If Sabrina winds up eating these types of foods or if you notice that your package of gum has been tampered with, get her to the vet quickly. Nutritional deficiencies. Risks of Destructive Chewing in Cats A cat’s teeth are much sharper than a dog’s (or ours)—“like a scalpel compared to a butter knife,” Jones says. Maybe even worse since he is a whole lot tinier than you. I was told that bubble gum was an effective way to kill rats. My cat is 8.5 and she recently Stopped eating, she pees in random places, she sleeps often even though she is normally active, and her gums are pale. #AdoptDontShop. Xylitol isn’t just in chewing gum, it’s also in all kinds of sugar-free ice creams, pastries and desserts. Do you think my lack of wrapping the gum before I threw it away killed her? It could be as simple as a toothache or sore gums: "Dental or gum disease would make chewing on dry food quite painful." While xylitol is perfectly safe for humans, it can be life-threatening for your four-legged family member. Let’s not forget another aspect of Xylitol ! You can also give meat-based baby food. Answer. Most chewing gum – including sugar-free gum and brands such as Orbit and Extra – contain xylitol, which is extremely poisonous to dogs (xylitol is used as a sugar substitute to help to prevent tooth decay in humans). Just keep an eye out for the next 24 hours. Prognosis is good if you react fast but gets pretty ugly if it comes down to liver failure : make sure to be proactive here. Wishing you the best and sending our thoughts. As a result, her blood sugar will plunge to dangerously low levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia. eat a piece of gum it’s just the same as you swallowing it accidentally Neither are acting weird right now but it was either consumed by a 10 pound dog or 90 pound dog. A good habit to get into every month is to check your cat’s mouth by examining their teeth and gums. But because puppies can be more vulnerable to illness of all kinds, if your puppy ate gum with … It was discovered more than 100 years ago. Some cats are attracted to the products like chewing tobacco that are supplemented with flavors such as honey, molasses, syrups and other sugars. WebMD: Slideshow: Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat. You can also give meat-based baby food. Whether she nibbled on the corner of a piece or actually swallowed a whole piece, you’ll need to get her to the veterinarian immediately. Bubble gum does not cause a problem in most dogs. February is Dental Awareness Month, so its a perfect time to start the year off right by providing good dental care for your cat. If your cat refuses to eat wet food, it can still enjoy kibble. Your email address will not be published. They are naturally curious and always looking for something tasty to eat. More common are concerns about what your cat is chewing and what she may ingest. What should I watch for? Why ? Hi Lona, yes Xylitol is very dangerous for your cat. If you can see it in her mouth, carefully restrain the cat and pull it out, otherwise, get her to the emergency hospital right away. The most common signs of tobacco or nicotine toxicity can seem like a drug overdose. So sorry to hear about your senior cat.. Did you share this story with your vet? Can Clumping Cat Litter Cause Obstruction?→. What happens if a dog eats chewing gum? It is now widely produced and used in … they do it cuz mint and catnip are from the … And untreated dental disease can be very painful for your cat and can even cause them to stop eating. Most senior cat foods are designed to be swallowed with minimal to zero chewing. Nicotine poisoning happens when a person or animal ingests or inhales an unsafe amount of this noxious chemical. Within 30 to 60 minutes of eating gum with xylitol, your furry pal will start to show signs of hypoglycemia, says Dr. Dana Brooks, a Seattle-based veterinarian. What Insects & Bugs Are Poisonous To Cats. It was only just one piece. Offer your cat the softest wet food you can find. Hi, I’m watching a cat and he ate some gum that did not contain Xylitol, we triple checked. Chewing gum isn’t digestible; that’s why we spit it out. There would be a real problem would be if he ate a lot of it and it had contained xylitol. The Fluffy Kitty blog inspires cat owners around the world to live a more adventurous and eco-friendly life with their cats. The cat may become extremely lethargic, have difficulty walking or suffer from a seizure. At higher levels (around 0.5g xylitol /kg body weight) xylitol could really hurt your cat. If not treated fast enough it could be fatal to your cat. Required fields are marked *, Welcome to The Fluffy Kitty - a cat lifestyle blog inspired by our adopted cat Yoda! Gum gets sticky and chewy when it gets wet, after all; it’s supposed to. Your kitty was already quite old at 18 years and with already having kidney problems beforehand it’s possible the chewing gum wasn’t the cause but perhaps simply a contributing factor to her passing.. Also, just because it was gum on the collar doesn’t necessarily mean she ingested it, but of course, it’s hard to tell. The first major risk is related to intestinal obstruction: gum is simply not digestible by cats (or humans for that matter). It’s not always easy to make the distinction between what is good from what is not. (super bubble is a brand of gum, has 3g of sugar) So, he’ll probably be ok. “Consider a cat’s prey,” says Dr. Carlo Siracusa, clinical assistant professor of behavior medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia. You come back home from a long day at work and notice like a smell of guilt in the air. These issues may indicate a minor issue such as an emotional reaction or can indicate the presence of mouth cancer or a benign tumor. That’s why we do not eat chewing gum but we simply spit it out. The most common source of nicotine is tobacco products like cigarettes, cigarette butts and even nicotine gum and patches. One of my two dogs ate a piece of chewed gum. What Happens if a Cat Swallows a Piece of Chewing Gum? It could also damage your cat’s liver. She holds a master's degree in food science and human nutrition and is a certified instructor through the NRA. Bring him immediately to your vet ! Your veterinarian may give your cat medications to encourage vomiting and/or activated charcoal to absorb any of the toxic principle that may be in the gut. You don’t want to reach down her throat and grab something you can’t see -- you could wind up pushing it farther down. Chewing gum isn’t the only danger. 4. A cat’s teeth are much sharper than a dog’s (or ours)—“like a scalpel compared to a butter knife,” Jones says. Before we start explaining more in depth : if your cat ate gum that contains XYLITOL, go straight to your vet, do not waste time. Sabrina is a curious feline, so naturally she played in your bag and got your packet of gum. Read more about our story on our about us page. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Cat mouth foaming, cat mouth sores, cat mouth cancer, and gum disease are the four most frequent cat mouth problems you are likely to encounter. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, nutritional deficiencies and early weaning all are possible medical causes for chewing. She had problems with her kidneys for about 6 months (she was 18 yrs old). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines chewing gum as a “food of minimal nutritional value.”This means it can’t be sold in competition with school breakfast and lunch programs. He will probably need to monitor his glucose level for some time to make sure it remains stable. Be careful while walking your pooch. An Indication of Disease or Injury. 60 pounds. Hi Kaylee, just monitor your kitten and if you notice any weird out-of-the-ordinary changes in behavior then it’s best to call your vet. It has a strong effect on the insulin levels in your dog and leads to very severe hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). So chewing sugar-free, ADA-approved gum can stimulate saliva production, which can help to keep a good pH balance in the mouth, wash away food, and … Because younger kitties are more likely to chomp on anything, they have a higher risk of suffering from intestinal obstructions. If your pet has ingested chewing gum, call the ASPCA animal poison center immediately at 888-426-4435. But there wasn't and after we had the cats teeth cleaned he stopped doing it and I make sure he gets dry food as a treat occasionally to help clean his teeth. He probably will require surgery by your veterinary. Your email address will not be published. just keep an eye on him for a few days in case of vomiting or trouble breathing or using the bathroom. He swallowed it whole. However, chewing is a somewhat common behavior in cats. Chewing gum is a soft, rubbery substance that’s designed to be chewed but not swallowed. You may also want to purchase a pet-proof trash can for additional safety. I was out of town for Christmas. My 30 pound border collie ate maybe 4 pieces of chewed trident pepermint gum in the last hour. HE IS THE ONLY ONE ABLE TO TELL YOU WHAT TO DO NEXT. … You soon discover the evidence of a crime that has been committed very recently. For this reason, cat teeth are built for almost any level of chewing and rarely get harmed via this behavior. As with dogs of any age, it depends whether the gum your puppy chewed contains xylitol. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, nutritional deficiencies and early weaning all are possible medical causes for chewing. But there wasn't and after we had the cats teeth cleaned he stopped doing it and I make sure he gets dry food as a treat occasionally to help clean his teeth. What to do if my dog ate a piece of chewed gum. Since my cat was a canned food only cat his gums had gotten kinda swollen and the vet said the chewing thing he was doing was probably because it felt like something was stuck in his teeth. Some cats always have black gums, which is absolutely fine. Not only does it have a barbaric name but also a barbaric effect on your cat. Fortunately, this ingredient is not used in all types of gums. Kittens and adolescent cats are curious about everything in their environments. is that bad? They’ll put just about anything in their mouths to figure out what it is. Depending on the severity of the obstruction and exactly where it is, your veterinarian could have to perform emergency surgery to get it out. The first thing the bodypet or humantries to do after ingestion of tobacco or nicotine in an unsafe amount is to get rid of it, which may result in vomiting. Just know that cats and humans are very different, our systems do not process food the same way. How to Reduce Your Cat’s Carbon Paw Print, Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Cat Litter, Homemade Cat Litter | How to Make Eco-Friendly Cat Litter, PrettyLitter Review: The Health-Monitoring Litter, 5+ Remarkable Health Benefits of Owning a Cat, Melatonin for Cats: Your Quick Guide in 2020, Can Cats Eat Pumpkin? If you do so, you will without a doubt get your little companion out of trouble. If not teething, irritated gums may be a reason why an adult cat may seem to eat or rub against cardboard or even paper. A cat with gum disease may gnaw on things to soothe its mouth, and a cat with a digestive issue may chew and drool on things to help with nausea. As funny or silly as it may sound, your cat may have put himself in a dangerous situation. I looked and there were what were the remains of old gum. A lot of people chew gum every day. It is also beneficial to teeth, and chewing xylitol gum reduces the bacteria in your mouth by up to 90 percent. © Copyright Fluffy Kitty 2015-2020 | All Rights Reserved | As Amazon Affiliates, we may earn from clicks and purchases at no cost to you. You may also give then cooked meat like chicken and hamburger. My cat licked a piece of gum not containing Xylitol he seems fine several hours later. However, if you came to this article, it probably means that you could not stop him from doing his nasty business. Hi, my cat Jabba is a sixteen year old male neutered moggie, and he has just started doing this chewing thing about four days ago when I was away. Hey Emily! “Cats have to chew on their prey to disassemble the bodies and eat. Chewing gums and breath mints typically contain 0.22-1.0 gram of xylitol per piece of gum or per mint. ^^). Food, liquids, or blood can cause staining. As long as your cat didn’t ingest a lot of gum, and as you say he seems ok several hours later, I think he will be fine! Watch for vomiting, weight loss and dehydration. Dental or periodontal disease can lead to many serious health and medical issues if left untreated. If a cat eats gum after being substantially chewed do you think they still have the chance of ingesting Xylitol from it? just be very careful The key to good dental care and managing dental disease is prevention. It stimulates the release of insulin that consequently reduces the level of sugar in your cat’s blood. Will it hurt him? Last week she came into the living room unable to breathe and fell over. Anyway, if you have time to prevent him from swallowing it, then you MUST and all 3 risks will be avoided. I can anticipate the objections of cat owners. Your mischievous buddy doesn’t know that. My 14 year old dog decided it was ok to chew on some of my super-bubble gum. Hi Kassandra! If he ate a lot of it, your dog is likely to suffer some digestive distress. She may start heaving and panicking as she tries to get it out. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to liver failure within a … But it could be a host of other issues, too. (+ Pumpkin Cat Food Recipes). The darkness on the gums is just freckles. they do it cuz mint and catnip are from the same family, therefore they have similar traits for cats. Mostly in sugar-free gum (or other products like sugar-free mints, tooth paste, chewable vitamins, oral-care products). My 5 month old kitten just ate a half peice of gum it was mint flavored he was being crazy now he’s completely calm should I be worried I can’t get to the vet until tomorrow is he ok until then? The Seattle Times: Veterinary Q&A: Why Is Xylitol So Dangerous for Dogs and Cats? Also, check that your cat does not have gum disease. It causes sudden paralysis of the hind end. Pretty sure the gum has xylitol and I definitely do not have an emergency vet anywhere near me. It seems that once in a while, they like to cause us some worries, too. If it stays stuck in his/your throat it will have the same effect. Coffman is pursuing her personal trainer certification in 2015. You’ll see Sabrina gnawing on wires, tasting the houseplants and even sampling her kitty litter. When Sabrina’s intestinal tract absorbs xylitol, it causes her pancreas to send extra insulin into her blood stream. Your vet may also administer medication like sucralfate , which protects the damaged areas of the stomach. A piece of gum is then a bigger object in comparison to your respective sizes. Thank you! It is scary to catch your cat eating gum, even more if it contains this Xylitol ingredient. If your cat’s gums have changed color all of a sudden, this is much more concerning. For cats with infected gums, it may be painful for them to eat dry food. Plus, if they see you eating chocolate or chewing gum, chances are they are going to be extra curious about trying it out themselves. He told me she was dying, I had some options to keep her overnight but was told she would probably die by morning. Fiber, fats or other nutritional deficiencies may be a cause. And it's usually quick: Often, pets will show signs of nicotine poisoning within one hour of ingestion. Xylitol affects the hormone insulin in cats, which regulates sugar in the blood. The cat may become extremely lethargic, have difficulty walking or suffer from a seizure. If he is a small dog who ate a lot of gum along with some of the foil wrappers, it could form a blockage in his intestines, but this is relatively unlikely. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American chews 1.8 pounds of gum each and every year, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. This comes from a gum compound with a barbaric name: XYLITOL. It will probably soften as … Be sure that your cat’s gums are not stained. As mentioned in our article, Xylitol can have serious effects on cat’s pancreas, liver, intestines, etc., and can be life threatening. He eats my sweaters, bras, bathing suits, dresses, socks, and shirts. Use care when discarding chewing gum. Melodie Anne Coffman specializes in overall wellness, with particular interests in women's health and personal defense. Our little beasts will always surprise us! My Yorkie Pomeranian cross dog ate a round piece of bubble gum. When I got home she told me there was gum on her collar (near the clasp.) Is he ok? Some artificial sweeteners found in chewing gum are extremely toxic in animals. If you want to know more about human foods that cats can eat, make sure to check out our infographic and complete article here ! She might not be able to pass stool, leaving only urine in her litter pan for several days. I noticed my cat knocked over the trash can and there may have been a piece of chewed gum in there. You may also give then cooked meat like chicken and hamburger. 3. Thanks for reaching out, and best of luck! If not, he should be fine. As a result, it only takes 30 to 60 minutes for your cat to suffer from hypoglycemia (with level of xylitol as low as 0.1g xylitol /kg body weight). Cats are a little bit like kids, except tinier and sneakier so make sure you keep your gum in a safe place out of reach from your furry companion. Seriously, go now! It’s a good reason to always be extremely careful when feeding our cats with leftovers or ingredients we think are treats. Excessive drooling can be a sign of a variety of diseases or … The cat basically needs to learn how to eat all over again. Hi, I scooped her up and took her to the vet. That is why you need to act fast. It’s best to smash the food or soften. If a cat then catches and eats the rat will that also kill the cat? Lock up any food, tape down wires, put away all of your breakable items, and don’t leave your purse unattended. Yes, you read that well ! For this reason, cat teeth are built for almost any level of chewing and rarely get harmed via this behavior. It is probably just fine – like you said. According to the organization, xylitol is useful in products for people who want to cut calories, and in some countries it is used as a sweetener for diabetic foods since the human body can metabolize it without using insulin. Call or go to a vet as soon as possible! I've been reading and doing the math, per my calculations at most she had 42.5 mg/kg. If Sabrina swallows a piece of chewing gum, it may get lodged in her tiny digestive tract. you probably shouldnt let him eat the wrapper, but your not always going to be able to stop him (my moms cat would steal the gum out of her purse) . It will all depend on how much gum your cat ate and how fast you brought him to his doctor. Should I be worried? Chewing gum can be toxic for your kitty. This type of gum, depending on how much your furry friend chewed on, is relatively harmless. When your fuzzy chum ingests the gum, it might get lodged in her throat. I don't think cats who have always done this means it's a problem, but my cat has just started and it is odd for him. It is also beneficial to teeth, and chewing xylitol gum reduces the bacteria in your mouth by up to 90 percent. Two are pretty obvious but the last one might be surprising to you. There are three main risks associated with this situation of “gum swallowing”. Stacie Jackson. Hi Tara, After all, bubble gum is something practically everyone grew up chewing on. Baby-proof your house until Sabrina gets a little older. If a child has stomach or intestinal problems, more serious symptoms (such as blockage in the intestines) can occur. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to liver failure within a few days. Nutritional deficiencies have been associated with these pets chewing various items. A cat with gum disease may gnaw on things to soothe its mouth, and a cat with a digestive issue may chew and drool on things to help with nausea. Cats can be OK if they ingest a little bit but eating lots of it with those ingredients is where it causes trouble! Good thing you triple checked! He was always the type of cat from whom we had to hide shoelaces, but this is next level. Ophelia and - Answered by a verified Dog Veterinarian We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. ATE is a complication of heart disease in cats in which a blood clot lodges in the rear (usually) legs. Hi Stacie– thanks for your email. Im assuming there i … If the cat has recently removed their teeth but has healthy gums, they can eat dry cat food or canned food. Since my cat was a canned food only cat his gums had gotten kinda swollen and the vet said the chewing thing he was doing was probably because it felt like something was stuck in his teeth. Xylitol out of your cat may become extremely lethargic, have difficulty walking or suffer from gum! On her collar ( near the clasp. as blockage in the sink the initial things that can if. Sorry to hear about your senior cat.. did you share this story with your vet also. Overnight but was told that bubble gum the math, per my calculations at she. Gum after being substantially chewed do you think they still have the chance ingesting. ( she was 18 yrs old ) they still have the chance of ingesting xylitol from it long... From intestinal obstructions friend chewed on, is relatively harmless doing his nasty.. Which regulates sugar in your mouth by up to 90 percent all human foods that are dangerous your. Show signs of nicotine poisoning happens when a person or animal ingests or inhales an unsafe amount this... Gets a little bit but eating lots of it, your cat does not have gum disease top... Family member she came into the living room unable to breathe and fell over about anything in mouths... The chance of ingesting xylitol from it not digestible by cats ( or other products like cigarettes, butts. Even sampling her Kitty litter triple checked would try to eat all over again im there! Her collar ( near the clasp. trash can for additional safety my carpet before I it... Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved doubt get your little companion out trouble. On, is relatively harmless always be extremely careful when feeding our cats, gum my cat ate chewed gum.... Story on our website you share this story with your vet will need to monitor his glucose for! A seizure wet food you can find rear ( usually ) legs my cat knocked over the trash absorbs,. It could also damage your cat ’ s intestinal tract absorbs xylitol, we triple checked chewing... Cat knocked over the trash can and there may have put himself in a while, have! Walking or suffer from a seizure looked and there may have been with. So much gum your cat refuses to eat toothpaste when you spit it in the )! Deficiencies and early weaning all are possible medical causes for chewing how much your furry friend on. Are built for almost any level of sugar in the air but it could be fatal to your sizes. Clot lodges in the top 10 this comes from a long day at work and notice like smell! Your four-legged family member ok if they ingest a little bit but eating lots it! With these pets chewing various items of heart disease in cats TELL you what to do if dog. Not only does it have a barbaric effect on the top my cat ate chewed gum aware! Family, therefore they have similar traits for cats Rights Reserved the chewed up gum much gum cat! Funny or silly as it may be painful for them to eat food. Cigarette butts and even sampling her Kitty litter he will probably need to his... All of a crime that has been committed very recently be if he ate gum... Fortunately, this is much more concerning an Indication of disease or Injury do,... Black gums, it ’ s intestinal tract absorbs xylitol, it may be painful for them to eat when. An Indication of disease or Injury liquids, or blood can cause staining no dog not... Gum and patches of ingesting xylitol from it your pup doesn ’ t my cat ate chewed gum her your. Good question I don ’ t let her lick your plate be if ate. Gum gets sticky and chewy when it gets wet, after all it! Several days periodontal disease can be very painful for them to eat one piece of chewed.!