DID THE CAT SWALLOW A STRING OR A FOREIGN BODY? WHAT TO DO
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Cats are very curious and play with all sorts of objects. With the game they simulate hunting and often moved by instinct they get to swallow everything that is under the mustache: threads (wool, for sewing, interdental, for the closure of shopping bags), gift ribbons, plastic and more. .
If this happens it is necessary to go IMMEDIATELY to the veterinarian or to the nearest veterinary clinic. Do not wait until the next day even if the accident happens at night.
Unfortunately, swallowing a foreign body can cause death to our cat even in an hour. Our 4-legged friend can be strangled, or the object can create blockages and obstruct the intestine.
All sorts of long and threadlike objects are extremely dangerous for our friends because they will most likely not be able to expel it on their own.
If we are unable to witness the moment in which our cat swallows a foreign body, it will be difficult to understand the state of health of our 4-legged friend because cats instinctively hide any physical discomfort.
However, we can try to catch signs that may indicate that our cat has swallowed a foreign body. Let's see together which ones:
If there had been an intestinal blockage, we will not see the cat being able to make the feces, he would have nausea and vomiting. If he had been the victim of an esophageal block he would have constant regurgitation, fatigue or inability to swallow and would not eat.
The cat would be weak, sleep and depressed and we would notice weight loss. Even if we notice only one sign and have a minimum of doubt we should go to the vet immediately for a check-up.
The vet will make a series of x-rays to confirm the presence of the foreign body, to understand its position, shape and size. If the tests confirm the presence of the foreign body, the veterinarian will evaluate the best way to intervene and solve the problem. Let's see which ones:
- Surgery. Removal of the object by operation.
- Endoscopy. Removal of the object through the esophagus using the endoscope.
- Natural expulsion. The cat is monitored day and night by the vet to see if he can expel the foreign body on his own.
After the foreign body has been removed, follow all the instructions provided by your veterinarian in detail and respect the control appointments that your veterinarian will set for you and I recommend that you do not leave dangerous objects that may be within reach of your cats mouth. ingested such as:
- Rubber bands
- Hair ties
- Tapes
- Gift ribbons
- plastic threads used to close plastic bags
- wool threads
- sewing threads (pay attention to the needle that may be at the end)
- Some games for cats (DANGEROUS GAMES FOR OUR BABIES? NO THANK YOU)- All threadlike objects
- Earplugs
- Tailoring tools
- Buttons
- Brooches
- Cables and electrical equipment
And all those objects that have a shape and a size that can be swallowed and arouse curiosity, play and hunting instinct in the cat.
The best cure is prevention and therefore prudence and attention, we try as far as possible not to leave dangerous toys and objects within the reach of our friends.