Did you know that thread can cause serious harm to your cat, and such cases are not uncommon? Any animal can swallow a thread or something similar (yarn, ribbon, or Christmas decorations), but cats are especially susceptible.
Why do cats swallow thread?
First of all, the roughness of the cat's tongue is to blame. Like a brush, it is covered with a layer of keratinized papillae that look like hooks pointing toward the throat. That's why everything in the cat's mouth ends up in the throat (even if the cat didn't plan to swallow it).
Because the thread looks like prey. Cats are natural hunters, and the way the thread twists in their paws imitates hunting for prey. However, this pastime can lead to tragedy.
What happens if a cat swallows a thread?
- The thread can wrap around the base of the tongue and lead to strangulation.
- One end of the thread can wrap around the tongue, and the other end can pass further into the stomach and intestines. As a result, the intestines begin to fold like an accordion. As a result, the thread is pulled tighter and tighter, to the point where it can break through the intestinal wall.
- Intestinal intussusception. This is a situation when one part of the intestinal tube is wedged into another like a telescope. As a result, the passage of food and water through the intestines is blocked.
Signs that your cat may be swallowed a thread:
- Loss of appetite
- Refusal to drink water
- Constant nausea
- Vomiting
- Problems with bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation)
- Pain in the abdomen
- Salivation
- Frequent swallowing
- Lethargy and inactivity
If you notice any of these signs or just suspect that your cat has swallowed something inedible (especially if it's a string), contact your veterinarian as soon as possible before it has a chance to do serious damage inside. When it comes to the health of our furry friends, it's always better to be safe than sorry 🐾.
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Photo by Pacto Visual on Unsplash