Did a hairball save Smudge's life?

[columbine]

Today Smudge produced a hairball - and from near the tail end of it was protruding a stick, 2 1/2 inches long! Sticking out at an angle like the tailfin of a missile. If that had proceeded down his intestine, it could have been the end of him. Luckily, his tummy was full of fur, and it came out safely the other way.

I have no idea where Smudge would even have FOUND a stick, much less why he'd eat one. He never goes out, and there are no plants in here. But he made like a sperm whale (they make balls of "spermaceti" wax around the sharp, indigestable beaks of the squid they eat) and sent it out via Hairball Express. I am one lucky human, and Smudge is one lucky cat!

Love, Columbine

[Catty1]

WOW!

Lucky Smudge - and lucky Meowmie!

Smudge, you CLIMB trees, you don't EAT them!

[Karen]

Goodness, gracious, Smudge! Way to scare momma, dude! No ingesting sticks again, okay?

[krazyaboutkatz]

Wow! I'd have to agree that the hairball did save his life or at least save you some expensive vet bills. One time my Pearl pooped out a red elastic string and I found the toy and threw it away. She was also one lucky cat.

[RICHARD]

Could it be cotton candy on a wooden stick?

Do you own a straw broom?

[columbine]

It was an honest-to-goodness twig, like from a bush or tree. All I can think of is it got stuck in my sweater or my hair and fell off in the house - it was too big to have come in in my shoe treads. I wonder if he just likes to chew? I'll try some grain-free chew treats, see what he thinks of them.

Love, Columbine

[Freedom]

Smudge, you sure are lucky!

Whew!