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Cats sometimes eat the strangest things! Some cats seem to have a penchant for playing with plastic bags. However, some cats will even eat plastic bags. But what happens if a cat eats a plastic bag?
Has your cat eaten a plastic bag? Are you worried the plastic bag will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about plastic bags and whether they can make a cat sick.
What are Plastic Bags?
Plastic bags come in various sizes and can include grocery bags, food bags (sandwich bags), and more. Many types of plastic bags are made from polymers of ethylene. There are many kinds of plastic used to make plastic bags.
While bags are safe when used as directed, what happens if a cat eats a plastic bag?
Plastic Bags & Cats
Unfortunately, plastic bags can make a cat sick. However, if your cat has eaten only a small piece of a plastic bag, she should be OK. This will likely pass through your cat’s system and come out in her poop. In some cases, your fur baby could also vomit the piece of the plastic bag up, and that’s a good thing. Either way, if you see the bag come out, your feline companion should be OK.
Plastic bags can cause a life-threatening health issue in cats called an obstruction. This is caused when the plastic bag becomes lodged anywhere in the cat’s digestive tract and causes a blockage. This is a very dangerous, life-threatening condition if not treated promptly.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Plastic Bag Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten a plastic bag:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Change in behavior
- Lack of energy
- Lack of appetite
- Excessive drooling
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by the vet. And if you notice part of the bag coming from your cat’s anus, do not pull it out. You could cause additional damage to your cat’s digestive tract.
Treatment of Plastic Bag Ingestion in Cats
The vet will take x-rays of your cat to determine where the blockage is located. After this, they will perform surgery to remove the plastic bag and repair any damage it may have caused.
The good news is that the prognosis is best for cats that receive prompt medical treatment. In the future, it’s best to keep all plastic bags out of your cat’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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