If your cat has swallowed a hair tie, you might be feeling concerned about what this could mean for their health. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and unfortunately, sometimes that curiosity leads them to swallow things that shouldn’t be in their mouths. Ingesting a foreign object, like a hair tie, can pose risks to your cat’s digestive system, and you may need to act quickly. We’ll walk you through what can happen if your cat swallows a hair tie and what steps you should take. For further guidance or if you’re concerned about your cat’s health, contact Town & Country Veterinary Clinic at (715) 735-9511 to make an appointment.
Why Cats Swallow Hair Ties
It may seem strange, but many cats are attracted to small, stretchy objects like hair ties. The texture, size, and movement can make these items feel like toys to a cat, triggering their playful or hunting instincts. Unfortunately, when a cat plays with a hair tie, they may accidentally swallow it. This can happen when a cat bites the hair tie, trying to carry it, or swats at it in a playful manner.
While not all cats will swallow non-food items, this behavior is not uncommon. Some cats even have a condition called pica, where they have an urge to eat non-food objects. Hair ties, strings, and rubber bands can be tempting for these cats. If your cat shows repeated interest in objects like hair ties, it may be helpful to store them in places they can’t reach.
What Happens After a Cat Swallows a Hair Tie?
Once a hair tie is swallowed, it enters your cat’s digestive system. In some cases, the hair tie may pass through the digestive tract without any issues and be expelled in the stool. However, this is not always the case, and the outcome depends on the size of the hair tie and your cat’s digestive system.
The concern arises if the hair tie gets stuck in your cat’s stomach or intestines. A hair tie can cause blockages, which are potentially life-threatening. A blockage may prevent food and liquids from moving through the digestive system, leading to discomfort, pain, and even dehydration. Blockages can also cause vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
If you think your cat has swallowed a hair tie, it’s important to monitor them closely for any changes in behavior or symptoms that may point to an obstruction. Contact us at Town & Country Veterinary Clinic right away if you notice any signs that could suggest something is wrong.
Symptoms to Watch For
It’s not always obvious when a cat swallows something they shouldn’t. If you didn’t see your cat swallow the hair tie, they might not show immediate symptoms. However, as the object moves through their digestive system, signs can appear. These are some common symptoms that indicate your cat may have swallowed a foreign object like a hair tie:
- Vomiting: Cats with an obstruction in their digestive system often vomit repeatedly. This can happen after eating or drinking, or they may vomit clear liquid or bile.
- Loss of appetite: If your cat suddenly shows no interest in food, this could be a sign of a problem. A blockage may make it uncomfortable or impossible for your cat to eat.
- Lethargy: Cats who aren’t feeling well will often become more sluggish and less active than usual.
- Abdominal pain: If your cat seems to be in pain when you touch their belly or if their belly feels firm or swollen, they may have a blockage.
- Straining to defecate: If the hair tie is causing a blockage lower in the intestines, your cat may strain to poop without success. You may also notice diarrhea or blood in their stool.
If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible. These signs could indicate a blockage or another serious health issue that needs veterinary attention. Don’t wait for the symptoms to resolve on their own—early treatment can help prevent more severe complications.
What to Do if You Suspect a Blockage
If you suspect that your cat has swallowed a hair tie and may have a blockage, the best thing to do is to bring them in for a veterinary evaluation. At Town & Country Veterinary Clinic, we can assess your cat and determine whether the hair tie has passed through their system or if it’s causing a problem.
When you bring your cat in, we may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays or an ultrasound. These imaging tests can help us see if the hair tie is still inside the digestive tract and if it’s causing any blockages. Depending on what we find, we’ll discuss the best course of action to help your cat feel better.
If the hair tie is causing a blockage, surgery may be required to remove it. In some cases, less invasive methods like endoscopy (a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to retrieve the object) may be used, depending on the location of the hair tie.
The good news is that with prompt treatment, most cats recover well after surgery or other procedures to remove blockages. However, untreated blockages can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to seek veterinary care right away if you suspect a problem.
Preventing Future Incidents
Once your cat has swallowed a hair tie, it’s natural to feel anxious about preventing it from happening again. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of your cat swallowing hair ties and other small objects in the future.
First, keep hair ties, rubber bands, and other tempting items out of reach. Store these items in drawers or containers that your cat can’t access. You may also want to be mindful of where you place these objects—cats are notorious for knocking things off countertops and tables.
Providing your cat with appropriate toys can also help satisfy their desire to play and hunt. Toys that are safe, sturdy, and too large to swallow are ideal. Puzzle toys, catnip-filled toys, and feather wands are great options for keeping your cat entertained and engaged without the risk of ingestion.
If your cat has shown a consistent interest in swallowing non-food items, it’s a good idea to mention this behavior during your next veterinary visit. We can discuss strategies to help reduce this behavior and recommend safe alternatives to hair ties and similar objects.
Contact Town & Country Veterinary Clinic for Help
If you’re concerned that your cat has swallowed a hair tie or another foreign object, call us at Town & Country Veterinary Clinic at (715) 735-9511. Our team is here to evaluate your cat, provide treatment options, and answer any questions you may have about your pet’s health. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your cat’s well-being, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
At Town & Country Veterinary Clinic, we’re committed to providing the best care for your cat and ensuring that they stay happy and healthy. Don’t wait—contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.