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Cats sometimes eat the strangest things, such as a Ziploc bag! It may be that you’ve left a Ziploc bag that has held some food your fur baby really loves, such as meat or fish. She may be tempted to eat the bag because it smells so good! But what happens if a cat eats a Ziploc bag?
Has your cat eaten a Ziploc bag? Are you worried the Ziploc bag 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 Ziploc bags and whether they can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Ziploc Bag?
Ziploc bags are a brand of reusable and resealable plastic storage bags. They come in various sizes, from snack size and larger. They’re used to hold all types of foods and items. The bags are made from polypropylene that can be recycled.
These bags are very popular and can be found in many of our homes. Ziploc bags are considered to be safe when used as directed. But what happens if a cat eats a Ziploc bag? Can a Ziploc bag make a cat sick?
Ziploc Bags & Cats
Unfortunately, Ziploc bags can be extremely dangerous for cats if eaten. The problem is the cat’s digestive system is not able to digest the plastic. If a cat eats a small bit of plastic, chances are it will come out in her poop.
However, if she eats an entire Ziploc bag, there’s a danger that the bag could form an obstruction anywhere in her digestive system. This is a dangerous condition that can cause death if it’s left untreated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten a Ziplock bag:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain & swelling
- Cold body temperature
- Crying
- Doesn’t want to lie down
- Hiding
If you notice these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats
The vet may first run images to see where the bag is located. If the Ziploc bag is in your cat’s stomach, the vet may try to remove it with an endoscopic procedure.
On the other hand, if the Ziploc bag is farther along in your cat’s digestive tract, the vet may need to perform surgery to remove the obstruction safely.
The prognosis is best for cats that receive prompt medical treatment after eating a Ziploc bag. In the future, it’s essential to keep all Ziploc bags out of your cat’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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