How to Get a Fish Hook Out of a Cat's Lip

Fish hooks are used to catch fish, but they can also snare an unlucky cat. Cats can be attracted to fish hooks because they smell of fish. If they try to bite the fish hook, they can get the hook lodged in their lip or their mouth. Drooling or pawing at the mouth are signs that your cat might have a fish hook in its lip.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire cutters
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the fish hook. If the barb of the fish hook is visible, skip to Step 3.

    • 2

      If the barb is not visible, push the hook all the way through the cat's lip. The barbs make it impossible to pull the fish hook out the way it came in.

    • 3

      Clip off the barb of the fish hook with a pair of wire cutters.

    • 4

      Pull both halves of the fish hook out of your cat's lip.

    • 5

      Watch the wound for the next few days. If it forms pus or seems hot or swollen, take the cat to the veterinarian. Otherwise, it should heal without treatment.