TL;DR: Ingesting a button battery is a life-threatening emergency for cats that causes rapid, severe electrical and chemical burns. Seek immediate veterinary care and, if possible, bring a photo of the battery packaging to help the veterinarian determine the best treatment plan.
What happens if my cat swallows a button battery?
Button batteries are small, round, disc-shaped batteries frequently found in remote controls, watches, and hearing aids. While they may seem harmless because of their size, they are extremely dangerous to cats. If ingested, they can cause severe electrical and chemical burns to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Is button battery ingestion in cats a medical emergency?
- Seek immediate veterinary care. This is a high-priority emergency; do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- When a battery contacts saliva or gastrointestinal fluids, it creates an electrical current causing rapid tissue necrosis (death of tissue) in as little as two hours.
- The electrical charge alone can burn through the esophagus even if the battery does not leak.
Why should I take a photo of the battery or its packaging for the vet?
- A clear photo of the packaging or a matching spare battery provides the veterinary team with critical information regarding the battery's size and chemistry (lithium vs. alkaline).
- Knowing the exact diameter helps the vet determine if the battery is likely to pass or if it is at a high risk of becoming lodged.
- This information allows the clinic to prepare for immediate intervention, such as endoscopic or surgical removal.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
If a cat has swallowed a button battery, radiographs should be performed to determine the location of the battery casing, although some disk batteries do not show up well on radiographs. Induction of emesis may result in expulsion if the battery was swallowed intact without chewing, but should not be performed if there is any possibility the battery casing has been punctured due to the risk of alkaline gel leakage. Administering 20 mL boluses of tap water every 15 minutes can decrease the severity and delay the development of current-induced esophageal ulceration. Batteries that do not pass through the pylorus within 48 hours of ingestion are unlikely to pass on their own and may require surgical or endoscopic removal. If the battery has obviously been punctured, surgical removal is recommended to prevent gastric or intestinal ulceration. Serial radiography to verify battery location is recommended until the battery is expelled.
Chapter: Toxicology, Gastroenterology, Surgery
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 3003)