Yes,anybody with cats or any pets should not have them around your sewing items.Always snip off threads and put on a piece of tape,then throw it away.Always keep your sewing area clean and vacumed.Many many cats and kittens have died due to threads getting tangled in their stomachs.I am sorry for your loss,but am sure many will read this and head the warning.So,thanks for your post,and I know you just saved many other cat owners from the same fate.I have cats myself,and am really carefull about things.Even my hubby's pills,I have to make sure he don't drop any,or they'll be over to check it out.Their just snoopy by nature you know.I have lost some in the past too,and know how it hurts.I still miss them,even after all this time.Their gone but never forgotten.I love them all.My heart goes out to you.Sometimes,it just can't be helped,and there isn't any thing we can do.But life does go on.And for me,I have the others to care for too.So I do wish you the best,and again,thanks so much for posting to alert others of this terrible thing that for most,we think it cute they play with it.It's dangerous,I give mine a rope with a toy tied on the end and hang it from a door or tape it to my table hanging off.That way,they can;t swallow anything.Good luck.