Expert: Jessica - 4/4/2010

Question
QUESTION: recently my cat was acting & breathing funny..like she was choking on something...we thought it was a furball..so I was looking to see if her gums were blue & noticed something..it was a sew needle in her throat..I got it out...she doesn't sound junky as much..do u think that was cause her pain & now that it is out she will be ok?

ANSWER: Hi Melinda.  It certainly sounds like that may have been the culprit!  My further concerns would be that there is some airway inflammation from the needle that needs to be addressed, probably with a steroid, and the possibility that she may have swallowed some thread, if you did not remove any.  I think, considering the severity of the situation, a visit to the vet would be a really good idea.  

The vet will want to take a look in her mouth to check for inflammation and any evidence that there may have been string attached to the needle (again, if you haven't removed any).  An x-ray may also be recommended, because a swallowed string can cause the intestines to bunch up if it becomes tangled up in the loops, essentially causing a blockage.  It also poses a risk of perforation, as it can act as a tiny saw against the soft tissues.  

Count your lucky stars that needle didn't make its way to the belly!  Your quick thinking probably saved her life.

Good luck!

Jessica



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QUESTION: hello jessica..I took my cat to the vets..& they checked over..they decide to put her on clavamox..she had no fever...they also gave her a rabbies shot..they said the needle left a black mark in the roof of her mouth..if she did swallow thread do u think the antibiotics will help...I have been keeping a close on eye on her..thx for ur help..I love my cat..& want to make sure she's healthly...

ANSWER: The antibiotics won't do anything to protect her from a perforation or an obstruction that the thread might cause, but it can help prevent infection that might set into any ulcerations that could be caused by the thread.  Usually if the thread has caused any problems such as a perforation or obstruction, the belly would be tender to the touch.  I'm guessing your vet didn't detect any sensitivity when he palpated her abdomen, or an x-ray probably would have been recommended.  If you notice any vomiting, refusal to eat or drink, tarry stools, blood in the stool, or the absence of bowel movements, then I would definitely have her right back to the vet.  But other than that, hopefully she is on the road to a speedy recovery!

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QUESTION: hi jessica...its melinda..I have been getting great advice from you..thx..I have another question reguarding my cat..stixie....she is 9months & is a taby cat..she eats 1 can of wet food a day..I give her snacks..she always seems hungry.. I offer some dry to get her thru the day..she won't eat the hard food. should I give her another can of food?

Answer
Sorry to answer you so late, I had family in town for Easter.

The general consensus is that we should feed kittens under a year old all they want to eat, as long as they are not overweight.  This is because their bodies are still growing and maturing at a fast rate, and they typically use all the calories they take in as energy.  However, if your kitty starts to become overweight at all, it’s time to cut back on her food and follow the recommended daily servings instructed on the food label.  Each brand of food will vary, but many cans recommend feeding a cat that weighs around 7 pounds about 2 (5 oz.) cans daily.  Kittens under a year old will eat as much as double this per pound of body weight.