This will be my most expensive "cross stitch" piece I'll ever own. 😢
Something I thought would never happen, even though I've heard about it. And if you asked me which cat I thought would do this, it would definitly be naughty Mia! I know accidents happen, but I totally blame myself.
All due to Master Maverick deciding it would be a good idea to take my needle and floss and EAT IT!
The story? On Wednesday afternoon, I was sitting in the enclosed porch and saw that my needle and floss was on my blanket where I was sitting. (First mistake)
I took it off and placed it on the table to bring back inside when I finished my lunch. (Second mistake)
It was right in front of me and I didn't even see Maverick near it, but then saw him near the door with the string hanging out of his mouth. WTHeck?!
I yell at him to drop it (Third mistake) and got up to get it. He ran away from me, around the kitchen table, into the great room, inbetween the sofas and the ottoman, and then sat by the chair. By the time I got to him, the string was gone. I was sure he had it in mouth but couldn't see anything when I checked. He must have swallowed that thing like sucking a piece of spaghetti!
I thought (hoped) he had just eaten the floss and the needle had fallen off. I looked all over where he had been and found nothing. And not a peep out of him, not acting like he was in pain, or not like anything was poking him. The boys even helped me look for the needle with no luck.
So off to the Pet ER we went since our vet's office was shut. Probably for the best anyway.
They checked his vitals and then took him for an x-ray. And sure enough, there it was, already in his stomach. Of course the needle was an issue, but so was the floss that can cause intestinal blockages.
He was definitly going to need surgery, so he had to get an IV to get blood and prep for it.
They had to wait until the surgeon came in that evening, so I stayed with him until then. I sat with him in a separate room while we waited.
The staff there were amazing, on top of things from the moment we walked in. Not thinking I was going to be there the rest of the afternoon into the evening, I was cold and they brought me a blanket and hot tea! They even said I could stay the night with him if I wanted to. I was tired and knew they would take great care of him, so I went home. Thankfully, it was an uneventful two hour surgery, easy since it was still in his stomach.
I arrived the next morning just after 10am and he was still sleepy from the pain meds, but fine otherwise. 
He looked so pathetic and sad, but ready to come home! Luckily he didn't have to stay 24hrs post surgery since he was doing so well.
There was a sweet little kitty next to him that also had something removed from her stomach after him - a little glass pebble that you can put in a vase. The owners didn't know it until she was vomiting and couldn't pass anything. Certainly something you'd never expect a cat to want to eat!
I'm not sure you want to see the actual incision, so here it is covered until he was discharged. With the evidence in the container!
Mia wasn't too happy with his return. After all, she did get to sleep with me all night by herself!
He smelled funny and she's didn't like it. She's been growling and hissing at him, but at least nothing physical.
He did find his favourite Mousie and was happy to carry that. He's certainly not supposed to be running around!
Here he is, happily sitting in front of the door with Mousie by his side.
That cone had to go though, it looked way too uncomfortable. How about this cool one, it's far out! At least it's soft and more comfy.
Nathan took and labeled this photo, poor Mav.
Be sure to turn the sound up on this clip!
Mia's getting better, but is still growling at him. Luckily, she's not scratching or hitting him. But she sounds pretty evil!
He was cleared for travel on Friday, so we are at Deep Creek Lake for Labour Day weekend. So far, so good, but he actually looks sad when Mia growls at him. 😿
This was a hard lesson to learn, I'm so sorry that Maverick was the teacher.
There will be no more needles or floss/thread left out, even for a minute. That even includes the ORTS I put in a little bowl where I stitch... just in case!
I am glad I saw him with it because who knows what could have happened if I hadn't.
And a HUGE shout out to VEG ER for Pets, they were absolutely fantastic. From the first phone call to checking on him after we left. I was so impressed and if I ever need services again (hopefully not!) I know where I'll be going. It looks like they have locations in lots of other areas, so one might be near you if you live in the states.
And, because surgery wasn't as invasive as it could have been, and I was able to take him home earlier, we were refunded some of what I paid at first. Phew!
Although this will still be the most expensive stitching piece ever! 🙀
