Cats Chef
📖 Table of Content:
In Portland, Oregon, a curious cat named Kevin nearly paid a very high price for his adventurous spirit. What started as a typical family evening turned into a dramatic emergency—after Kevin swallowed a sewing needle, an everyday item that very nearly cost him dearly. Thanks to sharp-eyed owners, fast action, and skilled veterinarians, Kevin made it through, but not before a jaw-dropping discovery via X-ray that no one expected.
A Curious Cat, A Forgotten Needle
Kevin was known around his household as an inquisitive feline. Owners often joked that he had a “nose for mischief.” So, when sewing materials were accidentally left out in a child’s room, no one could have predicted what would happen next. That sewing needle, smaller and seemingly harmless, became a danger that would force Kevin’s family to react fast.
In the days after Kevin accessed the sewing supplies, he began to show signs of distress. He was vomiting, had trouble swallowing, and drooled more than usual—blood-tinged saliva around his mouth.
His owners initially didn’t suspect the needle. Perhaps they thought it was something he ate, or just a stomach bug. When those symptoms worsened, they rushed him to an urgent care vet before being referred to DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital.
The X-Ray That Spoke Volumes
At DoveLewis, Kevin underwent a sedated oral exam. That’s when things got scary. The vets discovered that Kevin had attempted to regurgitate the needle, which had pierced his hard palate and extended into his nasal cavity. The blunt end of the needle was pressing against the base of his tongue—a dangerous situation that could easily have worsened with any change in position or movement.
An X-ray revealed the full extent of the damage. For Kevin’s family, seeing that image was terrifying. It was a moment of clarity: what appeared like a small, innocuous household hazard was now a serious medical threat. For the veterinary team, it was a challenge that needed immediate attention.
Fixing What’s Hidden
With the evidence in hand, the vets moved quickly. Under sedation, they removed the sewing needle—a delicate surgery given how deeply embedded it was and how close it was to critical structures (tongue, palate, nasal tissues). Kevin needed care and monitoring. Pain relief, antibiotics, and careful observation followed.
Thankfully, Kevin responded well. His swallowing improved. The vomiting and drooling stopped. Within a relatively short time, he was back to his usual self: playful, curious, and demanding attention. That kind of recovery speaks volumes about how competent veterinary care, combined with a patient family, can make all the difference.
When Small Things Hide Big Dangers
Numerous veterinarians say that cases like Kevin’s are less rare than people might assume. Household items—needles, threads, small toys, dental floss—can all become serious foreign bodies. Often, what seems harmless or “just crafty supplies” can become dangerous when left within reach of a curious pet.
Dr. Hannah Marshall, a critical care specialist at DoveLewis, emphasized just how quickly trouble can escalate. What may seem minor—some drooling, a bit of vomiting—can rapidly become more serious when there is a foreign object involved. Early recognition and swift action are key.
A Family’s Relief
For Kevin’s owners, the ordeal reinforced how much they love their cat—and how fragile pets can be, sometimes in unexpected ways. They were grateful for first responders (i.e. the vets and urgent care team), and especially for those at DoveLewis who knew what to do once Kevin arrived.
They were thrilled to see him fully recover. His inquisitive nature returned, now without the added danger.
“Kevin’s case is an important reminder of how quickly a seemingly minor incident can turn into a critical situation,” Dr. Marshall said. The family, too, echoed this: sometimes it’s the small things you don’t even worry about that you need to worry about the most.