Wendy’s Scare: A Cat Mama’s Wake-Up Call

On February 13, our sweet 3-year-old calico, Wendy, gave us a big scare. She started throwing up—something we had never seen her do before. By the end of the day, she had vomited five times, and we discovered a piece of rubber from an old cat food lid cover in the mess.

Concerned, we watched her overnight, but when things didn’t seem right the next day, my daughter took Wendy to the vet. After an exam, the vet urged us to get her to an emergency hospital immediately. We rushed her to an animal hospital a few cities away, where they confirmed she had swallowed more than one piece of rubber—one lodged in her colon and a larger piece stuck in her intestines.

Wendy underwent emergency surgery and remained in the hospital until February 16. Thankfully, the operation was successful, and she’s fully recovered with our family ever since. ❤️

This experience was a wake-up call for us—we’ve since pet-proofed our home even more and are extra cautious about anything left within reach. If you have pets, please check your space for potential hazards. We’re so grateful Wendy is okay, and we hope sharing her story during National Pet First Aid Awareness Month helps other pet parents avoid a similar scare!

Here are a few tips to help cat-proof your home and keep your feline family member safe:

1. Keep small items out of reach.

Cats are naturally curious and may chew or swallow things like rubber bands, hair ties, string, or small toy parts. Store these items in drawers or containers with lids.

2. Secure trash cans and recycling bins.

Use bins with pet-proof lids to prevent your cat from digging through and potentially ingesting harmful objects or food scraps.

3. Watch out for toxic plants.

Some common houseplants, like lilies, pothos, and philodendrons, are toxic to cats. Check your plant list and remove or place toxic plants in cat-proof areas.

4. Hide cords and wires.

Use cord protectors or cover exposed wires to prevent chewing, which can lead to electrical shocks or internal injuries.

5. Store cleaning supplies and medications safely.

Keep all chemicals, medications, and cleaning agents in locked cabinets or high shelves. Even small amounts can be dangerous if ingested.

6. Check cat toys regularly.

Inspect toys for wear and tear. Discard anything that’s breaking apart, especially if it contains small parts that could be swallowed.

Wendy’s story is a reminder that even the most loving, attentive pet parents can experience surprises. Taking a few extra steps now can help prevent emergencies later. Stay safe, and give your kitty some extra snuggles today

#PetSafety #CatParentLife #WendysRecovery #EmergencySurgery #CalicoQueen