Warning after kitten eats toy dart and nearly dies

A Sussex charity has issued a warning after a cat narrowly escaped death when a toy dart got stuck in his intestines.

Milo, a seven-month-old kitten from East Grinstead, was handed over to the Cats Protection charity at Chelwood Gate when his owners became overwhelmed living with a kitten and young children in their flat.

He began vomiting large pieces of sponge soon after arriving at the centre and, following an examination, vets discovered the cat had a dangerous blockage in his guts that needed surgery to remove.

"Urgency was paramount," said centre manager Danielle Draper. "If it had been left he would have most certainly died."

The operation was successful and, when the regurgitated bits were put together with the plastic removed from his stomach, the team realised Milo had eaten an entire plastic dart from a toy gun.

Ms Draper urged parents to ensure small toys were kept out the way of pets.

"Children’s toys can be dangerous to cats and especially to kittens who see everything as a plaything," she said.

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Milo has recovered fully from his operation and Cats Protection is now looking to rehome him.

The charity said he would make an "ideal pet" as he is young and can adapt to most environments.

“Milo is friendly, loving and so affectionate,” said Ms Draper. “He’s full of energy and... loves to play."

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