Although dogs are very well known for gulping down the most awkward foreign objects, cats on the other hand, are a little more picky and less likely to swallow non food items. However, some cats may be attracted to some small knick and knacks found around the house, causing them serious and often life threatening intestinal obstructions.

Items Cats Most Commonly Swallow

The most common items that are swallowed by cats consist of small buttons, strings, coins, Christmas tinsel, Easter basket grass, thread, toys, yarn and even needles. Sometimes the causes may be something that the cat ate such as a piece of bone or a chuck of a corn cob. The most affected cats are young ones generally kittens and cats under the age of 2. This is because at these ages cats are at the peak of their curiosity phase leading them towards trouble.

Other Possible Causes of Intestinal Obstructions

-At times, cats, in particular kittens, may be affected by a blockage created by intestinal parasites. This is mostly seen in kittens heavily infested by roundworms.

-In some cases, the blockage may be caused by a hernia or tumor which has grown big enough to block the cat's intestinal tract. This is mostly seen in senior cats.

-Long haired cats may get their intestinal tract blocked by large hairballs.

-An intussessception may take place at times, where for unknown reasons the bowel will present telescoped upon itself, in a similar matter as a sock turned inside out.

Intestinal obstructions can be partial or total. In total obstructions, the cat will exhibit subtle signs are often intermittent, whereas, in total obstructions the symptoms are more remarkable and dramatic.

Affected cats generally develop the following symptoms listed below. The severity of the symptoms generally depend on various factors such as the part of the affected intestinal tract, if the obstruction is partial or total and how long the obstruction has been present.

Symptoms Suggesting Intestinal Obstructions in Cats

• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Persistent vomiting
• Dehydration
• Few if any bowel movements
• Abdominal pain
• Hunched up position
• In some cases, diarrhea

A cat exhibiting symptoms of an intestinal obstruction should see the vet immediately because the obstruction may cause potential complications and even death.

Treatment for Intestinal Blockages in Cats

Once, the blockage is in the intestinal tract the only way to unblock the intestinal tract is to have the cat undergo surgery. This is done under total anesthesia. The prognosis depends on how quickly the cat undergoes surgery, the cat's general state of health, the cause of the obstruction and if there were any complicating factors involved.