HELP POSSIBLE EMERGENCY!!

My small female cat is much like a dog. She likes to eat things she shouldn't . This is the first time though, that's she's done something like this. Tonight she stole an elastic band (the big thick kind that comes on broccoli) from the garbage. I saw her playing with it, and then approached her to pick it up. Rather than allow me to have it, she ate it. I've seen her do this with things before (such as meat she has stolen, etc.) but never thought of a second she would actually EAT an elastic band. I'm worried because she is a very small cat, probably around 7 pounds. She's around a year old, we have had her since June. (she was a rescue.) I'm not sure what to do, or even what signs to look for in case it doesn't get all the way through. In the mean time, should we feed her regularly? Love my little baby, don't want anything to happen to her, worried sick!

Oh dear poor thing. Not sure where you are or what time of day it is but If it was one of mine I would call an emergency vet as soon as possible. They will be the only ones that can tell you what action you need to take. I wouldn't wait to see if it comes out the other end.

Oh no !!! Can you phone a vet ? See what advise they can give you over the phone. You might not need to take her in and they will tell you what signs to look out for.

I have had the exact same thing happen with my cat Sydney.  I called the vet right away.  Thankfully her elastic passed naturally and the vet didn't need to do anything.  I'll be thinking of you! 

I feel so stupid  for not realizing she would treat the elastic like a "tasty treat." I just really didn't think for a second she would eat it! I don't even know if she had time to chew it, it was gone by the time I reached her, I couldn't even pull it out of her mouth. I live in a very rural area, but I may try to call, not sure I have access to anyone close enough by to be helpful though. So worried about my baby! 

I would definitely call a vet & ask some questions!  Keep a close eye on her, as I'm sure you already are, to see if she starts acting like she doesn't feel good, has trouble going poop, etc...  and when she does, you're going to have to start checking it, to look for that rubber band.  Hope you have some disposable gloves, otherwise, just put it in a plastic bag after you scoop it, & do it through the bag.   

 I hope everything "comes out" okay!!!      Saying a quick little prayer for her, that it will, with no problems!  

Keep us posted! 

She just used the bathroom, but I suspect it's too early for it to be causing her any troubles yet. (she's only eaten it an hour and a half ago!) She's acting normally so far. The vet just said keep an eye on her, make sure she's eating and drinking, but to bring her in right away if there is any trouble, or if she doesn't pass it within the next day or so. Fingers crossed she passes it with no issue. She's such a sweet baby, hope she's ok.

Had my fur baby do the same thing.  Called the vet and was told basically the same thing you were told.  Good think I keep a good supply of disposable rubber gloves in the house.  Mining for gold.  Not!!  We ended up just fine and no problems.  I think the rubber stays slimy inside and it helps it to pass through instead of being like string which is more absorbant.  I still remember, a long long time ago, pulling tinsel out of my cat's butt.  Lesson learned.

My cat ate a rubber band and it passed right through him. If it doesn't pass or if your cat becomes blocked you will have severe vomiting and abdominal pain. If that happens your cat needs emergency treatment.

Feed wet food, as it will pass through the system more easily and will be less likely to get gobbed up with the rubber band and cause a blockage.  Also, I would ask the vet if a bit of Miralax in the food might help stimulate her system into passing it more quickly. 

That's about all I can think of.

Fingers crossed.

I had this happen with a kitten. But the rubberband passed in pieces as a broken up brittle rubberband. Probably will be ok but look for vomiting, bloating lethargy not wanting to eat.

All great advice from everyone, but just FYI, I have read, (I think on this site somewhere) that if anything is ever hanging out of your cat's butt, to never pull it out, because it could be twisted around something & dangerous.  You don't want to pull anything out that shouldn't come out. (Yikes!)  BUT, I think that would be a highly unlikely situation. ....I hope!  Otherwise I would say VERY slowly & gently, almost letting it do it on it's own.  Not trying to scare you, just want to inform.   I'm sure it will come out fine. 

So far so good. She has passed a piece of it, but is eating and acting normally. Fingers crossed the rest comes in time. She seems completely like herself, and her tummy doesn't feel hard or full, so hopefully it will all turn out alright! Keep sending good vibes and prayers to us!

That's good news!  Will do, more vibes & prayer on it's way!  

You probably already got answers, but I'll try anyway. This goes on with my Sis's cats quite often. If it's a fairly large band it should go on through with her food. The ones you really have to watch out for are strings and thread because it can get wrapped around the intestines...then time for surgery! I'd call your vet just in case and meanwhile check her stool to see if it's come out. I have no idea if it would show on an X-ray or not, it might not be dense enough. Praying she'll be okay, but keep a close eye on her. Mine have eaten toy mouse parts with no problems, but if you sew, be very careful with those needles! They can and will swallow those right along with the thread!!!

Boy if that's your cat I definitely want to meet HIM!!!!! Wow!!!!