TL;DR: If your cat swallowed a plastic sandwich wrapper, contact your vet immediately as it cannot be digested and poses a risk of a dangerous gastrointestinal blockage.
What happens when a cat eats a plastic sandwich wrapper?
Ingesting a plastic sandwich wrapper is a common occurrence because the material often retains the enticing scents and oils of food. These wrappers are typically made of thin, flexible plastic or cellophane. Because plastic is indigestible, it cannot be broken down by your cat's stomach acid, meaning it must either pass through the entire digestive tract or be physically removed if it becomes stuck.
How urgent is it if my cat swallowed plastic?
- Contact your veterinarian right away for advice, even if your cat is currently acting normally.
- The primary concern is a gastrointestinal obstruction, where the plastic bunches up and prevents food or liquid from passing.
- If your cat begins vomiting, becomes lethargic, or refuses food, this is a high-priority emergency requiring immediate intervention.
How does a photo of the plastic help my veterinarian?
- Take a clear photo of a duplicate wrapper or any remaining pieces to show your vet the size and texture.
- Seeing the material helps the medical team determine the likelihood of the plastic passing naturally through the digestive tract.
- A photo helps identify hidden hazards, such as metal twist ties or adhesive strips, which could complicate your cat's condition.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
If a cat ingests a plastic sandwich wrapper, careful monitoring is critical. Vomiting may occur, and abdominal palpation should be performed to check for a foreign body or abdominal discomfort. Examination of the oral cavity is important, particularly for linear foreign bodies. Abdominal radiographs should be performed to look for radiopaque foreign objects or signs of intestinal distention, indicating possible obstruction. Obstruction secondary to foreign body ingestion can be partial or complete. Clinical signs often include vomiting and anorexia; physical examination may reveal abdominal pain or a palpable intestinal mass. If the animal is clinically stable and the object is small, passage can be monitored with serial radiographs. Failure of the object to pass within 48 hours warrants further intervention.
Chapter: Gastroenterology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 390)