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Many of us use tin foil at home. It’s often used for cooking, lining pans, and more. Foil is very handy to have around! But sometimes, a cat may be tempted to play with or eat tin foil. What happens if a cat eats tin foil?
Has your cat eaten tin foil? Are you worried the tin foil 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 tin foil and whether it can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Tin Foil?
Tin foil is another name for aluminum foil. Before WWII, there was foil made from tin; however, after the war, manufacturers found that aluminum foil was much cheaper to make. Over time, tin foil was no longer used. However, some people still call aluminum foil “tin foil.”
Aluminum foil is made from aluminum that’s pressed into very thin sheets (about 0.2 mm thick). The product is commonly used for cooking, cleaning, and much more.
While tin foil is safe for humans when used as directed, what about cats? What happens if a cat eats tin foil?
Tin Foil & Cats
Cats that eat a small piece of tin foil should be OK. The foil will pass through the cat’s digestive tract and come out in her poop. It can take several days for the foil to pass through her system.
However, if your fur baby has eaten a large amount of tin foil, this could cause a problem called an obstruction. The obstruction develops if the foil becomes lodged in the cat’s digestive system and blocks it off. This can be a lethal condition if not treated quickly.
Another problem tin foil can cause is internal bleeding. Tin foil that’s crumpled up can have sharp edges. These may cause tears or punctures in the digestive system. This is not a common health issue; however, it is possible a cat could develop this problem after eating foil.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Tin Foil Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten tin foil:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Hiding (your cat will not come)
- Pale gums
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal pain & swelling
If you notice these symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This an emergency.
Treatment of Tin Foil Ingestion in Cats
The vet may need to do emergency surgery to remove the blockage and repair any damage the tin foil has caused.
If your cat has internal bleeding, the vet may start her on an IV with fluids to maintain her blood pressure. And in some cases, your fur baby may require a blood transfusion.
The prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical treatment after eating tin foil. In the future, it’s best to keep tin foil 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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