In some cases, a blockage may pass on its own. In others, a cat will require surgery. Always contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your cat has swallowed something indigestible. Read on to learn all about cat bowel obstruction.
How do I know if my cat has a blockage?
Cats who are experiencing an intestinal obstruction generally will feel unwell and will display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting.
- Unwillingness to eat.
- Weakness.
- Lethargy.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Abdominal pain.
- Abdominal swelling.
- Weight Loss.
How long does it take for a cat to pass a foreign object?
When something is ingested by your cat, it usually takes between 10-24 hours to move through the entire digestive tract. Some objects, however, can take much longer – even months! Sometimes, objects are too big to progress through the digestive tract, and when this is the case, they cause an obstruction.
