Why is it risky?
Cotton swabs are not chemically toxic, but cats frequently ingest them, particularly used ones. The cotton may pass harmlessly, but the rigid plastic or paper shaft can cause oral punctures, esophageal irritation, intestinal perforation, or obstruction. They also present a choking hazard.
Affected Systems
Digestive · Respiratory
Symptoms
Retching, drooling, reluctance to eat, vomiting, abdominal pain. In severe cases: symptoms consistent with intestinal perforation, acute abdomen, fever, rapid deterioration.
What To Do
If swallowed: contact vet. Do not induce vomiting, the rigid shaft can cause additional injury on the way back up. Monitor closely for obstruction or perforation symptoms.
Notes
Cats are attracted to the scent of earwax on used cotton swabs. Store all used swabs in closed waste bins, not open trash cans. This is a more common ingestion hazard than most owners expect.
Sources
→ VCA Animal Hospitals — vcahospitals.com
→ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — aspca.org