Cat Ate Insulation (What to Do)

Did your cat eat insulation? This will undoubtedly make you worried sick for your cat’s digestive system. It is not a secret that cats can be very sneaky and slick; they have sometimes been caught licking shower curtains which can be very unhealthy.

Cats are very popular for their curiosity, which can cause them to try to eat weird things, including eggshells. Some owners sometimes think their pets are probably satisfied with their meals, but this isn’t precisely true; cats are just naturally adventurous and naughty.

Gobbling objects down their throats is a typical behavior common in cats; these felines are fond of getting themselves in trouble most times.

If you are renovating your house, and your cat happily ingests insulation, do not feel bad or blame yourself. But it would be best if you did something about it immediately.

This article is certainly suitable if you are confused about what to do when your cat eats insulation. We will provide all the details needed to help you and your feline friend out. Let’s get into it right away, shall we?

Will My Cat Get Sick From Eating Insulation?

Insulations are very important for home comfort as they reduce heating and cooling costs by resisting heat flow. However, insulation can be pretty toxic for humans and pets. Although some insulations are more toxic than others, that doesn’t change the fact that they are generally unhealthy and harmful to health.

If you wonder if it will cause your cat to get sick when ingested, the answer is yes. Insulations contain a critical agent called formaldehyde, which can cause several issues when your cat is exposed.

By inhaling this harmful agent used to bind insulations, your cats can experience soreness of the nose and even the throat, and the effect can be much worse when it is ingested.

What Happens When My Cat Ingests Insulation?

The primary cause of concern when cats eat insulation is the presence of formaldehyde, as it can cause a series of problems for your pet. For instance, inhaling can cause your cat’s nose and throat to be sore, and when it comes in contact with your pet’s fur, it causes itchiness.

This toxin is also carcinogenic, meaning excessive exposure can cause cats to be more susceptible to cancer. The effect of eating insulation is much worse than when inhaled or exposed to your cat’s fur. The following are the adverse effects of insulation when ingested by cats;

• Irritation of the intestinal tract
• Their gastrointestinal tract could be obstructed as well.
• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

What To Do When Cats Eat Insulation

It is normal to be worried sick when your cat eats fiberglass insulation, but instead of fretting, we advise that you stay calm and intervene immediately. If insulation is dusting on your cat’s fur, make sure to bathe your cat immediately.

Not bathing the cat will only cause itchiness and skin irritations; your cat can lick it while grooming itself. Also, make sure that the insulation is installed correctly so that you or your cat won’t have it inhale formaldehyde.

If your cat has a small portion of insulation, you should make sure to keep him hydrated and keep a close eye on him. Most times, insulation is relatively harmless when ingested in very minimal quantities.

But suppose your cat has had a large bite of fiberglass and started showing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, general weakness, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. In that case, the best solution is to call the vet for medical advice or, better still, drive your cat to the vet immediately.

An x-ray is done to determine the severity of the GI tract obstruction, and then you might have to undergo surgery to remove the blockage and ease off the damages that the substance would have caused.

Why Do Cats Eat Insulation?

It can be very confusing why a cat will eat fiberglass insulation despite having enough cat food in their bowl. Rather than getting yourself worked up about it, it is best to understand that cats are curious animals, and their curiosity always gets the best of them.

Another thing to suspect is Pica, which causes cats to have a behavioral urge to consume inedible objects occasionally. Pica is genetic primarily, but sometimes cats learn this behavior out of boredom or stress. However, some cats outgrow it after three months, while others don’t.

If fiberglass insulation isn’t the only inedible item your cat has eaten, it is best to mention it to the vet so that history doesn’t repeat itself.

Last Words

Insulation can cause a series of discomforts if ingested by your cat. Cats do get sick after eating fiberglass insulation as it most times causes blockage in their gastrointestinal tract, thereby causing them to feel abdominal pain, vomit, and pass out bloody stool, among others.

With immediate medical attention, your cat should be fine, but in the meantime, try as much as possible to keep your cat hydrated.