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Some cats will eat almost anything! If they find a rubber band, a plastic toy, or even a plastic wrapper, the cat could feel compelled to eat it! But what happens if a cat eats a plastic wrapper?
Has your cat eaten a plastic wrapper? Are you worried the plastic wrapper will make your cat 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 wrappers and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Plastic Wrapper?
Plastic wrappers are used to wrap around food, candy, and other edibles. They come in many different shapes and sizes. Plastic wrappers are usually made with thin plastic made, especially for food.
The wrappers may be made with various types of plastic that’s safe for use with food products.
While plastic wrappers are safe when used as directed, what happens if a cat eats a plastic wrapper?
Plastic Wrappers & Cats
Unfortunately, plastic wrappers can make a cat sick. For one thing, they can cause a cat to choke and eating plastic wrappers can also cause digestive issues. Some of these issues are minor; however, plastic wrappers have been known to cause obstructions in a cat’s digestive system.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Plastic Wrapper Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten a plastic wrapper:
- Choking or gagging
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Lethargy
- Change in behavior (such as your cat hiding and not wanting to come out)
If you notice 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.
Treatment of Plastic Wrapper Ingestion in Cats
Treatment depends on your cat’s symptoms. If your fur baby is choking, the vet will remove the plastic wrapper, and your feline companion should be OK.
If your cat is having diarrhea and vomiting, and the wrapper isn’t causing other problems, the vet may treat your fur baby with medication to stop these symptoms. They may then recommend monitoring your cat for the next couple of days and watching to see if the wrapper eventually comes out in the cat’s poop. If not, you’ll need to call the vet back with this information.
If your cat has symptoms of an obstruction, the vet will take x-rays to see if there’s a blockage and where it’s located. In this case, the vet will perform surgery to remove the plastic wrapper and any damage it may be caused.
The prognosis is best for cats that receive prompt medical treatment after eating a plastic wrapper. In the future, it’s best to keep plastic wrappers out of your cat’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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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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