Most Common Foreign Objects Ingested by Cats
Cats are curious creatures. They can eat strange things and sometimes, it can pose a threat to them. Below are the foreign objects that cats commonly ingested.
- Chew toys
- Underwear
- Socks
- Rocks
- Balls
- Bones
- Plastics / wrappers
- Hair ties
- Jewelry
Common Signs of Cats Ingesting Foreign Objects
Some of these things can pass through their intestinal tract without any problem at all but there are cases on which it can’t pass through. Sometimes cats can eat objects that are too big that can cause an obstruction. If these foreign objects can make it to the cat’s colon, it’s more likely to pass through but not without any pan. Your cat may experience abdominal pain especially when the object is sharp or jagged.
If an object is lodged in your cat’s stomach, you don’t need to see the object to be sure. There are symptoms that you can watch to know if your cat has eaten something strange such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargic
If you notice these symptoms, consider bringing your cat to a skilled veterinarian, such as the providers at Niguel Animal Care, to check your cat. Your veterinarian might require surgery – let the expert do the examination and save your cat from serious health problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect that your cat has ingested a foreign object, do not feed it or induce vomit especially if it is vomiting profusely or is writhing in pain as it might worsen its condition. Bring it right away to your veterinarian for a thorough checkup. Normally, the veterinarian recommends an x-ray to determine the object being ingested as well as its location. Additional tests such as blood and urine tests might also be required.
Treatment for foreign body obstruction depends on the condition of the cat as well as the size of the object being ingested. If the objects are small enough like paper clips, there is a chance that the cat will pass the objects in its stools.
However, if the objects ingested are big enough to pass naturally, then it might need to undergo surgery. Endoscopy is also another method used in removing ingested foreign objects. Contact Niguel Animal Care Center and schedule a checkup if you think your cat is enduring any of these symptoms.