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My cat ate chicken bones. She seems fine but hasn't pooped. Vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 lbs

My cat ate some chicken bones a night ago. I've been watching her and she still has an appetite and has been acting normal. She hasn't used the litter box since that night though and she normally uses it quick frequently. Should I take her to see a vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 6th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes if the foreign material is small enough compared to the size of the patient, it may be digested or passed in the stools. This will of course take 24-48 hours to be determined. You can monitor her closely for clinical symptoms that could indicate an obstruction such as nausea (lip smacking, decreased appetite and/or drooling), vomiting, inappetence, lethargy and/or abdominal pain. If you see any of those clinical symptoms, have her evaluated by a veterinarian right away. Otherwise, if she is acting normal, it is ok to continue to monitor her for now. She should be using the litter box soon. I really hope she is able to pass the foreign body. Good luck and have a good night!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 3rd, 2019
Hello, and thanks for your question about Frankie. The most important things to monitor are her appetite, and watch for vomiting. If she's gone 3 days now without vomiting, and with a good appetite, that's a very good sign and she will likely be fine. But if her appetite drops or she starts vomiting again, then she should be seen by a vet.

Hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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