Surgery or endoscopy can remove foreign objects from a cat's gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopes are fiber-optic scopes that have attachments with little claws. If an object is lodged in the esophagus, stomach or first part of the small intestine, an endoscope may be able to reach and remove it. Endoscopy is performed under general anesthesia. The animal is able to eat and drink following the procedure if there are no complications.
Surgical removal of foreign objects is performed more often. Cats undergoing this procedure are given general anesthesia, intravenous feeding, then undergo abdominal surgery. The object is found, removed and the gastrointestinal tract is sutured closed. Animals are hospitalized for two to four days.