One of the most asked questions of cat lovers is whether Styrofoam is harmful to felines. Most folks are clueless about what to do when a cat eats Styrofoam. Well, you don’t need to consult a vet at the initial stages. This article addresses all concerns regarding Styrofoam and what happens if your cat eats it.
Styrofoam: Can Cats Eat it?
One of the alluring non-food items that a cat falls in love with is Styrofoam. A cat is just as anxious to chew on them as they are on plastic, especially if they smell bad and are used to cover some of its food. Although you won’t see the results right away, it wouldn’t be a good idea for your cat to consume Styrofoam. Abdominal pain is brought on by the body’s indigestible Styrofoam consumed but not absorbed. Small fragments of Styrofoam won’t hurt you much or at all, but larger pieces can suffocate you. Styrofoam releases toxic compounds when heated or subjected to stomach acids.
Styrofoam Digestion by cats?
As you may expect, your cat cannot digest Styrofoam if it has been consumed fully. Cats have a carnivorous gastrointestinal system. Styrofoam is indigestible and can hurt your cat even if it can eat your home-cooked food.
How should I Care for a Cat Who Accidentally Ate Foam?
Since an intestine or stomach obstruction frequently halts or “cuts off” the blood flow to these crucial issues, time is essential. To start, figure out how much Styrofoam your cat has devoured. Small amounts of Styrofoam eaten by your cat won’t be as dangerous and will likely go away on their own. So there’s no need for concern—my cat ate Styrofoam.
What should I do if a significant amount of Styrofoam was ingested by my cat? Given that this might be risky, this is where the deal is in particular. Here is a simple safety measure you may do.
- Give your cat nourishing food, such as cheese or salmon with oil. The Styrofoam should bend over during meals, assisting it in passing through the alimentary canal of your cat’s stomach.
- Always keep an eye on your cat to make sure you catch any unusual behavior or signs of distress right away.
- If you see that your cat consumes the food, does not throw up, and passes stools within the next 48 hours, they should be okay. Any pain should be reported right away to your veterinarian.
However, this cannot be relied upon entirely, as there may still be further issues in the stomach or intestines. However, it makes sense to try to save your pet’s life.
Is Cat Consumption of Styrofoam Dangerous?
Because Styrofoam is indigestible, it can obstruct the digestive tract of cats, causing excruciating stomach pain. Cat Styrofoam Poisoning can cause acute diarrhea and vomiting in mild cases, but in more severe cases, the Styrofoam may need to be surgically removed from the stomach. No matter how much of it your cat eats, Styrofoam is dangerous for them.
Conclusion
So, is Styrofoam harmful to felines? Cats should never be around Styrofoam. If your cat consumed a huge amount of Styrofoam, the symptoms would be severe. The hazard comes from the Styrofoam’s inability to decompose, which can clog the digestive system.
Styrofoam should never be used to wrap your cat’s food because it retains odors that tempt cats to devour.
Always let your vet know if the home cures make you feel uneasy for more help. Never presume what your cat ate if you are unsure; instead, see your veterinarian. You can save your pet’s life, particularly if the liver or kidneys are harmed.
In addition, you can also visit Cat Judo for any queries related to the care of your pet feline. It is a one-stop site that provides all the information and best tips for maintaining your furry friend’s good health.