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My kitten swallowed a feeding bottle nipple. When to see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1lb

My 5 week old kitten swallowed half of the nipple off a feeding bottle. Will he be able to pass it? Or will be need to be taken to the vet immediately?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2017

It is hard to say whether or not your kitten will be able to pass the nipple. It will mostly depend on how much he swallowed and how big the kitten is. If Sam starts vomiting, having diarrhea, or stops wanting to eat then I would begin to be concerned about a possible blockage. If he is acting normal just keep an eye on his stools to see if he has passed it yet. Good luck!

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11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 2nd, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say! A 1/2 in piece is large for a 4 week old, 1.3 lb kitten. You can take her to the Vet for an X-ray to gauge size and be sure it is present. Most nipples can be seen on X-ray. It is very hard to induce vomiting in cats but they can try if it is still in the stomach. It is easier on the animal to remove something from the stomach than the intestine surgically. The other option is to watch her closely for vomiting, lethargy and not eating. Also at 4 weeks of age she should be almost 100% weaned. I wish you the best!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 22nd, 2019

    I am worried as well. I would make sure she continues to eat and drink, has normal bowel movements and no vomiting. I would also feed her a high fiber canned food to help it pass. It may not since she is so little. If she starts to have any symptoms I would take her to your vet for an exam and possible x-rays. If it just happened you could take her to your vet now and have them force her to vomit and see if it will come up. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 17th, 2017

    It sounds like Tom is ready to start weaning! Hopefully the nipple piece will pass. If it was the entire nipple and not just the tip then a vet exam is recommended as it is likely to be very large and may not pass. If it was just the tip of the nipple then hopefully it will pass on its own, but I would watch him closely for signs of intestinal obstruction which would include vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and straining to defecate. If these signs occur he needs to see the vet right away. You can read more about the weaning process at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576

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