What To Do if Your Cat Ate a Chicken Bone

Cats are curious creatures, and sometimes that curiosity can lead to them eating things they shouldn’t. If your cat ate a chicken bone, you might be worried about what could happen and what you should do next. Chicken bones can pose risks to your cat’s health, so it’s important to act quickly and know when to reach out for help. At LePar Animal Hospital, we understand how stressful these situations can be, and our team is here to help. If your cat ate a chicken bone, call us at (708) 423-3200 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Is Eating a Chicken Bone Dangerous for Cats?

When your cat eats a chicken bone, the first concern is whether the bone could splinter. Cooked bones, especially chicken bones, are fragile and can easily break into sharp pieces. These sharp fragments can potentially injure your cat’s mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines. They might even lead to blockages in the digestive tract, which can become a serious problem.

In contrast, raw bones are less likely to splinter, but they can still cause issues. Whether the bone is cooked or raw, there’s a chance your cat could develop an upset stomach, experience vomiting, or deal with digestive problems. Knowing what to look out for and how to handle the situation is key to keeping your cat safe.

If your cat swallowed a chicken bone, don’t panic. Monitoring them closely is important. In many cases, the bone may pass without incident, but it’s better to stay aware of any unusual signs that could indicate a more serious issue.

Symptoms to Watch For After Your Cat Eats a Chicken Bone

After your cat eats a chicken bone, keep a close eye on them for any symptoms that might indicate complications. Not all cats will have immediate problems, but if your cat shows any of the following signs, it’s time to contact LePar Animal Hospital.

1. Vomiting or gagging: If your cat starts vomiting, retching, or gagging after eating a chicken bone, it could be because the bone is stuck or irritating their digestive tract. Vomiting might help them get rid of the bone, but it could also be a sign of a blockage.
2. Lethargy: Cats who become unusually tired or weak after eating a chicken bone might be experiencing discomfort or pain. If your normally active cat suddenly becomes sluggish, take notice and give us a call.
3. Loss of appetite: A sudden refusal to eat can be a warning sign of something going on inside your cat’s digestive system. A blockage or irritation from the bone could make your cat feel uncomfortable or nauseated, which may cause them to avoid food.
4. Diarrhea or constipation: Digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation could develop if the chicken bone is causing trouble as it moves through the intestines. Both of these symptoms can signal that something is wrong, and your cat may need medical attention.
5. Abdominal pain: Your cat may show signs of abdominal discomfort, such as being unusually sensitive to touch around their belly, hiding more than usual, or vocalizing in pain. This could be a sign that the bone has caused internal irritation or a blockage.

If your cat shows any of these symptoms after eating a chicken bone, contact us right away. We can evaluate your cat’s condition and recommend the best course of action.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Eats a Chicken Bone?

If you discover that your cat ate a chicken bone, stay calm and assess the situation. The first step is to determine if they are showing any immediate signs of distress. If your cat is coughing, gagging, or appears to be choking, they may need immediate medical attention.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Monitor your cat closely: Keep a close watch on your cat for any changes in behavior or symptoms like those listed earlier. Not all cats will have an immediate reaction, but it’s essential to observe them over the next 24 to 48 hours.
2. Do not induce vomiting: Never attempt to make your cat vomit without consulting a veterinarian. Inducing vomiting can sometimes do more harm than good, especially if sharp bone fragments are involved.
3. Check for signs of discomfort: Look for signs of discomfort or pain in your cat’s abdomen. Cats are good at hiding pain, so any unusual behavior should be taken seriously.
4. Contact your veterinarian: If you notice any concerning symptoms or if your cat ate a large amount of bone, reach out to LePar Animal Hospital at (708) 423-3200. Even if your cat seems fine, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian for guidance. We can advise you on whether your cat needs to come in for an exam or if it’s safe to monitor them at home.

How Veterinarians Handle a Cat That Ate a Chicken Bone

If you bring your cat to LePar Animal Hospital after they’ve eaten a chicken bone, our team will perform a thorough exam to assess the situation. We may recommend diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, to check for any blockages or bone fragments that could be causing problems. Depending on what we find, we’ll advise you on the best treatment plan for your cat.

In some cases, if the bone hasn’t caused any immediate issues, we might recommend monitoring your cat at home while keeping an eye on their symptoms. If the bone has caused a blockage or other serious complications, more advanced treatments, such as surgery, might be necessary to remove the bone.

Rest assured that our team has the experience and tools to handle these situations effectively. We’ll provide the care your cat needs to recover safely.

Preventing Your Cat from Eating Chicken Bones

Prevention is the best way to avoid the risks associated with your cat eating a chicken bone. Cats are naturally curious, so it’s important to make sure they can’t access any food that could harm them.

Here are some tips to prevent your cat from eating chicken bones in the future:

1. Dispose of bones safely: Always throw away chicken bones and other bones in a secure trash can that your cat can’t access. Consider using a trash can with a lid or one that locks to prevent curious paws from digging through the garbage.
2. Keep food out of reach: Don’t leave chicken bones or other potentially harmful food within reach of your cat. Whether it’s on the counter, in the sink, or at the table, make sure your cat can’t easily get to it.
3. Educate your family: Make sure everyone in your household knows not to feed your cat chicken bones. Even though it might seem harmless to give your cat a small treat, bones can lead to serious complications.

By keeping these precautions in mind, you can help protect your cat from eating chicken bones and other harmful items.

When to Call Us

If your cat ate a chicken bone, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and contact us for guidance. Whether you’re unsure if your cat is at risk or if you notice concerning symptoms, we’re here to help. Call LePar Animal Hospital at (708) 423-3200 to speak with a member of our team or schedule an appointment. We can evaluate your cat and make sure they get the care they need to stay safe and healthy.

Our team at LePar Animal Hospital is committed to providing the best care for your pet. When you need expert advice or medical attention, we’re just a phone call away.