My cat chewed a pin cushion. Should I worry about swallowed pins?

Yes, she should see a vet ASAP and have an xray done, this way you will know for sure if she ingested it as well as where it is situated, if she indeed ingested it she will likely need to have a surgery done to have it removed.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ingestion of cotton stuffing from toys and such can be an issue if it causes an obstruction in the intestines. This can be extremely uncomfortable and even result in a torsion or perforation. Fortunately, if it a small enough amount, it will typically pass. I recommend keeping a close eye on Jasper for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy as these may be signs of an obstruction. I’m happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Luckily is was only a short piece of fringe. Usually when cats eat strings and yarn that cause intestinal perforations the length is longer than two inches. If there is a medical problem she will become painful, stop eating and may not poop regularly. She should be out of the woods in another day or two. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Maisy.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I suspect Pumpkin's appetite was decreased because the toothpick was passing through the intestines and was causing abdominal discomfort. You should continue to monitor Pumpkin at home for the next 24-48hrs. If he starts to vomit, becomes lethargic, anorexic or if he starts to struggle to pass stools, you should take him to your local vets right away as these symptoms would suggest gastrointestinal obstruction.

Yes, you are correct that pine needles do cause toxicity in cats but it's not serious side effects such as death. I would not rush her into a vet now, I would monitor her for signs of toxicity. The oils from the needle can be irritating to the mouth, causing excessive drooling or vomiting. You can try flushing Mirz's mouth with cool water. Pine needles are also difficult to digest, and they can cause GI irritation, vomiting, and possible GI obstruction or puncture if enough are eaten. If you do see vomiting, you can try withholding food for 12-24 hours, then feeding a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, she vomits the bland diet, she refuses to eat the bland diet, you see blood in her feces or vomit, she has diarrhea, and/or she becomes very lethargic, then I would rush her into a vet. I hope this helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This certainly could pose a risk for causing problems as it passes through the GI tract such as a puncture. If you are unable to get to a veterinarian, then I would recommend feeding bulky food items such as canned pumpkin and bread and see if this helps create a layer around the safety pin as it passes through the GI tract. Of course, my recommendation is to still get Chiku in to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. I would recommend endoscopic removal of the safety pin while it is in the stomach. It is not a cheap procedure but is cheaper than surgery and is non-invasive. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello. Pancakes should be able to pass this as it is pretty small & pliable. If it has been more than a few hours since she ate the balloon, it is possible it has already passed out of the stomach into the intestines. I have seen cases where kitties have vomited up strange things a week later. Just watch her over the next 5-7 days for a loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, & protrusion of the third eyelids. These are the tissues in the inner corner of each eye & when you can see them covering at least half the eyes, it is a clear indication that Pancakes does not feel well. If she is still her spunky, adventurous self a week from now, all should be well. Just monitor her for anything concerning. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.