Intestinal blockages in cats: symptoms, treatment and prevention
It’s not uncommon for cats to play with everyday household items instead of toys that are safer and more suitable for them. Unfortunately, if a cat swallows items like string, wire, foam, or other small objects they’ve been playing with, the consequences can be life-threatening.
Objects stuck in the intestine
Cats often enjoy chewing on strings and wires they find around the house. It’s also not unusual for a cat to like chewing on its toys or other objects that might seem appealing. The danger arises if your cat accidentally swallows an object they’re playing with, and it travels into the intestines where it can get stuck, causing a blockage.
This can quickly become a life-threatening situation. If a cat swallows a piece of wire, it can cause the intestines to become tangled, with the wire getting stuck. This blocks the passage, affecting the blood supply to the intestine, which can lead to an emergency. If the object cannot pass naturally and becomes stuck without surgical removal, there's a risk the intestine could be so severely damaged that its contents leak into the cat's abdomen, causing serious peritonitis and other complications. If this happens, the cat's life is in immediate danger.
What the vet will do
If you bring your cat to the vet shortly after they’ve swallowed something they shouldn’t have, the vet can induce vomiting to remove the object. Some smaller items might pass naturally, but if a significant amount of time has passed since ingestion, surgery will almost always be necessary, especially if the object is large and there's a risk of blockage.
Symptoms of intestinal blockages
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on where in the intestine the object has lodged. Typically, your cat may experience intense vomiting. Another sign to watch for is if your cat stops eating and drinking, and the vomiting continues. Vomiting in cats can also signal other conditions, so if you suspect your cat has ingested something dangerous, it's always best to consult your vet to determine the cause. While a cat’s general condition can deteriorate rapidly with a blockage, it can also be gradual. Some cats don’t vomit at all, making diagnosis challenging.
Prevention is better than cure
Try to make a household rule that your cat must never play with wires or strings, and always keep them out of sight. If you know your cat likes to chew on toys, avoid items they could swallow and supervise them closely when they’re feeling playful. Common culprits include gift ribbons and sewing thread – keep these safely away from your cat at all times.
