by Nomi Berger

Pancreatitis -- inflammation of the pancreas – is relatively rare, but recognizing its signs early is essential to any cat’s health. These signs can include lethargy, increased thirst and urination, poor appetite or refusing to eat, dehydration and weight loss.

What then, is the pancreas? A small organ tucked between the stomach and intestines, it plays a vital role in producing the hormones, insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar. It also produces digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, protein and fat.

While the precise cause of most cases of feline pancreatitis isn’t known, it’s been associated with a cat’s having ingested toxins, having contracted a parasitic infection or having suffered a trauma such as a car accident. And it’s commonly divided into two sets of categories: acute or chronic, and severe or mild. Ironically, there’s a disparity between the number of cats with this condition and those who are actually diagnosed and treated. Why? Cats with mild cases may show few, if any, symptoms, while symptoms that don’t seem disease-specific may not warrant a visit to the vet. And because feline pancreatitis is difficult to definitively diagnose without a biopsy or ultrasound, many cat owners forgo these tests because of the cost.

There are, however, other less expensive diagnostic tools available. One is the serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) test, a non-invasive blood test that looks for markers of pancreatitis. Another, the serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) test, may not be as reliable as the fPLI test, but it can help identify exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a disease that cats with chronic feline pancreatitis can also develop.

Posing the most serious risk to your own cat’s health is acute feline pancreatitis, and it usually requires hospitalization. Depending on its severity, chronic pancreatitis may call for periodic trips to the hospital but it can usually be managed at home. At the hospital, your cat will receive intravenous (IV) fluids to address her dehydration and, if warranted, detoxify her pancreas from any damaging inflammatory toxins. She may also be given antibiotics to minimize her risk of developing suppurative (infectious) pancreatitis, as well as painkillers and an anti-nausea medication to help combat any nausea she might have.

Once back from the hospital, it’s recommended that she be fed appetizing and easily digestible food as soon as possible provided she’s hungry and isn’t vomiting. Comforting her plays an important role in both making her feel safe and helping her to regain her appetite. If, however, she seems queasy and has difficulty eating, your vet may recommend an antiemetic to decrease her nausea and control any vomiting she might have. But if she’s vomiting frequently and isn’t at risk for fatty liver disease, your vet might suggest re-introducing food to her over a period of several days.

Cats unable to eat on their own may require a feeding tube. With a variety of options available, your vet will discuss the best one for your cat and teach you how to use it. Despite their intimidating appearances, feeding tubes are relatively easy to use, gentle on her, and essential in delivering the food, water and medications she needs during her recovery.

Whereas severe cases of feline pancreatitis require hospital stays and specialized care, many forms of this condition are mild and non-threatening. Learning to recognize the warning signs, then acting swiftly is the best way to ensure that your cat lives a long and happy life.

by Nomi Berger
 
Feline cerebellar hypoplasia, familiarly called wobbly cat syndrome, is a neurological disorder that occurs when the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination, doesn’t fully develop while kittens are still in their mothers’ wombs. Affecting a cat’s balance and fine motor skills, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, it’s neither painful nor contagious, and symptoms shouldn’t grow worse over time. And although there’s no cure, many cats with this condition can still live long, enjoyable, albeit somewhat clumsy, lives.
 
According to veterinary experts, cerebellar hypoplasia most commonly occurs when a pregnant cat becomes infected with the feline panleukopenia virus, or feline distemper, and passes the infection along to her unborn kittens. Other less common causes include a kitten suffering a brain trauma while the cerebellum is still developing or being exposed to such inflammatory diseases as toxoplasmosis in the womb.
 
Symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia typically exhibit themselves when kittens are between four and six weeks old – or when they’re able to stand and walk. These symptoms usually include head bobbing and head tremors, jerky or uncoordinated walking, swaying from side to side or walking as if drunk, an unsteady or clumsy, wide-legged stance, the inability to judge distance properly, splayed feet and/or falling over.
 
While there’s no standard test to diagnose this disorder, a vet or veterinary neurologist can always order an MRI scan to detect an underdeveloped cerebellum. But first, a vet will perform a thorough physical examination of the kitten that includes blood work, an electrolyte panel and a urinalysis in order to rule out other, possibly serious medical conditions.
 
How, then, should YOU care for a kitty with cerebellar hypoplasia?
 
1. Spay or neuter your cat since certain types of cerebellar hypoplasia are genetic and can be inherited by his or her offspring.
 
2. Make your cat an indoors-only cat and never let her outside alone. With her lack of coordination and balance, she’s more prone to injuries and won’t be able to protect herself against potential predators. To satisfy her natural curiosity and innate urge to explore, build a “catio” type of structure for her or teach her to walk on a leash.
 
3. Never de-claw your “wobbly” cat. Because she can’t typically jump, she’ll need her claws for balance in order to develop her climbing skills.
 
4. Make it easier for her to eat and drink by raising her food dish and water bowl (both should also be wider than regular ones) off the floor.
 
5. Provide her with a large, easily accessible litter box, perhaps with the addition of a specially designed ramp to make getting in and out of it even easier.
 
6. Where applicable, set up baby gates restricting all access to any stairs, preventing her from tumbling down them and harming herself.
 
7. For hardwood, tile or especially slick floors, put down non-slip mats or foam pads to create traction for her, and place them in front of her litter box, raised food dish and water bowl as well.
 
8. With jumping and running a challenge, encourage her to exercise by climbing – and climbing some more. Provide her with carpeted cat trees and other climbing spots, then cushion the areas around them with foam pads or small blankets to provide her with a soft landing should she fall.
 
9. Ask your vet or a trained expert to demonstrate various physical therapy exercises for you to practice together to help boost her self-confidence and build up the strength in her legs. Specially designed toys and particularly hardy long strings can also work wonders on her muscle tone and flexibility.
 
10. For more severe cases of cerebellar hypoplasia, some vets recommend hydrotherapy. Thanks to the buoyancy of the water, hydrotherapy can help build up her muscle strength, which, in turn, aids in mobility.
 

by Nomi Berger
 
Ascites (pronounced “a-site-eez”) is the accumulation of fluid in a cat’s abdominal cavity.
 
While a swollen stomach is one of the most obvious signs of ascites, any dramatic shift in a cat’s appetite, weight, body temperature, excremental function or sudden sensitivity during a tummy rub can also be warning signs. And if fluid continues to accumulate unchecked in the cat’s abdomen, it will eventually create so much pressure that she may have trouble breathing.
 
As frightening as it sounds, however, ascites may all too often be a symptom of one of these five major conditions:
 
1. Abdominal organ failure: Damage to or failure of the liver, kidneys and/or bladder can cause feline ascites. When operating properly, these organs’ vital functions include the conversion and metabolization of nutrients, filtration and waste removal. If the liver or kidneys are ruptured or fail, they release fluid into the abdomen that can quickly become septic. (possible reasons for both: ingesting chemicals or toxins, excessive heat, dietary imbalances, infection and metabolic dysfunction). A ruptured bladder can be caused by a urinary tract infection, blockages of the urinary tract or disease. When the urine has nowhere to go, the bladder can tear, releasing that urine into the abdomen, irritating the peritoneum, which, in turn, releases more fluid.
 
2. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): Caused by a virus that thrives in white blood cells, there are two forms of FIP, and the one that produces swelling of the peritoneum is “effusive” or wet. Once the mutated virus becomes active, it impairs a cat’s immune system, especially affecting the abdominal lining and kidneys. Not only is FIP difficult to diagnose, it’s almost impossible to cure.
 
3. Right-sided congestive heart failure: The right side pumps fresh, oxygenated blood through a cat’s body, and with congestive heart failure, the heart is incapable of doing this. (possible causes include a thickening of the heart muscle, heart worms and high blood pressure). While right-sided congestive heart failure can be genetic and affect younger cats, it more often affects older cats. As the cat’s heart strains to pump fresh blood through her body, fluids begin to accumulate everywhere, including the abdomen.
 
4. Cancer: A mass or tumor anywhere in a cat’s abdominal cavity can cause a blockage and disrupt the normal functioning of her organ(s). Fluids that would usually be filtered by the affected organ(s) may then either back up or leak out into her abdomen.
 
5. Physical trauma: If a cat experiences any sort of physical trauma, from accidents to abuse, these injuries can damage her internal organs. A torn or ruptured vital organ will lead to internal hemorrhaging which, in turn, leaks either blood or fluid into the abdomen, irritating the peritoneum and causing the abdomen to swell.
 
To accurately diagnose ascites in a cat, a vet will first perform a thorough physical examination of her abdomen to check for pain or discomfort, then order blood and urine tests, and perhaps even x-rays and an ultrasound. A key component of the investigation, however, is drawing and analyzing a sample of her abdominal fluid to help narrow the list of possible causes. The blood and urine tests will detect any chemical imbalances or infections while the x-rays and ultrasound should reveal which organ(s) or system is affected.
 
Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment depends on the underlying cause of her fluid buildup. Corrective surgery may be needed to repair a ruptured organ or remove a tumor, while medications such as cat antibiotics may be prescribed if she’s suffering from a bacterial infection. Sadly, however, the disorders that cause ascites tend to be ominous, making the prognosis either guarded or poor. And because it often occurs at the end stages of a disorder without a cure, the focus of any treatment plan must therefore change accordingly -- from resolution to management.

by Nomi Berger
 
Veterinarians usually divide epiphora, or excessive tearing, into two categories -- excessive tear production or inadequate tear drainage.
 
Similar to our own eyes, a cat’s eyes will tear after being exposed to irritants like chemicals and dust, smoke and smog. When the irritant in question either subsides or disappears, so should the cat’s increased tearing. If, however, the irritant persists, her excessive tearing may become chronic. (Infections, allergies and various types of eye injuries can also result in epiphora).
 
Another common cause of excessive tearing is entropion, a genetic condition in which part of a cat’s eyelid (usually the lower lid) is folded in towards her eyeball. This scratches and irritates her cornea rather than protecting it, and because the cornea is rich with pain receptors, it not only causes persistent tearing but extreme discomfort.
 
Applying artificial tears or a vet-prescribed ointment to the affected cornea may soothe the eye, forming a barrier between the eye and the offending lid, but it’s only a temporary solution. The permanent solution is surgical, where a thin V-wedge of skin below the affected eye is removed and the edges sutured together. This allows the eyelid to roll back outward and away from the cornea, giving the cat some much-needed relief from pain.
 
Corneal ulcers (scratches or abrasions to the corneal surface) are another cause of epiphora. Such ulcers are quite painful and result not only in redness but squinting and tearing, prompting a cat to constantly swipe or rub at the affected eye. If left untreated, a corneal ulcer will only grow worse, and if it’s deep enough, the eye could rupture and the cat could lose her sight in that eye.
 
The second category in the epiphora equation is inadequate tear drainage. Normally, tears drain from a cat’s eyes into her nose and throat through small ducts located at the inner corners of her eyes. Sometimes, though, her tears can’t drain sufficiently because the openings of those ducts are blocked.
 
One possible reason: eye inflammation as the result of a severe respiratory infection that caused scarring at the opening of one or both of her tear ducts. Another possible reason: one or both ducts that didn’t properly open during her early development. To correct this condition surgically, the cat will be anesthetized by a vet and a thin tube called a cannula will be inserted into one or both of her tear ducts to unblock them.
 
In short, if the underlying cause of epiphora can be identified and treated: problem solved. Brachycephalic cats (flat-faced breeds like Himalayans and Persians), on the other hand, with their large eyes, shallow eye sockets and abnormal tear ducts, are predisposed to epiphora. Since their tears simply slide down their faces, they’re likely to spend their “exotic” lives with watery eyes and wet faces.
 
And because tears contain a small amount of pigment, the fur of light-colored cats tends to show some reddish-brown staining beneath their eyes. Although this staining is harmless, many owners find it both undesirable and ugly. For these owners, there are a variety of products available that are specifically formulated to help minimize those stains. But, as with all things cat, concerned owners should always consult their vets first to ensure these products are FDA approved and safe.
 
 

by Nomi Berger
 
Hair loss in cats, otherwise known as alopecia, can be either partial or complete, according to animal dermatologists. And although it occurs for a variety of reasons, the most common one is skin allergies.
 
Cats may, in the course of their lives, get acquired alopecia, a symptom of a disease, not a disease itself, and veterinarians are the ones tasked with diagnosing its source. Happily, most affected cats’ hair does grow back, given time and the appropriate treatment.
 
Consider, then, the six most common conditions behind cat alopecia.
 
1. Allergies: Some cats are hypersensitive to the antigens in flea saliva, and if they’re bitten by a flea, they’ll become so desperately itchy that they’ll begin over grooming as a way of dealing with the itchiness. It isn’t as if their hair is simply falling out, these kitties are actually licking it so much that they’re not only pulling it out, they’re pulling it out far faster than it can be replaced.
 
Mange, scabies and lice can also make a cat’s skin itch, leading to that same vicious cycle of over grooming and hair loss. Other culprits include mites, food allergies and environmental allergies – all of which can cause that same unbearable itching, over grooming and hair loss.
 
Occasionally, cats will engage in compulsive over grooming because they’re suffering from neuropathic pain due to nerve damage in their skin. In rare cases, they may even over groom and lose hair for psychological rather than physical reasons, such as severe anxiety following a particularly stressful event.
 
2. Pain: Sometimes a cat will obsessively lick an area of her body not because it itches but because the tissue beneath her skin hurts. A cat suffering from arthritis, for example, may constantly lick at a specific, aching joint because it’s painful and licking helps relieve some of the discomfort. The downside of this: she’s also licking away her hair.
 
3. Infections: Less common than allergies, cats with various staph infections or fungal infections such as ringworm may lose a great deal of hair in those affected areas.
 
4. Endocrine disorders: If a cat’s losing hair, she may be suffering from hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid condition, it causes weight loss as well as many other symptoms). She may have a hormonal imbalance and an increased level of steroids in her body, causing hair follicles to die and preventing new hair from growing back. Cushing’s disease is one example of a metabolic disorder that produces too much cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone), potentially causing her alopecia.
 
5. Side effects from medication: Among the various medications prescribed for a number of conditions, transdermal prednisone, for example, which is often used to treat Addison’s disease, causes both hair loss and the curling of a cat’s outer ear. Once the medication is stopped, these unwanted side effects should also stop.
 
6. Cancer: Thankfully, cancer is rarely the reason for a cat losing hair. But neoplasia (these are abnormal growths caused by the uncontrolled division of cells) may cause it. Another serious condition is paraneoplastic alopecia, which is hair loss associated with moist skin and extreme itchiness.
 
Concerned about YOUR kitty’s hair loss? Simply bring her to the vet for a thorough examination.

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you ever observed that your kitty’s allergy symptoms seem to worsen the more time you spend together? Have you ever considered the possibility that she may be allergic to you?
 
While extremely rare, scientists say that cats can indeed be allergic to people, but that our frequent bathing and showering assists in reducing our own dander and allergens. It’s far more likely, then, that your cat’s not allergic to YOU but to the products you either use on your skin or to clean your home.
 
Among the telltale signs of her sensitivity to these products are: itchiness and reddened skin, fur loss and open sores, rodent ulcers and swollen or inflamed lips. She may also develop chronic sneezing.
 
Consider the following culprits that may cause an irritation of your cat’s respiratory system: perfumes, body sprays with high-scent fragrances and heavily perfumed body washes; scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners; air freshener plug-ins, scented waxes, essential oils and incense, and the smoke and nicotine from cigarettes.
 
To minimize many of these potential irritants, invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter that traps allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold, tobacco particles, your dander and skin cells rather than sending them back into the air. Eliminate, wherever possible, everything that’s heavily perfumed or even moderately scented -- from your personal products to your laundry products. And to keep your air not only fresh but clean, use several small activated charcoal pillows instead of scented plug-ins.
 
If, however, you suspect that your cat IS allergic to you, discuss it with your vet who will, in all likelihood, refer you to a dermatologist. Just as with people, the dermatologist will run a series of tests on your cat by pricking her skin with a small amount of various suspected allergens to see how she responds. And should she be one of those very rare kitties who react to your dander or hair, it doesn’t mean that you have to give her up.
 
Again, as with people, there are several forms of treatment available, depending on her symptoms and the severity of those symptoms. And although there’s no cure for allergies at the moment, allergy injections, antihistamines or even cortisone can be used to both provide her with the relief she needs and the reassurance you need to live happily ever after.

by Nomi Berger
 
For people, having our blood pressure checked is always a routine part of an annual physical exam.
 
But have you ever had your cat’s blood pressure checked?
 
Do you know what high blood pressure in cats means? Do you know what low blood pressure means? Do you know what to do in either situation?
 
Just as many people suffer from so-called “white coat syndrome”, causing an elevation in their blood pressure at their physician’s office, the same holds true for cats having their blood pressure taken at the vet’s. Purr-haps even more so. While a cat’s usual, normal systolic pressure is about 120 to 130, most seasoned vets barely react if their “stressed out” kitty patient’s blood pressure is 150 to 160 during a check-up. If, on the other paw, it’s lower than 120 -- which is rare -- or higher than 160, this could be a signal that something else is wrong.
 
What, then, does high blood pressure in cats mean? Common in cats, particularly as they age, it’s usually a sign of an underlying disease or condition -- one of the main ones being kidney failure. With kidney failure comes hypertension. If your cat is drinking more water than usual or urinating more often than usual, she may have kidney failure and, thus, possibly hypertension. Felines suffering from kidney failure and hypertension may also lose their eyesight. If your senior kitty is already blind, however, your vet should test her for retinal detachment since it’s most often caused by high blood pressure.
 
What, then, does low blood pressure mean? Not nearly as common as high blood pressure, kitties may have low blood pressure if they’ve suffered some sort of trauma, leaving them injured and losing blood.
 
If your kitty’s blood pressure is too high, your vet will, in all likelihood, have blood tests taken to see what, if anything, they reveal. They may indicate, for example, an elevation in her kidney enzymes. And should she have either kidney or heart disease, your vet will not only begin treating her for it but prescribe amlodipine (this is a calcium channel blocker used “off label” to treat her blood pressure and prevent damage to her kidneys, eyes and brain).
 
Some vets believe, though, that it’s better to check your cat’s blood pressure at home rather than at their office because it’s less stressful for her. To do this, simply purchase a blood pressure monitor with an inflatable cuff and put it around your kitty’s forelimb or tail. Purr-fectly pain-free, it’s very well tolerated by most cats.
 
Uncertain or squeamish? Even without a monitor, be on the lookout for symptoms of both high and low blood pressure in your cat. These include behavioral changes, such as uncharacteristic growling or hissing, increased thirst and urination, lethargy, weakness and vision problems. And if you’re at all concerned about her blood pressure, bring her to your vet for a thorough examination.

by Nomi Berger
 
Rather then being a single disease, Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) is a set of symptoms that indicates the presence of a dermal, neurological or behavioral problem. The opposite of anesthesia, instead of a LACK of sensation, an affected cat has TOO MUCH sensation in her skin or in the muscles under her skin. Much like tickling, it begins pleasantly enough before devolving into something both painful and distressing.
 
The classic symptoms of FHS – lasting a few seconds or several minutes – are episodes of a cat’s skin twitching or rolling. She may not only appear uncomfortable, her pupils may be dilated or she may be staring off into space. Normally calm cats may become aggressive during an episode while aggressive cats may grow calmer. And episodes occur most often in the morning or evening -- the dawn/dusk times when cats in the wild would be hunting.
 
Some cats with milder forms of FHS experience pain when they’re petted, particularly along their lower backs. Some may lick or bite themselves, often leading to shortened hair or baldness in those areas. Some will attack their tails or lower backs while others will lick or chew at their paws. Cats with more severe symptoms may cry or race screaming from room to room, mutilate their tails or suffer seizures if touched in a certain way.
 
Possible causes or triggers of FHS include allergies to food (this requires a special diet) or pollen, fleas, mites and ringworm. The symptoms of milder skin allergies can be relieved by antihistamines like doxepin, while more troublesome cases are usually treated with prednisolone, a steroid that eliminates any and all offending parasites. Skin scrapings detect the presence of mites and a fungal culture will test for ringworm. Bravecto ointment, applied to your cat’s skin, is designed to kill both fleas and mites.
 
If treating your cat for skin issues doesn’t help, a neurological problem -- affecting her spinal cord or the nerves to her back or tail -- may be the culprit. In this case, your vet may order spinal x-rays taken or, if need be, refer you to a neurologist for either a CT scan or MRI.

Cats suffering from a neurological condition can exhibit other symptoms besides FHS, including weakness or an unsteady gait, obvious pain in their neck, back or legs (pain medications may help), difficulty with jumping or problems with going up and down stairs. Some cats’ symptoms, on the other hand, seem more like seizures, for which Phenobarbital and/or Gabapentin (this decreases neurological pain) may be prescribed.
 
If both dermatological and neurological problems are ruled out, the third option is a compulsive disorder, thought to be caused by a lack of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Your vet can prescribe a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) to increase the amount of serotonin in your cat’s brain and reduce her symptoms. Used for years in people, Prozac often works well for cats, and is available as a chewable tablet (for dogs) that can be crushed into your cat’s canned food or broth. (To ensure she’s tolerating the drug, your vet should draw a blood sample to check her liver and kidney function).
 
If the cause is indeed behavioral, any stress or conflict between cats in a multi-cat household tends to worsen the afflicted cat’s symptoms. To reduce this stress:
• Ensure that both their food (keep to one brand) and feeding times are predictable.
• Engage them in regular play sessions, especially with toys that they can chase or bite.
• Provide them with tall hiding and perching places to make them feel safer.
• Ensure there are enough food bowls and litter boxes around so that a timid cat doesn’t fear being “picked on” by a more aggressive one when she’s eating or eliminating.
• Anticipate whenever possible, a stressful situation and avoid it or redirect any undesirable behavior on the part of an aggressive cat through either training or playing.

by Nomi Berger
 
While many felines, like their canine counterparts, chase their tails as a form of amusement or pleasure, it’s a sight seen less often in cats than in dogs.
 
How many times have YOU witnessed your cherished pussycat companion circling round and round in an effort to capture her own tail?
 
According to animal experts, if a kitty is chasing her tail, it may not be for fun and frolics but rather as an exercise born out of sheer boredom. In that case, as a conscientious cat owner, redirect her attention towards chasing a piece of string, a favorite toy or the red beam of a laser pointer. And remember that high-value treats will both serve to reinforce your efforts and reward her compliance.
 
Concerned that your kitty is bored because you’re not home for extended periods of time? Keep her constructively occupied by leaving her with one or more interactive toys – from puzzle boards and rolling food dispenser toys to multilevel roller balls and rotating electric toys. These will help her focus more on playing with the toys and less on playing with her tail.
Sometimes, though, a cat will chase her tail (and even bite it at the same time) because of some underlying medical condition. She may have an infection that’s making her tail extremely uncomfortable. She may have an allergy that’s making it very itchy. She may have stud tail, a skin condition caused by overactive glands at the base of the tail. Or she may have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, caused by overactive nerve endings that give her tail a tingly sensation.
 
Since you know your kitty’s body language best, if you suspect that her behavior is suspect, consult with your vet as soon as possible.
 
If yours is a multi-cat household, you may find yourself facing another situation: one cat playfully chasing or swatting at another cat’s tail. The solution? Separate them and redirect their attention to those oh-so-essential interactive toys.
 
A second, more worrisome scenario may involve one cat attacking, and sometimes biting, another cat’s tail. This may be either playful or pugnacious, depending on the attacker’s demeanor and the extent of the injuries – if any – sustained by the victim. Because a cat’s tail can become infected so easily and can be difficult to treat and resolve at home, any injury, however small, should automatically be examined by your vet.
 
If, however, all medical issues have been ruled out, and your feline friend continues to chase her tail in spite of your best efforts, locate a veterinary behaviorist in your area to evaluate her and assist you in finding the most paws-itive future course of action.

by Nomi Berger
 
Everyone is familiar with the old adage “Curiosity killed the cat.”
 
But as conscientious cat owners, paw-lease ensure that your cherished companions’ natural curiosity NEVER gets the better of them – especially when it comes to their seeing and then swallowing small, strange objects. While some may pass through their intestinal tract without incident, some won’t, lodging there and causing not only extreme discomfort but a dangerous and potentially life-threatening obstruction.
 
Thread threat! Another potentially life-threatening situation can occur when a cat swallows thread, particularly when it’s attached to a needle. As she swallows the thread, it can wrap around her tongue and pull against it with every swallow. But even worse, the needle can pierce her stomach or intestines multiple times and prevent the thread from passing through her digestive tract.
 
Consider, as well, these other culprits:
 
Hair bands and rubber bands, ribbon and blind cords, dental floss and carpet fibers, stuffing from inside your cat’s toys, and tinsel.
 
Bones, particularly from cooked chicken, can be very sharp, extremely brittle, and lodge in your kitty’s intestines resulting in severe illness.
 
String and string-like objects: If swallowed, string can cause the intestines to bunch up, making for one very sick kitty and usually requiring surgery to remove it.
 
Coins, buttons and earplugs, fruit stones, nutshells and bottle tops, but especially small round objects which are the ideal size to block the intestines and require surgery to remove them.
 
If YOU suspect that YOUR kitty has swallowed something suspicious, watch for one or more of these symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, straining to defecate, constipation, lethargy and behavioral changes such as biting or hissing when being picked up. To err on the side of caution, promptly contact your vet and bring in your kitty for a thorough examination and assessment.
 
In order to detect a possible blockage, your vet will have x-rays taken (several x-rays, using dyes, will often be needed to locate a suspected object). Your vet may also order blood and urine tests to determine whether your cat’s overall health has been compromised by the obstruction – should there be one. 
 
Most of the time -- especially in uncomplicated cases -- the prognosis for cats with a gastrointestinal blockage is very good. But the overall prognosis depends on several factors: the location of the object, how long the intestine has been blocked, the size, shape, and characteristics of the object, whether or not the object has caused a secondary illness and the general health of your kitty prior to ingesting it.
 
Your vet will provide you with a detailed treatment plan based on these factors. If the object has lodged in your pet’s stomach, however, an endoscopy may be performed. This involves inserting a long tube through her mouth and down her throat to pull the object out. If this is the case, your vet may also suggest hospitalization of your cat for close observation and follow-up x-rays.
 
But if the foreign object has traveled to and is trapped in her intestine, your vet will have to surgically remove it.
 
Whatever the scenario, time is critical because stomach and/or intestinal blockages can cut off the blood supply to these organs, causing the tissue to become necrotic or “die.”