Cat gets emergency surgery after eating 37 hair ties

By Faye Mayern

A cat with a secret habit of opening drawers survived eating 37 hair bobbles, leaving a surgical tray piled high with the elastic ties.

One-year-old Bandit, from Milton Keynes, Bucks., needed emergency surgery after falling ill with a severe blockage in his stomach.

He had been refusing his food and developed an abnormally swollen abdomen when an ultrasound revealed the dark mass blocking his digestive system.

Veterinary Surgeon, Alina Tinson, from Vets for Pets, performed an

exploratory surgery, which confirmed Bandit had swallowed 37 hair bobbles.

Fragments of a plastic carrier bag, which had built up inside his stomach and intestines, were also discovered.

After a gastrotomy to safely remove the foreign objects, Bandit is now recovering well at home.

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Owner, Lewis, said: “I couldn’t believe it when the vets told me Bandit had swallowed so many hair bobbles.

"He’s always enjoyed playing with things that aren’t necessarily cat toys, but this was beyond anything I’d imagined.

"I’m just relieved he’s on the mend and so grateful to everyone at the practice for looking after him.”

It has since been discovered that Bandit had developed a secret habit of opening drawers and eating the hair bobbles out of them.

Vet Alina said this case highlights the hidden dangers that everyday household items can pose to pets, particularly those prone to playful behavior.

She said: “We see a lot of curious pets who get themselves into trouble, but Bandit’s case was especially unusual due to

the sheer number of objects he managed to swallow.

"We strongly encourage owners to keep small items out of reach, especially if your pet is showing consistent interest in them.”