Requesting Help and Advice! Cat ate plastic?!

I don't really know how this works and I don't care at the moment, I'm extremely worried though and this is the only place I could think to turn to.

When my sister was cleaning out a shelf, including the cabinets, in my room she scattered everything and I lost a majority of it. Among such items were plastic, and I cleaned my room trying to collect everything. Apparently I missed some and he ate it.

I don't know when he ate it, but last night he was gagging and threw up only a little bit. It was complete liquid. I figured it was just his dinner disagreeing with him but it progressed through the night. This morning as he was gagging he threw up the piece of plastic. It's thin, like the plastic a new tooth brush comes in, which I think it might be.
He started crying in pain while gagging and was unable to vomit after that.

I went to my mom for help and she told me to feed him bread and milk, which I did. He nibbled on it, but didn't wolf it down like he usually did when I made him that. However, he's going back every few minutes and nibbling a bit more.

I'm just very concerned what to do. It was an hour ago he threw up the plastic, and I'm not sure it was all of it. His behavior is fine and normal, he has a little brother who pounces on his back and grooms him. He's been friendly to his brother and just as friendly to me, but he's a little jumpy after what happened.

He's a large tom, about two years old. Skinny and active, and is currently laying down, pacing, then laying back down again. I feel like it might be because he's uncomfortable.

My biggest problem is I am unable to take him to a vet. I can't afford one, and neither can my parents. As a concerned cat owner I ask you, what should I do?

Oh poor baby!  And a really good, concerned, caring owner you are!

I am afraid that the only suggestion I have is to take your cat to the Vet and today. I know it is a Sunday. The only place available would be an emergency Vet at a hospital. 

I am afraid if it is a piece of plastic like that wrapped around  toothbrush , and he has been vomiting it up, then something may be desperatly wrong. A piece could have lodged in his bowl, perforated his stomach or even caught in his throat.

The only way to be sure is to take him to the Vet. The poor thing will be in pain otherwise. 

If it is not taken care of, then it could turn really bad.

Cats hide their pain. Meaning that if they are hurting, then you do not notice it until it is bad. They have a high pain threshold. Us owners, guardians, have to watch for signs. Not being able to get comfortable is a sign, also gagging, and licking his lips, vomiting and not eating....

I am not meaning to scare you. My guy ate a plastic streamer at Christmas, and I was beside myself. He id vomiit only once an part of it came up. I was so scared. I was seriously thinking of taking him to the Vet. I called my Vet and they said to watch him, but he was not gagging or acting uncomfortable. I still think it irritated his stomach. 

I know the Emergency Vets have ways of allowing for payments over time. They are concerned with treating the animals first. 

      

I sincerely hope one of the advisors sees this and helps a lot more than I have....((hugs)))

I see this, and cannot think of anything other than what Artiemom has said.  That type of plastic you described does sound as if it could have perforated something, or at least be scratching him on the inside, making him, if nothing, else, pretty uncomfortable.  

Is he STILL gagging, vomiting, having any issues whatsoever?  Even just the not lying still is NOT normal cat behavior,  How about his poop?  Is he passing anything?  Are you checking it for pieces of plastic?  Problem is, you really have no idea how much he ingested to know when and IF it's all out. 

Since you say you cannot afford a Vet, may there will be something in this thread that will help you out:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/155462/cant-afford-a-vet-please-read

There have been times when I couldn't afford a vet either but my vet allowed me to post date checks and work out a payment plan.  I don't know if emergency vets do that but it is worth calling and finding out.  Good luck!  I hope he is okay.

mrsgreenjeens said:

I see this, and cannot think of anything other than what Artiemom has said.  That type of plastic you described does sound as if it could have perforated something, or at least be scratching him on the inside, making him, if nothing, else, pretty uncomfortable.  

Is he STILL gagging, vomiting, having any issues whatsoever?  Even just the not lying still is NOT normal cat behavior,  How about his poop?  Is he passing anything?  Are you checking it for pieces of plastic?  Problem is, you really have no idea how much he ingested to know when and IF it's all out. 

Since you say you cannot afford a Vet, may there will be something in this thread that will help you out:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/155462/cant-afford-a-vet-please-read

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Thank you for the thread link, I'll check that right away. He hasn't been vomiting or making any pained noises since he threw up this morning. However, and I may very well just be over reacting from worry as I tend to do, his back legs seem to quiver when he stands. I checked his droppings for plastic and haven't seen any. I attempted to see if he was in pain by gently putting pressure around his stomach and all he did was lay. Even played with his favorite cat toy to see if it caused him any sort of pain, but he didn't show any. I don't know if this means anything, but his eyes have also been big all day.

Artiemom said:

Oh poor baby!  And a really good, concerned, caring owner you are!

I am afraid that the only suggestion I have is to take your cat to the Vet and today. I know it is a Sunday. The only place available would be an emergency Vet at a hospital. 

I am afraid if it is a piece of plastic like that wrapped around  toothbrush , and he has been vomiting it up, then something may be desperatly wrong. A piece could have lodged in his bowl, perforated his stomach or even caught in his throat.

The only way to be sure is to take him to the Vet. The poor thing will be in pain otherwise. 

If it is not taken care of, then it could turn really bad.

Cats hide their pain. Meaning that if they are hurting, then you do not notice it until it is bad. They have a high pain threshold. Us owners, guardians, have to watch for signs. Not being able to get comfortable is a sign, also gagging, and licking his lips, vomiting and not eating....

I am not meaning to scare you. My guy ate a plastic streamer at Christmas, and I was beside myself. He id vomiit only once an part of it came up. I was so scared. I was seriously thinking of taking him to the Vet. I called my Vet and they said to watch him, but he was not gagging or acting uncomfortable. I still think it irritated his stomach. 

I know the Emergency Vets have ways of allowing for payments over time. They are concerned with treating the animals first. 

      


I sincerely hope one of the advisors sees this and helps a lot more than I have....((hugs)))

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Thanks a lot, it's frightening but the situation is pretty serious. I'll try to get a ve,

Artiemom said:

Oh poor baby!  And a really good, concerned, caring owner you are!

I am afraid that the only suggestion I have is to take your cat to the Vet and today. I know it is a Sunday. The only place available would be an emergency Vet at a hospital. 

I am afraid if it is a piece of plastic like that wrapped around  toothbrush , and he has been vomiting it up, then something may be desperatly wrong. A piece could have lodged in his bowl, perforated his stomach or even caught in his throat.

The only way to be sure is to take him to the Vet. The poor thing will be in pain otherwise. 

If it is not taken care of, then it could turn really bad.

Cats hide their pain. Meaning that if they are hurting, then you do not notice it until it is bad. They have a high pain threshold. Us owners, guardians, have to watch for signs. Not being able to get comfortable is a sign, also gagging, and licking his lips, vomiting and not eating....

I am not meaning to scare you. My guy ate a plastic streamer at Christmas, and I was beside myself. He id vomiit only once an part of it came up. I was so scared. I was seriously thinking of taking him to the Vet. I called my Vet and they said to watch him, but he was not gagging or acting uncomfortable. I still think it irritated his stomach. 

I know the Emergency Vets have ways of allowing for payments over time. They are concerned with treating the animals first. 

      


I sincerely hope one of the advisors sees this and helps a lot more than I have....((hugs)))

Click to expand...

My apologies my finger slipped and it posted. Anyways I will try to get a vet and I did not know about cats hiding their pain, I'm trying my best to check and see any signs. He's acting so normal though. He's also chirping. Thank you again for everything. *Hugs back.*

Margd said:

There have been times when I couldn't afford a vet either but my vet allowed me to post date checks and work out a payment plan.  I don't know if emergency vets do that but it is worth calling and finding out.  Good luck!  I hope he is okay.

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Thank you! One problem is I'm not legally old enough to schedule an appointment too. I'd have to convince my parents who are pretty tight on cash.

So at this point is he acting perfectly normal?  No more pacing,  no more vomiting, nothing at all out of the ordinary?  Eating fine, drinking fine, peeing and pooping fine? 

Here is a thread on things to help you determine if a cat is in pain:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/156086/please-contribute-what-are-the-signs-of-pain

If you cannot get him to a Vet, and things appear normal for now  then just keep a very good eye on him and if anything changes, try to figure out a way to get him in to be seen

Yes, I agree with mrsgreenjeans' questions.

Is she eating ok? no hiding? no twitching? no vomiting? no restlessness?

is her appetite good? Is she pooping ok??

these are all signs of a sick kitty. They are things you should be aware, if not for this episode, but for the future. 

Knowing these signs will make you a much better pet owner/guardian......

not being legally old enough to make an vet appointment? I mean if you do have saved money, and can get the cat there, then I do not see an issue....

This is something you could start saving up for in the future....just thinking of things.. Once you are able to work, you could put a bit aside for yourself and for you kitty.....

I am sure you parents would be very proud of you for doing this...That is, only if you are able to do so....financial things are so complicated...

If you kitty is not 100% back to normal, I would really, really strongly insist that an Vet appointment is made...

WE are not hassling you, we just care almost as much as you do, about your buddy...

mrsgreenjeens said:

So at this point is he acting perfectly normal?  No more pacing,  no more vomiting, nothing at all out of the ordinary?  Eating fine, drinking fine, peeing and pooping fine? 

Here is a thread on things to help you determine if a cat is in pain:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/156086/please-contribute-what-are-the-signs-of-pain

If you cannot get him to a Vet, and things appear normal for now  then just keep a very good eye on him and if anything changes, try to figure out a way to get him in to be seen

Click to expand...

Thank you for that thread post! Unfortunately he did throw up again, and his little brother did too... I'm beginning to wonder if maybe it's not just because he ate plastic. I'm trying to look up diseases for cats too now. I am still trying hard to get a veterinarian too.

1) His brother could of eaten plastic too, which is very likely since I snagged a plastic bag from him. However, he's doing the exact same thing as the other cat, and I'm extremely concerned.
2) The older brother hasn't been in any pain since he first threw up, but that was the only time he vomited plastic so far. When the little brother vomited, he didn't seem to be in any pain.
3) It's always a very small amount, like they just hacked it up, and the same color. A very light, maybe tannish, color.
4) They have begun to make huffing sounds. Very quick huffs that last a few seconds and in fits of around 2 to 6. Maybe coughs?
5) Their appetite isn't too good, but I'm not always home so maybe they just don't eat much when I'm home.
6) The older brother seems to 'shake' when he's standing.
7) Both are moving around a lot. They'll lay down in an area. Move. Lay down in a new area. Sleep. Move. Lay down in a new area Get up. Repeat. Is this one a normal cat behavior?

I began thinking of several reasons why this happened to the younger brother as well, and I'm worried.

1) Maybe the plastic again.
2) I was handling a stray cat that had gotten trapped in my garage. After it was free I immediately washed my hands of course, but is it possible I may have passed some sort of sickness to my cats?
3) Maybe it's the bread and milk I started feeding them to try to help. However, I only did that because of the first time the older brother threw up. So I think something else is causing this.

This just seems to be turning into something else...

No, he's acting strange again, I will send you a list in a second. The younger brother is beginning to throw up too.

I'm checking their poop, but it looks completely normal to me.

And I do not have a job yet as I have been looking, but once I do I plan to save money for the cat care. I also agree I want to take them to a vet, I'm still trying to convince my parents. They do not think it is too serious. Also, I know you are not hassling me, I appreciate that repeated "they need a vet" because it does show you care. I am trying very hard to take your advice.

Here's what's been happening with the boys.

1) His brother could of eaten plastic too, which is very likely since I snagged a plastic bag from him. However, he's doing the exact same thing as the other cat, and I'm extremely concerned.
2) The older brother hasn't been in any pain since he first threw up, but that was the only time he vomited plastic so far. When the little brother vomited, he didn't seem to be in any pain.
3) It's always a very small amount, like they just hacked it up, and the same color. A very light, maybe tannish, color.
4) They have begun to make huffing sounds. Very quick huffs that last a few seconds and in fits of around 2 to 6. Maybe coughs?
5) Their appetite isn't too good, but I'm not always home so maybe they just don't eat much when I'm home.
6) The older brother seems to 'shake' when he's standing.
7) Both are moving around a lot. They'll lay down in an area. Move. Lay down in a new area. Sleep. Move. Lay down in a new area Get up. Repeat. Is this one a normal cat behavior?

I began thinking of several reasons why this happened to the younger brother as well, and I'm worried.

1) Maybe the plastic again.
2) I was handling a stray cat that had gotten trapped in my garage. After it was free I immediately washed my hands of course, but is it possible I may have passed some sort of sickness to my cats?
3) Maybe it's the bread and milk I started feeding them to try to help. However, I only did that because of the first time the older brother threw up. So I think something else is causing this.

Update : Mom yelled at me. Said, "I already told you he's fine" when I tried to tell her what's going on. I went to my brother's girlfriend, very good with cats, for help to find out what is wrong with my cats. She said her cat sometimes has the same kind of throw up, but since she hasn't seen it, I can't really take that into account just yet. I've noticed you can post pictures here. Would it help if I add a picture of their vomit? It's thick, liquid, and a white tan color. It doesn't look "gross" enough to really affect anyone. Would that help?

Another Update : The older brothers throw up was different this time. See through, and brownish yellow/tan. There was chunks of maybe food in it. A bit bigger in amount then the other times.

Oh sweetie, IT sounds as if these cats really got into something.

The coughing could be them trying to 'hack' something up. Artie has done that. 

If they are so restless, then that is a BIG problem. They re hurting and cannot find a comfortable spot, but they want to be near you...They know you love and help them....

Could they have gotten into something else when your closet was cleaned? It could be anything; not even plastic. Threads, lint, anything....and that would be really bad for them.

I am really sorry that your parents are not supporting you in this. It seems now you need to take both cats to the Vet. 

Could you call a local humane society and explain the situation to them? They could have suggestions for a low cost Vet, or possibly put your mind to ease.

Part of the ownership/guardianship of having animals is taking them to the Vet when they are sick. That is a must.

Also, despite what your mom says, I do not think feeding them bread and milk is helping them at all. 

Cats cannot digest milk. They do not have the stomach enzymes for it. There is a special Milk for kittens which is better. That you can pick up at a Vet or a pet store. They cannot digest the lactose. It gives them cramps, diarrhea, etc. 

I have never heard of anyone feeding a cat bread; even if it is soaked in milk. I do not know what this would accomplish. 

I hate to sound so harsh but, the bottom line is they need a Vet. They are sick. If your parents cannot afford a Vet, then you may have to think of surrendering them to the humane society for their own good. I know that is not what you want to hear. I know you want some help/advice, but I think we have exhausted all we can do from this forum. They need medical help one way or another. I am afraid they may be getting worse. 

Can you print up the suggestions mrsgreeenjeans gave you?  Do some of the work yourself. Find out which ones are active in your area and what suggestions they give you. Then you can present this to your Parents. Then maybe they will be able to take the kitties to the Vet. There is no shame is asking for help.

Also, how old is your brother's sister? Is she an adult? Could she help you? and you could pay her back? Or if she lives at home, could her parents help out, for the sake of the kitties...

Sorry all of this is harsh. but something to remember in the future. Do not take in or adopt an animal unless you can afford them medical help. 

I am sending you lots of hugs and good luck with this....

keep us updated....

(((hugs))))

Moderators, If I have said anything hurtful, or wrong, please delete......or add in comments or suggestions. I feel for this poor kid and his kitties....

Also tell your brothers girlfriend that that the cat is shaking when he stand up. and acting weird. Ask her for help. 

The shaking is not good at all. 

That means they are either in severe pain, weak, or something bad is happening.....

I agree with Artiemom.  Throwing up ONCE is one thing, but continuing it, and with more than one cat doing it, to me indicates a problem.  And that restlessness is definitely concerning.  That is definitely NOT normal behavior.  Something is definitely amiss.  AND the shakey back legs.  All signs of distress...how bad I just don't know  

BTW, no need to post pix of the vomit.  It probably wouldn't offend anyone (heck, we have many discussion on poop, complete with pix too ), but at this point, I just don't think it would help

Artiemom said:

 
Oh sweetie, IT sounds as if these cats really got into something.

The coughing could be them trying to 'hack' something up. Artie has done that. 

If they are so restless, then that is a BIG problem. They re hurting and cannot find a comfortable spot, but they want to be near you...They know you love and help them....

Could they have gotten into something else when your closet was cleaned? It could be anything; not even plastic. Threads, lint, anything....and that would be really bad for them.

I am really sorry that your parents are not supporting you in this. It seems now you need to take both cats to the Vet. 

Could you call a local humane society and explain the situation to them? They could have suggestions for a low cost Vet, or possibly put your mind to ease.

Part of the ownership/guardianship of having animals is taking them to the Vet when they are sick. That is a must.

Also, despite what your mom says, I do not think feeding them bread and milk is helping them at all. 

Cats cannot digest milk. They do not have the stomach enzymes for it. There is a special Milk for kittens which is better. That you can pick up at a Vet or a pet store. They cannot digest the lactose. It gives them cramps, diarrhea, etc. 

I have never heard of anyone feeding a cat bread; even if it is soaked in milk. I do not know what this would accomplish. 

I hate to sound so harsh but, the bottom line is they need a Vet. They are sick. If your parents cannot afford a Vet, then you may have to think of surrendering them to the humane society for their own good. I know that is not what you want to hear. I know you want some help/advice, but I think we have exhausted all we can do from this forum. They need medical help one way or another. I am afraid they may be getting worse. 

Can you print up the suggestions mrsgreeenjeans gave you?  Do some of the work yourself. Find out which ones are active in your area and what suggestions they give you. Then you can present this to your Parents. Then maybe they will be able to take the kitties to the Vet. There is no shame is asking for help.

Also, how old is your brother's sister? Is she an adult? Could she help you? and you could pay her back? Or if she lives at home, could her parents help out, for the sake of the kitties...

Sorry all of this is harsh. but something to remember in the future. Do not take in or adopt an animal unless you can afford them medical help. 

I am sending you lots of hugs and good luck with this....

keep us updated....

(((hugs))))

Moderators, If I have said anything hurtful, or wrong, please delete......or add in comments or suggestions. I feel for this poor kid and his kitties....

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I'm not sure if they could've gotten into anything else, but I'm trying to figure that out. They do pace and jump on the bed to lay down by me a lot though, as you said they like to stay close to me. 

I will try to call the humane center for help, but I have to wait till someone is home since our house phone doesn't work. As for giving them up, I'm afraid I can't do that. The Humane shelters around my area have been getting sued quite a bit because of jumping to conclusions. If surrenders are not "friendly" they put them down. Now of course if the cat is biting and scratching, as much as I hate to say this, they will be put down. But they also put them down if they are too scared of humans. They don't even bother getting to know the cats. We didn't adopt these boys, they were born in my room when the mother kept getting out before we could get her fixed. Since they were born in my room they prefer to stay there, and anything else stresses them out. I brought up this point because since they were born in my room they don't see many other humans besides me and my mom, and they get nervous and scared of other people. Because they won't immediately be friendly with the workers there, I fear they will be put down. It's also been noted they have put animals to sleep without owners consent. A case my friend experienced was when her cat had sprained it's leg. They didn't bother contacting the owners and instead just put it to sleep, even though it could have let it heal. This is why I'm very against surrendering them, not to mention they my buddies and I couldn't handle seeing them go. I'm autistic and have trouble making friends with people, but I've been know to get very attached to animals easily. Even when the little brother was going to get a home I went through a severe anxiety attack because we were already so close. I'm just glad the woman ended up cancelling. I know I got off track but I do really hope this explains my behavior in the situation. I love them very much and I would consider giving them up if it wasn't for the many instances of un-needed  lethal injection.

I will remove the milk then thank you for that tip, my mom said bread could absorb plastic which is why I gave it to him. Although I'm not sure if this is true, anything is worth a shot at this point.

Yes I will print out the suggestions and my brother's girlfriend does live in the house, but she's moving soon. I do not know if she's able to help with the amount of money needed to move across the states, but I will try to ask her and tell her what I know. 

*Hugs back.* Thank you for all your help I am trying my best to listen to your advice, but there's only so much a jobless high schooler can do. I'll still keep trying of course. They don't deserve any of what's happening.

mrsgreenjeens said:

 
I agree with Artiemom.  Throwing up ONCE is one thing, but continuing it, and with more than one cat doing it, to me indicates a problem.  And that restlessness is definitely concerning.  That is definitely NOT normal behavior.  Something is definitely amiss.  AND the shakey back legs.  All signs of distress...how bad I just don't know

 

BTW, no need to post pix of the vomit.  It probably wouldn't offend anyone (heck, we have many discussion on poop, complete with pix too

), but at this point, I just don't think it would help

Click to expand...

I've been told by my sister there's a cat flu. I'm not sure if throwing up, or hacking that weird yellow tan stuff up is a symptom, but anything could be considered at this point. I'm looking things up as we speak, but it's beginning to frighten me more. Mouth cancer? Liver failure? Maybe not one of these things, but it's leaving me even more frightened, and I think the cats might realize that, because they're licking my arms as I type this. I do know something's wrong, and I am trying my best to figure out and find a solution to the problem.

And would posting a picture of the cats help so people can see the size of them? And maybe any other signs I'm missing?

BlackAgumom said:

 

mrsgreenjeens said:

 
I agree with Artiemom.  Throwing up ONCE is one thing, but continuing it, and with more than one cat doing it, to me indicates a problem.  And that restlessness is definitely concerning.  That is definitely NOT normal behavior.  Something is definitely amiss.  AND the shakey back legs.  All signs of distress...how bad I just don't know

 

BTW, no need to post pix of the vomit.  It probably wouldn't offend anyone (heck, we have many discussion on poop, complete with pix too

), but at this point, I just don't think it would help

Click to expand...

I've been told by my sister there's a cat flu. I'm not sure if throwing up, or hacking that weird yellow tan stuff up is a symptom, but anything could be considered at this point. I'm looking things up as we speak, but it's beginning to frighten me more. Mouth cancer? Liver failure? Maybe not one of these things, but it's leaving me even more frightened, and I think the cats might realize that, because they're licking my arms as I type this. I do know something's wrong, and I am trying my best to figure out and find a solution to the problem.

And would posting a picture of the cats help so people can see the size of them? And maybe any other signs I'm missing?

Click to expand...

No, these are not the symptoms of Cat Flu.  Cat flu is upper respiratary, like a cold.  Sneezing, that type of thing.   I wouldn't NOT think something like mouth cancer would affect BOTH cats.  Liver Failure certainly could effect both cats, IF they both completely stopped eating for several days...unlikely though.  Usually for something to affect both cats it would have to be something either contagious, or something they consumed. 

We DO love pictures of cats, although I don't think it will help with determining  what is wrong with them