Tongue puncture wound

Hi, about half an hour ago my cat Kiki came in from outside (we let our cats roam outside). I gave her some dry food to eat but she wouldn't eat, she was sort of tossing her head and trying to eat. She was acting as through she had some string or hair stuck to her throat, like, moving her tongue forwards across her palate. I gave her some meat thinking it was hair, which would be easier to eat, and put some water beside her. She ate a couple pieces, about dice-sized, but sort of threw them around first as if she was trying to break them up into smaller pieces ( I'm positive she wasn't just playing)

So i checked her mouth, and found her tongue was pierced near the tip on the left side. It wasn't bleeding much. I can think of two things that happened: she bit herself by accident or she got some large spliner stuck in her tongue then got it out. Just now she was making sort of throwing up motions, but not completely: crouched, head low, but not erect or pointed down, also making some sort of noise similar to weak coughs, still turning her head and moving her tongue.

I'm sure that if it was a splinter, it didn't go into her oesophagus because she was meowing fine when when she wanted to be let in. My question is how painful it is for a cat to have a pierced tongue and what sort of actions would a cat in sharp, strong pains do? Also what are the chances of infection? And if it was a splinter that she swallowed how can i know? Can a cat meow with a splinter in its oesophagus? (I feel like I'm over reacting)

Thanks

Your cat needs tobe seen by a vet. A pierced tongue is painful and eating will be difficult. The vet can determine if there's a splinter in the tongue or if there is something else. X rays may be done to make sure threre isn't anythng stuck in the throat or further down. Antibtiocs would likely be prescribed to prevent infections.

Is there a vet ER you can take your cat to tonight? The after hours voicemail message for your regular vet should have that info. Or check here: http://www.veccs.org/index.php?option=com_hospitals&nationid=1&Itemid=193 At the very least, call the vet first thing in the morning and explain the situation and see if you can get an appointment right away.

Ok, thanks very much!

Our cat had three punctures on his tongue when we found him passed away. We don't know what happened but we suspect a car accident which made him bite his tongue. I guess a fight could do similar. If your cat has punctured tongue I'd suggest emergency vet visit in case it's an accident there are other internal injuries