Mary Allen
Foreign bodies in cats are not uncommon. An underestimated danger is rubber figures, which are available from many discounters as a free gimmick. Read here which small objects you should never leave lying around and how to react correctly if the cat has swallowed a foreign object.
Just like dogs, cats can swallow indigestible objects out of curiosity or boredom, or even eat them on purpose. So-called foreign bodies – mostly threads, rubber bands, plastic, and various small parts – can get stuck anywhere in the digestive tract and cause serious damage there. In such cases, the life of the cat is in danger!
Causes Of Foreign Bodies In Cats
Young cats in particular, who discover their environment with overzealousness, tend to absorb everything. Thread-like objects, in particular, cannot be spat out because the backward-pointing barbs on the surface of the tongue prevent it. So the cat has no choice but to swallow wool, tinsel, Easter grass, and the like. The threads accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, causing congestion and blockage of the intestinal passage. In the worst case, entire sections of the intestine are constricted.
But even harmless toy mice harbor dangers: they are all too quickly bitten by little bullies and broken down into their individual parts. Many cheaply made mice have a plastic interior that can end up in a cat’s tummy.
Small parts such as coins or earrings are also very attractive and are quickly swallowed when playing. Sharp objects, such as bone splinters, can severely injure the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Top 10 Swallowed Foreign Objects In Cats
The organization “International Cat Care” has asked veterinarians to name the most common causes of foreign body removal in cats. The survey resulted in the following ranking:
- needle-thread combinations
- Threads (e.g. roasting twine) or wool
- hair and rubber bands
- Bone
- Tinsel or Easter grass
- coins
- magnets
- balloons
- earplugs
- fruit kernels and nutshells
Foreign Body Symptoms In Cats
Once a foreign body is lodged in the digestive tract, it can go unnoticed for a long time. The following signs may indicate that the cat has ingested a foreign object:
- Gagging and profuse salivation
- Slackness and reluctance to play in connection with refusal to eat
- nausea and vomiting
- tender stomach
- constipation
In such cases, do not hesitate to visit the veterinarian! Depending on how quickly the object is located in the cat, its chances of surviving unscathed improve.
What To Do If There Is A Suspicion Of A Foreign Body In The Cat?
As a cat owner, there is usually not much you can do. It is important to examine the mouth. You may find a foreign body here that can be easily removed. However, one should not use force to avoid stressing or injuring the animal. In any case, the cat should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Depending on the type of object, he will carry out different therapies:
Conservative therapy includes the administration of painkillers and digestive drugs to allow natural intestinal transit. This is only possible with objects of very small size; these can usually pass through the digestive tract within 24 to 36 hours.
If this is not possible, the vet will either perform an endoscopy or resort to surgical measures. Especially when the passage of the foreign body triggers severe symptoms, an operation is often unavoidable to save the cat’s life.
How To Prevent Foreign Objects In Cats
Always store sewing materials and small parts that could be swallowed out of the reach of curious cat paws. The rubbish bin should also always be closed tightly so that the cat is not even tempted to pick out leftover bones or roasting string.
For a vet-free Christmas or Easter holiday, it’s best to keep tinsel and Easter grass under wraps.
Last but not least, you should get your cat stable toys. It is worth paying attention to quality when buying mice and avoiding toys with plastic and small parts that can be swallowed.
Info: The Pica Syndrome
The so-called pica syndrome must be differentiated from the accidental swallowing of foreign bodies. Cats with this behavioral problem willingly eat things that are actually considered inedible. Indoor cats in particular are affected by pica syndrome. One theory says that the cats chew on and eat indigestible objects due to the low-stimulus environment – i.e. simply out of boredom.