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Cats love to play with so many things, including foam! As they play with the foam, some cats may even try to eat it. Yuck! But what happens if a cat eats foam? Can foam make a cat sick?
Has your cat eaten foam? Are you worried the foam will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats things like this.
We’ve gathered information about foam and whether it can make a cat sick. In this article, we’ll focus on Styrofoam.
What is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is a material (usually white) made of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). It’s often used for food containers, disposable plates, coffee cups, and packing materials. Styrofoam is also used as an insulating material in structures and around pipes.
The foam was first discovered in the 1940s by Dow’s Chemical Physics Lab. And it’s been popular ever since!
While Styrofoam is considered safe when used as directed, what happens if a cat eats Styrofoam?
Styrofoam & Cats
Unfortunately, Styrofoam can be very dangerous for cats. The material is not toxic; however, the problem is that the foam can clump together in the cat’s digestive tract. If this happens, the result can be an obstruction. This is a life-threatening condition that must be treated right away.
Another problem is that Styrofoam may also pose a choking hazard if eaten. In that case, your cat may be gagging and having breathing difficulties. If you can’t see the foam in the back of her throat to remove it, this is an emergency. Call the vet right away.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Styrofoam Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten Styrofoam:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Crying
- Hiding
- Abdominal pain & swelling
If you notice these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Styrofoam Ingestion in Cats
The vet will run x-rays to determine where the obstruction is located in your cat’s digestive system. If the blockage is near the stomach, the vet may be able to remove it with an endoscopic procedure. However, if the blockage is in her intestines, the vet may need to perform emergency surgery.
The surgery is done to remove the blockage and repair any damage it may have caused.
The prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical treatment after eating Styrofoam. In the future, it’s a good idea to keep all Styrofoam out of your cat’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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