4 week old kitty swallowed a latex bottle nipple

My husband was feeding an orphaned kitty (4  weeks old) with a syringe that had a latex rubber nipple attached. Anyway he sucked the entire thing down.  We took him to a veterinarian clinic at a university.  They said he was too young to operate on; it is in his stomach. They tried to make him throw it up, but he could not.  They said, of course, to watch him and try to wait until he is older and then they could do surgery to get  it out at a later time. They are hoping that it stays in his stomach for a while.  My question is: Is it possible for that nipple to break down enough that he could pass it?  Real worried about him; his name is Gilligan.

It probably isn't going to break down, but he may do okay with it in his stomach. It is going to float around in there- it is too big to pass into the intestines at his age.  It may cause sporadic vomiting, but as long as he gets some food down and doesn't throw up every day he may be okay.

My adult cat ate a rubber band and passed it in his stool.  Yes an entire 4 inch rubber band. I thought it was a huge worm, but it didn't look right.  He showed no signs of discomfort.

Given this is a kitten, that nipple is probably going to stay in his stomach.  As it gets bigger it might pass or cause an obstruction.  Watch for vomiting!  If he throws up water/fluids and can't keep food down, it is time to get him to the vet.  Blockages are very very painful so watch him closely.

Given the shape of a latex nipple you may need to plan on surgery to remove it.   He may also do okay until you switch to solid foods. Solid foods might get caught in the nipple and form a lump in his stomach.  He should do fine on liquids though.  Fluids can go around objects as long as it is not blocking the sphincter to his intestine.  If it moves to the intestines, it can also form a blockage (as the intestines narrow).

Just keep an eye on him and plan for emergency surgery if he blocks.  Animals eat weird things all the time...  Did the vet mention keeping him on canned food once you start him on solids? Call the vet before switching him to solids! he may be old enough by then for the surgery.

Goodluck. I would not be overly concerned... Cats get hairballs in their stomachs all the time and can throw those up. As he gets older it might come up naturally.  If he does throw up, check it for the nipple. The same with his litter box.  It may take months before it passes.

Thank you so much for your information...it helps. Gilligan is still on milk replacer.  The vet wants me to start him on soft cat food right away; but thus far, not having much luck with that.  We have had a lot of cats but none this young.  This has been a nightmare.  I think, as you suggest, I will hold off on hard food until after I know that nipple is out of his stomach.  Thank you again.

Sandra, welcome to the site. I am going to have your thread moved to our Kitten Care forum. There will be other members in that forum whom will be able to help you and have much experience in kitten rearing. All my best for your little orphaned kitten and bless you for taking him in. :cross:

Just wanted you to know, and I am happy to say, my kitty Gilligan passed the rubber nipple in his stool yesterday. This, of course, is a huge relief to me.

Whew! That is GREAT news!     I'm sure it was a huge relief to Gilligan, as well (no pun intended).

I hope it didn't hurt him too much coming out! 

Yay! I just read this. Thats great! Instead of cat food you can start with kitten, as sometimes it is more appetizing. Keep us updated about this little one! Would love to hear his story! Also could you post any pictures? I would love to see his colors. Best of wishes!