Click to Skip Ahead
Every cat owner knows the dangers of their cat swallowing a foreign object. Even though cats are fussier than dogs with what they eat, cats are curious by nature and love to play with all sorts of inedible items. Some of the most common foreign objects they swallow include strings and thread, rubber bands, plant material, and small toys. Some cats are more curious than others, and if your feline investigates anything and everything, it’s wise to know the signs they may show if they have swallowed something they shouldn’t.
In this post, we’ll discuss four treatment options if your cat swallows a foreign object. We should note that if your cat has swallowed something they shouldn’t have, contact your veterinarian immediately. Without further ado, we’ll examine the treatment options your veterinarian may administer.
The 4 Treatment Options If Your Cat Swallows a Foreign Object
1. Induce Vomiting
Depending on the object, your vet may decide that inducing vomiting is the best course of action. However, this will not always be a suitable option. For example, if the object is sharp, like a needle, it will cause more damage to the esophagus on the way back up.
Although it may seem like a good idea to take action immediately and try and get the object out as rapidly as possible, you must consult your vet. Inducing vomiting at home can be dangerous and should always be done by your vet, usually by using injectable medications. Hydrogen peroxide, which is sometimes used to induce vomiting in dogs at home, should not be given to cats. It irritates the esophagus and stomach.
2. Wait It Out
If the object is small, soft, or smooth, your vet may discuss a “wait and see” approach. They will assess all the details you have given them and examine your cat. They may also do other investigations, such as taking X-rays. Objects will usually take 2–5 days to pass through the digestive system, and you must carefully monitor your cat during this time.
3. Extraction Using an Endoscope
If the foreign object is in the esophagus or stomach, your vet may remove it using an endoscope. An endoscope is a flexible tube with a camera that is guided down your cat’s esophagus under a general anesthetic. Once spotted, the instrument can collect the foreign object with a small metal “grabber” that allows the object to be lifted up and out. If the object is too tightly wedged or sharp to pull back up, the vet will likely opt for surgical removal.
4. Surgery
Surgical removal is the only suitable option to remove some foreign objects. The surgery will be performed under a general anesthetic. X-rays will be performed beforehand to determine where the object is lodged. Your cat will be under general anesthesia, and most times, blood work is performed first to help assess your cat’s general health.
The veterinary surgeon will make an incision into the abdomen and assess the abdominal organs. Once the exact location of the foreign object is determined, careful incisions are made into the stomach/intestine to remove it. Your veterinarian will discuss any risks involved and explain how the surgery will be performed and the postoperative recovery period.
How Will I Know My Cat Swallowed a Foreign Object?
The signs your cat may show after ingesting a foreign object are variable and depend on the object, location, and how long it has been there.
- Lethargy
- Vomiting (food or liquid)
- Pain in their abdomen or tenderness
- Trouble defecating (defecating small amounts or none at all)
- Decreased appetite
- Pawing at the mouth
- Hiding/increased vocalization
If you notice any of these signs, call your veterinarian right away.
Tips for Preventing Your Cat From Ingesting Foreign Objects
Preventing the ingestion of foreign objects is ideal, and you can do your part to reduce the chances of it happening. Strings and needles are among the most common objects extracted from cats. Ensure you keep them out of reach, along with other hazardous items cats like to play with, like rubber bands, hair bands, blind cords, tinsel, and ribbons.
If you suspect your cat has swallowed a foreign object, observe them and watch for the clinical signs mentioned above. If you know your cat swallowed something they shouldn’t have, contact your veterinarian ASAP.
Final Thoughts
It can be scary if your cat swallows a foreign object. Keeping hazardous objects out of reach goes a long way in keeping your cat safe, and knowing the signs of foreign object obstruction will help you determine that there is a problem in the first place. It’s always best to contact your vet as soon as possible. Veterinary advice and treatment will give your cat the best chance of a successful outcome.
Related Read:
Featured Image Credit: pasja1000, Pixabay
