Some people say that cats are picky eaters. Is this true? So why do cats eat needles? Perhaps it's because of their playful and curious nature. When faced with the tempting sight of thread and needles, they can't help but bite. When playing with them, they accidentally swallow them. Needles have become a common foreign object found in cats, creating problems for both owners and veterinarians. So, what should cat owners do now?
When a needle is inserted into the body, it can cause serious damage to a cat's internal organs. Initially, your cat may not feel anything and continue to function normally. However, if the needle pierces the lining of the esophagus, your cat may experience the following symptoms:
1. Refusing food
2. High temperature
3. Feeling tired and drowsy
4. Vomiting
What should you do if your cat swallows a needle?
Initially, the owner must rush the cat to the hospital as quickly as possible. If the needle is stuck in the thread, do not try to pull it out yourself, as treatment will be more difficult or easier depending on the location of the needle in the digestive tract. Initially, the veterinarian will perform an X-ray to identify the location of the needle. If the cat is unable to defecate or vomit, the cat must be taken to the hospital for examination and treatment. The veterinarian will then determine how to remove the needle.
If the needle is in the pharynx or upper esophagus, you can anesthetize your cat and remove the needle and thread. However, this method requires a bit of time, as your cat may swallow it, causing the needle to travel further.
If the needle is lodged in the lower esophagus and into the stomach and intestines, the only treatment option is surgical removal. Leaving it untreated is not recommended, as the sharp needle could puncture the digestive tract and leak bacteria-rich digestive juices into the abdomen. Furthermore, the thread attached to the needle could become entangled and injure the intestinal wall, leading to infection and subsequent death.
If treated surgically, your veterinarian will determine how long your pet will need to stay in the hospital after surgery to allow for a better recovery.
Cat owners should always be aware of the potential dangers to our beloved cats. It's best for owners to keep sewing equipment hidden after use to prevent such scary incidents from happening to their cats. Don't forget to pay attention to the little things that might be overlooked. Prevention is better than cure, everyone.
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References
Dr. Maneerat Worakulsanti (Dr. Um), Veterinarian, Orthopedic and Joint Department, Talingchan Animal Hospital