Oral foreign bodies are common in cats, especially in young kittens and hunting cats. Symptoms include drooling, difficulty eating, and bad breath.

Foreign bodies in the mouth can cause symptoms of different severity, depending on the object present. Serious complications can arise, so always seek veterinary advice if you suspect an issue in your cat’s mouth.

Causes of oral foreign bodies in cats

• Cats are at risk of oral foreign bodies from eating, exploring, and catching objects.

• Common items that get stuck include bone fragments, strings, needle and thread, fibres, broken toy pieces, and decaying food.

• Objects can get wedged between teeth, on the roof of the mouth, or under the tongue, causing damage.

• Undiagnosed foreign bodies lead to inflammation, pain, infection, abscesses, and bad breath.

Symptoms of oral foreign bodies in cats

Symptoms result from immediate damage and discomfort:

• Drooling saliva or bleeding from the mouth

• Difficulty eating, eating on one side, or dropping food

• Pawing or rubbing at the face

• Bad breath (halitosis)

• Gagging and retching if the object moves towards the throat

Risks

All cats are at risk, but factors like age, breed, personality, and lifestyle increase risk. Higher risk:

• Inquisitive young cats and kittens

• Cats who chew or eat plants

• Cats with poorly-aligned or missing teeth

• Cats eating poultry or fish bones

Complications

• Serious mouth injury: Sharp objects can penetrate gums, tongue, cheeks, and even the hard palate; strings can dig into the tongue and extend to the stomach.

• Oral foreign bodies may move and track deeper, carrying inflammation and infection from the mouth.

• Abscesses in the mouth and throat; sepsis.

• Nerve damage.

• Gum and tooth decay.

Diagnosis of oral foreign bodies in cats

Finding an oral foreign body can be challenging, depending on its location. And especially if your cat is in pain or grumpy.

• Vets perform a full physical exam, including inside the mouth and under the tongue.

• May require sedation or general anaesthetic for thorough examination.

• Imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, or endoscopy help locate the foreign object.

Treatment of oral foreign bodies in cats

Vets will remove the foreign body and treat complications arising from its presence.

Removing oral foreign bodies may be simple or incredibly complex:

• Removing without anaesthetic: suitable for pieces of food, fabric or small twigs caught between and around teeth in a cooperative cat.

• Removal under sedation or anaesthetic: usually at the same time as diagnosis.

• Stitching and repair of wounds.

• Medication to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain: non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

• Antibiotics to settle infection.

Homecare for cats with foreign bodies in the mouth

Post-removal care for your cat includes managing mouth soreness and discomfort.

• Follow your vet's instructions for medication and care

• Offer water freely

• Feed soft foods and roll food into soft balls. Make these a size suitable for your cat to swallow easily

• Remove plants and toys likely to be chewed

What not to do if your cat has a foreign body in the mouth

Easily seen oral foreign bodies can sometimes be removed at home.

However:

• Avoid removing lodged or hard-to-reach objects to prevent stress or injury.

• Improper removal attempts may push the object further, causing more harm.

Prevention of oral foreign bodies in cats

• Supervise your cat with new toys and replace old or broken ones promptly.

• Keep small craft items out of your cat's reach.

• Feed a healthy diet with appropriately sized kibble; avoid raw and cooked bones.

• Maintain dental health with daily teeth cleaning and regular mouth checks.

When to worry about oral foreign bodies in cats

Call your nearest vet without delay if your cat is:

• Retching or gagging violently

• In severe pain

• Bleeding heavily from their mouth

• Unable to open or close their mouth

Seek veterinary advice if your cat is:

• Having difficulty eating

• Pawing or rubbing at their mouth

• Developing bad breath

• Losing weight