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For some reason, most cats love to play with plastic bags! Maybe it’s the flexibility of the bags or the sound they make when pounced on that attracts a cat. But occasionally, a cat may eat the plastic bag. Can this make a cat sick?
Has your cat eaten a plastic bag? Are you worried the plastic bag will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand that 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. Let’s get started!
What is a Plastic Bag?
Plastic bags come in a wide variety of sizes, textures, and more. However, in this article, we’re specifically dealing with the kind of plastic bags you get at the store. These bags are made to hold products you’ve purchased. They make it much easier to carry everything to the car or your home. The bags can hold everything from fruit and vegetables to meat, canned food, and more.
The bags may be made of plastic films made from polyethylene. They usually form a container to carry items and include handles at the top of the bag to make it easier to carry everything.
Plastic bags are safe when used as directed, but what happens if a cat eats a plastic bag?
Plastic Bags & Cats
Unfortunately, plastic bags can be very dangerous to cats. If your cat eats only a very small piece of a plastic bag, chances are she will be OK. That small piece of plastic will travel through her digestive tract and come out in her poop. This process can take up to 3-4 days. It’s important to monitor your cat’s poop to make sure that small piece has come out. If it doesn’t, it’s best to call the vet for advice.
If your cat eats the entire bag, this can cause a serious condition called an obstruction. The bag becomes lodged somewhere in the cat’s digestive tract and causes a blockage. Your cat’s system may try to pass the bag; you may notice a piece of plastic bag sticking out from her anus. However, do not pull the plastic out. Doing so could cause serious damage to your cat’s digestive system.
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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 (may be bloody)
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Hiding
- Constipation
- Increased aggression (caused by fear and discomfort)
- Abdominal pain & swelling
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Note: if you see plastic coming from your cat’s anus, do not pull it. Doing so could cause serious damage to your cat’s digestive tract.
Treatment of Plastic Bag Ingestion in Cats
Treatment depends on where the blockage is located and if the blockage is partial or complete. In the case of a partial blockage, it’s possible that the plastic bag could pass on its own. In that case, the vet may hospitalize your cat, give her an IV to keep her hydrated and administer medications (if necessary). They may also give your cat pain medication. The vet will keep track of where the blockage is and if it passes on its own.
On the other hand, if the blockage doesn’t pass on its own or the bag has created a complete blockage, the vet may need to perform surgery to remove the bag. During the surgery, the vet will remove the plastic bag and repair any damage it may have caused.
The prognosis is best for cats that receive prompt medical care after eating a plastic bag. In the future, it’s a good idea to keep all plastic bags out of your cat’s reach. That can be challenging! But 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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