When the Thompson family from Portland noticed their cat Kevin acting a little strange one morning, they thought maybe he’d just eaten something weird.
But what they didn’t know was that something far more serious was going on, and it all started with a bit of feline curiosity.
Kevin is the kind of cat who treats every corner of the house like a brand-new world.
He’s got a reputation for poking his nose where it probably doesn’t belong, and usually it’s harmless.
A drawer left open? He’s in it.
A paper bag left on the floor? He’s claimed it. But recently, his curiosity got him into a very dangerous situation.
It all began when Kevin somehow snuck into a child’s bedroom that had been left slightly ajar.
Inside, scattered across the floor, were various bits of craft supplies, thread, buttons, and most dangerously, sewing needles.
For most people, those might be tools. But to Kevin, they were just more mysterious objects to explore.
At some point during his adventure, Kevin got a little too close to one of the needles.
Whether he tried to sniff it, chew it, or accidentally swallowed it while playing, no one knows for sure.
What’s clear is that not long after, Kevin started showing signs that something was very wrong.
He stopped eating. He seemed uncomfortable. Then came the vomiting.
The Thompsons, clearly worried, rushed him to a local urgent care vet. But even after a full check-up, there were still no clear answers.
Tests came back inconclusive, and Kevin’s symptoms didn’t match anything obvious.
The vet could tell something was off, but couldn’t pinpoint what it was.
Refusing to give up, the family was referred to DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital, a Portland-based clinic known for handling complicated cases.
There, a team of specialists decided to run a more in-depth exam while Kevin was under sedation.
What they found shocked everyone.
A sewing needle, almost two inches long, was lodged deep in Kevin’s mouth.
It had pierced his hard palate and extended up into his nasal cavity, a spot that’s incredibly difficult to reach and can cause intense discomfort. It was no wonder Kevin was in such distress.
The medical team acted quickly. Using their specialized equipment and surgical skills, they managed to remove the needle completely.
Thankfully, it hadn’t caused any permanent damage. With the foreign object gone, Kevin was soon on the road to recovery.
The family was both relieved and stunned. They had never imagined something as small as a sewing needle could cause such a huge scare.
Today, Kevin is back home and doing much better. He’s eating again, playing around, and returning to his usual curious self, though his family is keeping a much closer eye on where he wanders.
The door to the sewing room? Permanently shut.
The staff at DoveLewis later shared Kevin’s story as a reminder to all pet owners.
It’s not just cleaning products and wires we need to worry about.
Everyday items, like needles, thread, or even rubber bands, can turn into serious hazards when left in places our pets can reach.
Cats are especially skilled at finding the one thing you didn’t think to hide.
What might look harmless to us could be dangerous or even deadly to them.
Pet-proofing your home doesn’t mean locking everything away, but it does mean staying a step ahead of your furry friend.
Keeping craft supplies and small objects in drawers, containers, or locked cabinets can make a big difference.
And always take note if your pet’s behavior changes, it could be a sign that something’s wrong, even if it’s not immediately obvious.
Kevin’s story is a lucky one. Thanks to his family’s quick action and the skilled hands of the DoveLewis team, he’s made a full recovery.
But not every pet gets that second chance.
Let Kevin’s terrifying ordeal be a reminder. A little extra caution can go a long way in keeping our four-legged companions safe and sound.