Cats Swallowed Hair Band: What to Do & Tips for Safety

When a Cat Eats Hair Bands: Symptoms to Watch Out For

It's not always easy to tell if your cat has ingested harmful items like hair bands until they begin to show signs of illness. Here are the most common clinical symptoms that might indicate your cat has consumed such items:

1. Vomiting

2. Loss of Appetite

3. Lethargy or Hiding Away

If you catch your cat eating hair bands, they should be taken to a veterinary clinic immediately. Prompt vomiting may be necessary if required, as it can prevent the need for further examination or treatment. If vomiting occurs after ingestion, it's a positive sign, as it often means the hair band has passed without causing more severe issues. However, cats with persistent symptoms may need additional diagnostics to pinpoint the cause.

Diagnostic procedures might include:

1. Xrays. Hair bands are visible on Xrays and have a distinctive appearance, aiding in diagnosis.

2. Ultrasound. This can help rule out other causes of vomiting or loss of appetite.

3. Blood Tests. These can evaluate liver, kidney, electrolytes, and cell counts, helping to exclude systemic issues.

The treatment advice can vary depending on the location of the hair band. If it's in the stomach but hasn't passed through the small intestine, an endoscopy might be recommended. This involves anesthetic procedures for the cat, followed by the insertion of a videocapable scope into the mouth and down into the stomach. The endoscope can help locate the hair band and remove it, as well as check for any other potential abnormalities in the stomach or esophagus.

Should the hair band be in the small intestine, an endoscopy is not an option, and abdominal surgery is typically required to remove it. This involves anesthetic procedures and making an incision in the cat's abdomen. The surgeon will examine all abdominal organs, locate the hair band, make a cut in the appropriate area, and then remove the foreign object.

The severity of illness in cats that eat hair bands can vary greatly based on the amount ingested and the timing of symptom onset. One cat, for instance, was found to have ingested over 20 hair bands, a discovery that left even the most experienced surgeons in awe. Cats that vomit and refuse to eat for days can become dehydrated, exacerbating their condition. However, cats that receive prompt medical care can often make a full recovery after showing symptoms.

Should you notice symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or hiding in your cat, consult a veterinarian without delay. Additionally, if you suspect your cat has consumed hair bands, take them to the vet for further testing and to develop a treatment plan as soon as possible.