Nerf Darts have become very popular with the kids! While the toys are great for kids, what about your cat? Are Nerf Darts dangerous if a cat eats one?
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Has your cat eaten a Nerf Dart? Are you worried the Nerf Dart will make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it’s scary when your cat eats something he shouldn’t have.
In this article, we’ll take a look at Nerf Darts and whether or not they can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!
What are Nerf Darts?
Nerf Darts are shot from a Nerf Blaster, which is a toy gun made by Hasbro. The darts are made of foam, which is solid but spongy. The Nerf projectiles can fly up to 85 ft and are safe when used as directed. However, there have been cases of pets, including dogs and cats, suffering severe injuries after being hit with the darts.
But what happens if a cat eats a Nerf Dart? Will the Nerf Dart make the cat sick?
Nerf Darts & Cats
Unfortunately, Nerf Darts can make a cat very sick. If the cat chews the dart up into small pieces, there’s a chance the pieces will come out in the cat’s poop. Or the cat may vomit up the pieces.
However, it’s also possible for the Nerf Dart pieces to become lodged within the cat’s digestive system. If this should happen, the dart pieces could cause an intestinal blockage. This can be a life-threatening emergency; if not treated promptly, the blockage can cause death.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten a Nerf Dart:
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, then call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Intestinal Blockage in Cats
When you get to the vet’s, they will perform a full physical examination of your cat. This will include lab work and x-rays (or an ultrasound). The images will help the vet see where the blockage is located.
Depending on where the blockage is, the vet may choose to use an endoscopic procedure to remove the dart’s pieces. However, it’s also possible your cat will need emergency abdominal surgery. The surgery will be done to remove the parts of the Nerf Dart and to repair any damage they’ve caused to the cat’s digestive tract.
The prognosis for the cat will depend on the severity of the obstruction and how seen it was treated. The good news is that most cats who receive prompt medical care will make a full recovery after eating a Nerf Dart.
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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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