Cat cheats death through the eye of a needle

PRESS RELEASE

23 April 2010

Meouch! Cat cheats death through the eye of a needle

A curious cat had a lucky escape when she accidentally pounced on a two and a half inch darning needle. Seven-month-old kitten, Marley, was taken to The Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria when her concerned owners noticed she was coughing and felt something protruding from under the skin in her neck. 

Blue Cross veterinary staff carried out x-rays to pin point the problem and were amazed to discover the long needle, which had pierced through the roof of the kitten’s mouth right through the back of her neck, narrowly missing her jugular vein and windpipe. Staff quickly operated to carefully pull out the needle under anaesthetic and Marley has now made a full recovery.

Blue Cross vet, Julia Smith, who carried out the operation, said: “You can see on the x-ray that the needle had travelled right through the neck muscle, so she must have pounced on the needle with some force. The needle was close to her spine so she’s very lucky to have escaped without any permanent damage."

Marley’s owner, Thomas Ward, said: “We were very surprised to see how big the needle was and we have no idea where she got it from. We’re so pleased that she’s doing fine now and she's back to her cheeky self."

Julia added: “Occasionally we see cases where cats have swallowed thread attached to needles, but not where a kitten has impaled itself with such a large needle in this way. Kittens can easily get themselves into mischief because they are naturally inquisitive and love to pounce on objects, so it’s always worth scouring your home to check for any hazards."

The Blue Cross runs four animal hospitals in London and Grimsby, providing veterinary care for the pets of people on low incomes. The charity relies entirely on public donations to fund its vital work.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Images of Marley the cat after her operation and the needle x-rays are available via the press office (contact below)
• The Blue Cross is Britain’s pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners across the UK. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees. 
• For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Ziela Haider, The Blue Cross: 020 7932 4063 / 07860 519716