession 
Oh Cathi, I am so glad that Smudge is okay! This is a constant worry of mine, as our little Pavi likes the pins in the pin cushion. He pulls them out with his teeth and lets them drop to the ground. I am constantly chasing him away from the pincushion and forever have a watchful eye, for the same reason as you. You can’t believe how relieved I am that your story turned out well and that Smudge is resting.
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Glad that you did not have a Much Bigger Disaster-what a scare! I know I have a heck of a time keeping things locked up all the time!
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I am so glad Smudge is fine. What a worry!!!
I hope you have caught up on your sleep too.
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Oh Cathi, what a horrible experience for you to go through (I would mention how horrible for Smudge too but obviously he didn’t care LOL)!! I’m so happy that it all “ended” up well!!
Crispy
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Oh my God Cathi…what a dreadful thing to have happen…its a wonder you ALL survived…the worry of it too! Put the stitching away – and the needles of course…and sleep. Thank goodness Smudge is OK and how fortunate he did not ned the surgery!
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It makes me cry.
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Oh Cathi, I had a knot in my stomach while reading your post. I’m glad it’s a happy end.
But it makes me think I’d better find another place for my needles than on my working table where our little Bonbon sleeps most of the time.
Thank you for this post and a big hug to your cats, especially to Smudge.
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Oh Smudge, what have you done? I can only imagine how upsetting this has been for you. I have always tried to be fastidious about tending my pins and needles . . . . but with an energetic and curious puppy in the house, your story reminds me to become even more vigilant.
So glad you have a happy ending.
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I’m so glad Smudge is OK. Fortunately the Monsters here at the shop have given up on the pincushions. They never really liked the thread, just the red pin cushion. Now the zippers I use to attach the quilts to the ongarm- The LOVE those.
Get some sleep and give Smudge an extra pat.
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Yikes! Our “Bibs” was sitting on my lap as I was reading your email….she looks very much like Smudge- ( my daughter and I love to look at the photos of your fur family)- what a warning for us all. I am so glad, as everyone, the ending was a happy one- (of course you were frazzled during the event- yet she looks no worse for the wear) Really appreciate the organization of the shapes for us- thank you so much! Sandy in MD
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What in intense story! I so enjoy seeing pictures of your babies and the thought of this happening for you just made me sick. I am so glad it all turned out ok. This is a lesson for all of us!
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What a scare and he isn’t even my kitty!! I’m so happy that all worked out and no surgery required!!
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What an odd thing — I’ve never thought of hiding my pincushion from my cats since they never showed any interest in it.
I’m so relieved that poor Smudge was able to pass the needle without a problem — it must have been very stressful and worrisome for you, but it’s wonderful that there was a happy ending. I guess you’ll always be reminded of this event when you look at that block 🙂
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Hi Cathi, I’m so happy my little smudge is okay…he even looks better then ever in his chair. Thanks for staying up with him and making sure. I’m always worried Tig is going to do that. Story…one time I was hand piecing and Tig was sleeping all cute in my lap. I dropped the needle in her ear, but for whatever reason she didn’t wake up so…I could retrieve it. I always think about what would have happened if she would have awoke at that moment…
Valerie
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Oh my goodness, I have tears in my eyes just reading this! I have three dogs, the youngest is 7 months and I worry about this all the time! I try so hard to be careful. I have a magnet I use to check the floor after I’ve been sewing, even. But still… I am so glad to read your happy ending!
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Oh heavens I’m glad he’s OK – Smudge you silly monkey, needles aren’t very good for your tummy! I’m so glad this has a happy ending – I know how scary it had to have been until it passed safely!
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What a story! I am so glad that Smudge made it through the ordeal unscathed. I have to be very careful with my needle, thread and pins because Laura, one of my Australian Terriers, will eat anything she finds on the floor.
I’ve read that thread can be very dangerous if cats swallow it – evidently it can get wrapped around the intestine and cut it like a wire through cheese.
How did Lester react to all the attention focused on Smudge – he must have felt quite left out.
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I am so, so glad Smudge is ok!!! Another blogger M. here in Holland had a similar thing 14 days ago, her Labrador swallowed a needle but had to undergo surgery, lost a part of her stomach and is still recovering!! The dog picked up an embroidery needle and luckely M saw this otherwise it would have been too late!
I know Smudge don’t like dogs, but Yvette says hi!! Now you can be sewing happy again!! XXXD
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Phuoo, Halleluia!
o my… He’s fine, you’re fine…
Thank God!
And thank you for sharing this very important post…
I am sooooooooooo relieved!
🙂
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I’m so glad Smudge is doing well and I’m glad you told the story, it’s a good reminder of what can happen. You must have been so worried. Smudge looks happy and probably wondering what all the fuss was about.
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Cathie…oh my oh my goodness…what a story…so glad to hear of a happy ending!…Thank you for a great reminder…My Maine coon Gaby is always prancing about wanting to be apart of my sewing and I try to keep an eye, but those rascals are so fast!….Hope you have gotten some good sleep as I can see from the picture Smudge hasn’t missed a step in his beauty sleep!..hahaha….Blessings to you and yours…Annie
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What a story…and thank you for sharing. I have 3 cats in the household and am not as careful as I should be. And I know better! When I was a child at home, we had a similar thing happen…except it was my little sister who had the run-in with the needle. It was stuck in the arm of the chair and she went running around the corner and got it in the palm of her hand…eye end in first. Dr. was able to extract it after several tries, but surgery was looming.
So glad kitty is OK!
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Hugs to you and scritches to Smudge. I know exactly how you must feel.
George came through his surgery okay today, but it appears he does have a growth in his face. It seems there’s not much we can do but keep him comfortable and happy and watch and wait. On the plus side, he’s been purring a lot since he came home.
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Yes, a cautionary tale, and I’m so very glad you shared it. I know you are so very relieved that your pet is okay. I have a cautionary tale of my own regarding my son when he was 2 years old, and will share that on my blog in the near future.
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So glad Smudge is okay! One of our pups was kicked by a wild horse a few years ago! We had to get in a boat, 45 min. got to town, 45 min. drive to ER in Jacksonville, FL, then wait. IT was so scary! Our situation turned out fine, as I’m so glad to hear yours has. THank you for sharing though! Yes, you are right to take this opportunity to remind us all of what can happen… SOrry for your pain and worry, but so glad it all turned out well.
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Wow! That’s too scary to think about.
You’ve made me re-think leaving threads in needles though.
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Wow what an ordeal! Glad all is well and that the “outcome” was a happy one.
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Oh Smudges!!! My sister has a couple of cats that love the pincushion too. I have dropped needles several times at her house and I panic until I find them.
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Oh thank goodness everything turned out well. What a horrible ordeal for you and Mr. QO and good thing Smudge was unaffected. That must have been so scary.
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Wow, how scary! When my daughter visits with her cats, I keep the door to my sewing room closed, because both of them loved to lie in the windows, but Eleanor would hop up onto the cutting table and sewing table where my pincushions rest.
Tandi loves to jump up into my lap when I sit in the recliner, but I won’t let her when I’m sewing, as she’s a little foodie and would sniff or gobble things in an instant.
I’m so glad Smudge is okay!
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I’m SO happy to hear Smudge is fine and dandy…what a scary time waiting!
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