Treatment for a Cat that Swallows a Large Object

Cats are curious by nature, but that curiosity can lead to a dangerous situation for your cat. Swallowing a large object can obstruct their air flow, causing coughs, choking and suffocation. If the object makes it into the digestive tract, it can lead to problems such as abdominal pain or perforation. Quick action must be taken when a cat has swallowed or is choking on a large object.

  1. Causes

    • Kittens and cats can often be found chewing on various objects, according to The Cat Care Book by Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, V.M.D. Strings, chewable toys and bones are likely suspects for the cat to swallow and choke on. Large pieces of food can be an issue, as well.

    Symptoms

    • There are several symptoms that indicate a cat is having a problem swallowing an object. Petstyle.com says to look for coughing, pawing at the mouth, drooling or gagging. The cat could fall unconscious or have a tongue that is turning blue.

    Home Treatment

    • There might not be enough time to get your cat to the vet if the airway is completely obstructed. Pet Style offers a few home treatment options. Extraction with tweezers or fingers is possible if the object is not too far down the wind pipe. String or sharp objects need to be removed by a vet, as they can cause serious issues. The Heimlich maneuver is an option for cats, as well. It is similar to the method used on humans, but the force used is much lower.

    Veterinary Treatment

    • A cat that has swallowed a large object can be treated a number of ways by a vet. The Cat Care Book details non-surgical methods such as a scope to clear the airway, or a simple removal of the object with fingers. Surgical methods may involve removing the object from the intestines or stomach.

    Prevention

    • The Cat Care Book gives a number of suggestions for cat choking prevention. Kittens should not be allowed to play with string, as swallowed string can cause serious problems in the digestive tract. Chewable toys need to be large enough to not be swallowed. People food and bones should be placed in a trash bag and tied up or lidded.