How Long Can a Cat Survive with Intestinal Obstruction?

If a cat suffers from an intestinal obstruction and does not receive treatment, it will generally die within a few days. When a cat has an intestinal obstruction, it will experience symptoms such as vomiting and loss of appetite because it cannot digest food. Therefore, it's crucial to seek treatment promptly to avoid life-threatening situations.

Intestinal obstructions can be classified into partial and complete. How long a cat with an obstruction will survive depends on the type. A cat with a complete obstruction, without treatment, will die from organ failure within just a few days. When a cat has an intestinal obstruction, it is essential to take it to a veterinary clinic immediately for an X-ray to assess the severity of the obstruction. Treatment is usually surgery to either restore the intestines or remove the foreign object. If treatment is delayed, the cat's intestinal tract may become necrotic, requiring resection. After surgery, it's crucial to care for the cat's wound and manage inflammation both internally and around the incision site.

What are the Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats?

The most common symptom of intestinal obstruction in cats is vomiting. Intestinal obstruction is a relatively common condition in cats and often occurs when they ingest foreign objects. Linear foreign bodies, such as sewing needles, yarn, and string, are frequently encountered in feline clinical practice. If a foreign body obstruction is diagnosed, surgical removal or endoscopic methods can be used to remove the object. Each method has its advantages, but if the foreign object is located further down the intestines, surgery will be required.Don’t miss out on this:Pet Breeding