Intestinal Obstruction in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 10/05/2016Updated: 05/29/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Intestinal Obstruction in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Intestinal Obstruction?
When an intestinal obstruction has occurred, the cat’s health will continue to decline until the condition becomes life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment is a leading factor in the likelihood of a full recovery. Signs of intestinal obstruction should be taken seriously and prompt veterinary treatment is strongly recommended.
Intestinal obstruction is a common condition that occurs when the stomach or intestines are partially or completely blocked. The blockage may restrict the flow of nutrients and/or secretions within the stomach and intestinal area. The condition is generally very painful and the presence of objects in the intestines can reduce blood flow, which may ultimately lead to tissue necrosis.
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Average Cost
$1,200
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Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats
Cats who are experiencing an intestinal obstruction generally will feel unwell and will display one or more of the following symptoms:
  • Vomiting
  • Unwillingness to eat
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Weight Loss
  • Dehydration
  • Subnormal body temperature or a fever
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Crying or whimpering
  • Unwillingness to lie down
  • Depression
  • Shock
Causes of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats
Ingestion of foreign bodies is the primary cause of intestinal obstruction, and it tends to occur more commonly in younger cats as they tend to be more likely to ingest inappropriate objects. Other possible causes of the condition include:
  • Un-expelled hairballs
  • A tumor
  • Severe inflammation of gastrointestinal tract
  • Pyloric stenosis
  • Hernia
  • Intussusception (may be caused by intestinal parasites)
  • Intestinal twisting
  • Polyps
Diagnosis of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats
After a full review of the cat’s medical history, the veterinarian will discuss the onset of symptoms, the cat’s eating habits, and whether it has access to objects such as string and sewing needles. If owners suspect that the cat may have ingested a particular object, the vet should be notified. 
A physical exam will be completed and a standard set of lab tests ordered. This will often include a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemical profile, urinalysis, and electrolyte panel. Abdominal palpation may indicate swelling or other intestinal irregularities. Visual diagnostics including X-rays or ultrasound imaging may be ordered and an endoscopy will likely be performed. In addition to providing a visual image of the intestines, an endoscope may also be used to extract tissue samples for biopsy and/or to remove foreign bodies that have been ingested.
Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats
Intestinal obstruction in cats often requires hospitalization. The course of treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms and the size, location, and source of the blockage.
Stabilization
If the affected cat is experiencing dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, it will need to be stabilized before any other treatments can be provided. Fluids and electrolytes will likely be administered intravenously and in some cases, plasma may be provided. 
Non-Surgical Treatment
When the obstruction is caused by a hairball, the veterinarian may choose to administer laxatives and monitor the cat for several days to see if the ball will pass prior to recommending surgery. This treatment option may also be recommended when the presence of a linear foreign body such as string or yarn has been detected soon after ingestion. Laxatives should only be provided under veterinary supervision and owners should never attempt to remove objects that are protruding from a cat’s rectum. 
In most cases, the veterinarian will attempt to remove foreign objects using an endoscope. This is less invasive than surgery, but it is difficult to ensure that no residual items remain in the intestinal tract. Endoscopes are also unable to remove large objects such as rocks.
Surgical Removal 
When attempts to remove the foreign body using an endoscope have been unsuccessful, surgical removal under anesthesia will likely be needed. During this process, the veterinarian will locate the blockage and make a small incision in the stomach or intestine in order to remove it. Once the surgeon has confirmed that all foreign materials have been removed, incisions will be closed using sutures.
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Recovery of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats
When veterinary care is provided promptly, prognosis for affected cats is generally positive as long as there are no surgical complications. Following surgery, pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed and the cat may need to remain in the hospital for several days. Once the cat is able to hold down food and liquids, it will be able to return home. It should then be kept calm and given a quiet place to recuperate away from children and other pets. Care should be taken to keep the cat from licking the sutures and an Elizabethan collar may be needed.
Owners should closely monitor the cat for signs of dehydration or infection. Only bland foods should be given for the first few days in order to avoid further irritation. Sutures will need to be removed 7-10 days following surgery, and follow-up appointments will be needed to ensure proper healing.
Precautions should be taken to prevent the cat from ingesting objects in the future. This may include covering trash cans and keeping dangerous objects such as string and yarn out of reach.
Intestinal Obstruction Average Cost
From 484 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,500
Average Cost
$1,200
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Intestinal Obstruction Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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European Shorthair
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Bibo
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6 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomit
Nausea
Discharge From Mouth
Discharge From Nostril
Absence Of Movement In Stomach
Absence Of Movement In Intestines
Common European cat, male, castrated, he doesn't leave home, 6 years and 3 months old, food intolerance or allergy (fed with dry food Royal Canin Hypoallergenic), weighs 6,7kg (now 6,1 kg ).Our cat vomits since Thursday evening. The vomit initially consisted in dry food and hairballs. Than he began to vomit liquid and bile 3 to 4 times a day. On Friday we visited the veterinarian and he did blood tests and an rx of the abdomen because he feared the cat could have ingested some foreign body. From the x rays he could only see that the intestine was contracted. Since that moment the cat was given a powerful antiemetic and the vet asked us to force feeding him during the weekend. During the weekend the cat became apathetic, refused to eat and to drink. Sunday afternoon he began to lose liquid drops from the mouth and his left nostril. He started to show a strange behaviour (like he was chewing something while bending his head to the side). On Monday morning he vomited both at home and in the carrier. The vet administered fluids and electrolytes intravenously. He made another rx and antiemetic treatment+antibiotics in case he had some infection. The blood tests showed nothing to worry about. The RX showed a thickening of the esophagus wall. The cat continued to vomit as soon as we took him home. He vomited several times at night (liquid and saliva in large quantities). We forced feed him with the syringe but after a little he started vomiting continuing to drip from nose and mouth. Tuesday morning the vet decides to keep him in the clinic and to give him Plasil and a pro kinetic drug. The vet administered fluids and electrolytes. Than an ultrasound was done. The ultrasound showed an abnormality in one of the kidneys and an enlarged spleen and most of all a complete absence of movement in the stomach, colon and intestines. The vet reported that despite the antiemetic and the antibiotic the cat keeps vomiting.Later he was given Cerenia and a different pro-kinetic drug and the vet was expecting the cat to produce feces by morning (the cat hasn't evacuated since Saturday morning). The vet suspects that there is something mechanical that stimulates the pharynx and causes the act of vomit or something in the rhinopharyngeal apparatus and suggested making an endoscopy, given the nasal discharge which was becoming viscous. The cat kept moving the head to the side during nausea while similarly "chewing". The spleen was slightly increased in dimensions but the vet said it is excessive to say that this is the cause of the symptomatology.With the endoscopy the vet found a complete absence of movement in the intestines,stomach and colon. The three different pro-kinetic drugs still have no effect at all. Small enlargement of the kidney is considered accidental and the cat has no renal insufficiency, no pancreatic insufficiency, no hepatic inflammation. The nostril was cleaned during endoscopy and it is assumed that the nasal discharge is due to a reflux in the nose.He keeps producing a lot of saliva, than he swallows, and vomits because the stomach isn’t able to react and let the fluid in. The stomach is still full of bile and may be the reason for the vomiting. The vet has also emptied the colon manually because the whole intestine is still. The cause is unknown. As of today the cat keeps throwing up everything. He is still given the Plasil and pro-kinetic drugs without improvements. The vet now thinks the only way to start a movement again in the intestines is by surgery and manual stimulation and massage of the organs to provoke a reaction, through an exploratory celiotomy. He is considering asking a neurologist to see if it could be a mass in the brain but the idea is that the cat in this case would show other symptoms. Has anyone ever had problems with the complete absence of movement and reaction in bowl, stomach and intestines and knows if the surgery has good effects? Are there any alternatives? Ways to stimulate the autonomic nervous system without open surgery?
July 19, 2018
0 Recommendations
The problem in cases like this is that any treatment would depend on the specific cause of the lack of motility since neurological conditions, mechanical obstruction among others can cause these symptoms. There are some medications which in some instances have been shown to help with motility but you should discuss with your Veterinarian (link below). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/how-manage-gi-motility-disorders
July 20, 2018
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Ginger tabby
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Mini
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10 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
Loss Of Appetite
Occasional Shallow Breathing
Retching Without Bile Or Vomit
Mild Constipation
Straining At Litter Tray
Today, Mini coughed as though he was trying to bring something up but produced nothing. Afterwards, his breathing was shallow and rapid for around 2-3 minutes before returning to normal. For the past few days, I've noticed when he purrs loudly, his purrs sound more laboured and heaving. However, he has been breathing regularly other than this. He also has slightly less appetite than normal. Other than this, he is happy and playful and seems relaxed. He is a house cat only and the weather has been hot recently so I have put his recent loud breathing down to the weather. However, I am wondering whether he is struggling to bring up a hairball (I have never known him to suffer one before) or whether it is a more serious bowel obstrucion and if a visit to the vet is required?
July 18, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
You described signs that Mini is showing as retching, straining in the litter, and coughing - if he is having those problems, it would probably be a good idea to actually have him examined, as there can be many reasons for those signs to be present. A veterinarian will be able to examine him, assess him and determine what type of problem he may have.
July 18, 2018
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european
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Sophy
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5 Years
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Doesn'T Eat
Doesn'T Drink
My cat started having diarrhea on thursday last week, friday she started vomiting and stopped eating and drinking water. Saturday she started vomiting white foam. Took her to the vet, had a blood test, right now she is in the pet hospital with IV because she was dehydrated. We went with her to 2 vets but no one knows what's wrong with my kitty. Why she doesn't eat or drink water. She doesn't look very sick she has energy still, even though she hasn't had any food in 4 days. What can i do?
July 18, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
I'm afraid without being able to see her or know more about Sophy's situation, I can't offer much more guidance then to say she does need to be on IV fluids if she is dehydrated. Vomiting and loss of appetite are very vague signs - perhaps the next best thing to do would be an x-ray to make sure that she doesn't have a foreign body of some type?
July 18, 2018
We did a sonogram found nothing obstructing, the only thing abnormal is the GB a little big bigger than normal but no signs of trauma on it. She has no parasites, today she went nb 2 and i looked. She started eating by herself and drinking water but she refuses to eat what the vet gave us (i/d hills intestinal care and veterenary diet intestinal cat) She eats dry food and Felix. So yesterday she ate quite a bit but this morning we found it all on the floor she vomited all. Sophy never came in contact with other animals, she doesn't leave the house ever. The vet told us to give her 2 ml Peptonorm 30 min before a meal and we did. I made a chicken stock (boiled a chicken for 3 hours) and gave her 4 ml every 2-3 hours. I really don't know what's wrong with her, and no vet we went to knows... We went to 3 vets and a cat hospital here in athens. Unfortunately everything is closed here in the weekend so we have to wait until tomorrow to go to the vet again. Thank you for your help and if you have another advice please help us help Sophy.
July 22, 2018
Sophy's Owner
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Unknown
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Chester
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1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Eye Discharge
Loss Of Appetite
Sluggish
Not Moving
Our cat has an issue with eating hair ties. He had a huge blockage about 8 months ago. We almost lost him. We did the surgery and he's seemed fine. But now I fear it's happening again. We don't feel a lump in his stomach like last time. But he has been vomiting for 24 hrs now. Last night he threw up some hair ties. But ever since then it's just been fluid. He hasn't ate or drank or went to the bathroom. We are trying the hairball lube to try and help it pass. But I don't know what else to do. We can't afford the surgery again. Just looking for any answer on how to save our chester. Thanks so much.
July 18, 2018
0 Recommendations
If Chester has a history of eating hair ties then I would be concerned that he has eaten more and this may be causing a blockage; you need to be careful when using products to ease a blockage in cats and vomiting may lead to aspiration pneumonia. You should visit your Veterinarian for a thorough examination to confirm the cause and to determine if a purgative would be suitable or not. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 18, 2018
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Cat
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Edgar
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4 Years
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Yesterday my cat had bloody diaherra. He acting completely normal besides that. Today he's fine. Playing, eating, running, bird watching. Do you think this is serious or do you think he's okay? He never once acted any differently that usual.
July 13, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are many different possible causes for diarrhoea with blood in cats which may include infections, parasites, poisoning, dietary intolerance, colitis, foreign objects among other causes; if the diarrhoea with blood continues you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 14, 2018
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Intestinal Obstruction Average Cost
From 484 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,500
Average Cost
$1,200
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