How to tell if there is a foreign object in a cat’s throat? Many owners still cannot differentiate between a cough and a foreign body in the throat. When they see their cat coughing or retching, they often think something is stuck in the cat's throat. However, most of the time this is not the case. To determine whether there is a foreign object in the cat's throat, you cannot rely solely on the symptoms of coughing. We need to pass many tests, and sometimes we may need x-rays to make a correct judgment.

How to tell if there is a foreign object in a cat’s throat?

1. Symptoms:

1. Foreign bodies retained in the gastrointestinal tract

2. Coughing and vomiting

3. Loss of appetite

Accident characteristics

Cats are animals that vomit foreign objects through their own physiological regulation. Even if they swallow foreign objects, they are likely to vomit them out. However, if it cannot be spit out and there is a foreign body blocking the throat, symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, and loss of appetite will occur. Sometimes foreign bodies remain in the gastrointestinal tract.

Generally speaking, coughing alone cannot determine whether a cat's throat is stuck by a foreign object. Usually we need to pinch the cat's throat a few times. If there is pain, there may be a foreign object. What we need to know is that if cats have foreign objects in their throats, they will usually stop eating because of the pain when swallowing. When they drool frequently and look distressed, their throats are likely to be punctured by fish bones. Therefore, similar fish bones will break into small pieces that can easily puncture the throat. Try not to feed them. Even if feeding is required, it is recommended to remove the bones first to avoid accidents.

2. Measures

1. Fish bone sticking: Place the thumb and index finger of your left hand behind the canine teeth to open your mouth, pull out the tongue, illuminate the inside of the throat with a flashlight, and carefully remove the foreign body with round tweezers at the front. If you feel it's difficult or doesn't fit the purpose, don't push it. It's best to send you to a doctor urgently.

2. Foreign objects stuck in the throat: Once a cat suffocates due to a foreign object entering the throat, the owner should immediately wrap the cat with a blanket or quilt to prevent the cat from moving. Hold the cat's head with one hand, open the cat's mouth, and place your thumb and index finger behind the cat's canine teeth to prevent the cat from closing its mouth. The other hand should carefully pull out the cat's tongue and examine the cat's throat carefully. Once a foreign object is found, use your fingers or tweezers to remove it. If that doesn't work, grab the cat and shake it vigorously, or pat it on the back. If the foreign body cannot be removed, the patient must be sent to the hospital.