Kittens are the cutest little beings around! They’re so playful and curious about everything in the world around them! However, there are times when it may be necessary to bottle feed a very young kitten. This is a special time between you and your kitten. They’re so cute when eating from the bottle!
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However, what happens if the kitten chews off the tip of the bottle? That can be very scary! If your kitten has eaten off the tip of a bottle, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a look at whether or not the bottle tip can make your kitten sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Bottle Tip?
If you’re bottle-feeding a kitten, then you’ll be using a bottle that has a special tip. The tip on this type of bottle is called a nipple or teat. Depending on the type and brand of the bottle you’re using, the nipple could be made of latex. Latex nipples are not toxic for cats and are entirely safe to use when bottle-feeding kittens.
However, what happens if a kitten bites off and eats the tip of the nipple on the bottle?
Bottle Tips & Kittens
As the kittens grow and become older, their teeth will develop and become very sharp. If your kitten has bitten you, then you know what we mean! Their teeth are definitely sharp enough to chew off the latex nipple on a kitten’s nursing bottle.
The danger here is not from the latex, which is non-toxic. The main concern is that the tip of the nipple could become lodged in the kitten’s throat and cause the kitten to choke or not breathe. The nipple tip could also become lodged somewhere in the kitten’s digestive tract—from her stomach to the intestines—leading to an intestinal blockage. An intestinal blockage can be a life-threatening medical problem.
If the kitten is larger and the tip small, there’s a chance it may come out in her poop. You can check her poop to see if you find the nipple there. If so, then that’s a good thing, and your kitten will be OK. Keep in mind it can take up to 2-3 days (or longer) before you see the nipple tip.
However, if your kitten doesn’t pass the nipple tip and/or begins to show the following symptoms (see below), then it’s time to call the vet.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat Should I Do If My Kitten Ate a Bottle Tip?
Stop your kitten from eating any more of the bottle tip or other items. In this case, it’s best to move her to another room and see how much of the bottle tip she’s eaten.
Next, assess your kitten’s condition. Does your fur baby still look happy and alert? Is she choking or showing other signs of discomfort? If possible, look to see if there are any plastic pieces in her mouth. Be careful when doing this, as some kittens will bite and scratch when they feel threatened or stressed.
If you see your kitten eat a bottle tip, it’s best to call the vet right away. Your quick response can save your fur baby’s life.
Follow the vet’s advice. If they say to bring your kitten to the clinic, do so as soon as possible. Treatment is more successful when done as early as possible.
As we always say, prevention is always the best cure, so take all appropriate safety measures to keep your little ball of fur safe and happy.
Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your kitten has swallowed the nipple from a bottle:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Refusing to eat
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain/swelling
- Cold body temperature
- Crying
- Not wanting to lie down
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment for an intestinal blockage will depend on where the nipple tip is located in the kitten’s digestive tract. The vet may be able to remove the tip through an endoscopic procedure or with other methods. However, your kitten may need emergency surgery to remove the tip.
The good news is that most kittens when they receive prompt medical treatment, will make a complete recovery. Your little fur baby will soon be her normal, playful self again after she recovers!
Prevent Your Kitten from Eating Harmful Items
To keep your kitten from eating bottle tips, remember not to leave them out where your fur baby can access them. Store the bottle nipples in a sealed container and put the container in a drawer or cabinet your kitten can’t open.
Kittens love to chew on things, especially when teething. So, it’s essential to keep all potentially harmful items out of your kitten’s reach. Provide her with kitten-safe toys and feeding accessories to prevent future accidents.
If you ever notice your kitten is chewing something she shouldn’t, be sure to take the item away. Instead, give her kitten-safe toys that are safer for her to chew on.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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