If your cat frequently vomits hairballs, it is a good idea to keep an eye on it and seek veterinary advice. An occasional hairball may occur as a result of normal grooming, particularly in long-haired cats or during the moulting season, but Repeatedly vomiting hairballs should not be considered ‘normal’ without investigating the cause.
At Benivet Benissa, we recommend booking an appointment if your cat coughs up hairballs more than once a month, if the frequency increases, if it vomits food or liquid as well as hair, or if other signs appear such as weight loss, diarrhoea, listlessness, loss of appetite, constipation, coughing or retching without bringing anything up.
According to VCA Hospitals, if a cat vomits hairballs more than once a month, it is advisable to contact your vet to assess whether there is a digestive problem, a skin condition, excessive grooming or some other medical cause.
Why does my cat vomit hairballs?
Cats swallow hair whilst grooming themselves. In many cases, this hair passes through the digestive system and is eliminated in their faeces. When it builds up, it can form a hairball, which the cat tries to expel by vomiting or retching.
Hairballs may be more common in long-haired cats, during the moulting season, in cats that groom themselves excessively, or when there is a digestive disorder that hinders the normal passage of hair.
The Cornell Feline Health Centre explains that a large build-up of hair can obstruct the intestinal tract, so frequent episodes or those accompanied by discomfort should be carefully assessed.
Warning signs if your cat is vomiting hairballs
You should consult your veterinarian if you observe:
- Frequent or increasingly common episodes of hairball vomiting.
- Repeated retching without bringing anything up.
- Vomiting food, bile, foam or blood.
- Lack of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Lethargy or reduced activity.
- Diarrhoea or constipation.
- Abdominal pain.
- Cough, difficulty breathing or wheezing.
- Bald patches, excessive licking or itching.
Vomiting without hair is not always a hairball. It can sometimes be mistaken for a cough, breathing difficulties, nausea or stomach pain. That is why it is important to work out what is actually happening.
What can the vet do?
In a veterinary practice, the veterinary team will assess your cat’s general condition, hydration, weight, abdomen, skin, coat, grooming behaviour and the actual frequency of vomiting.
Depending on the circumstances, an assessment of veterinary internal medicine, veterinary dermatology if there is itching or excessive licking, or further tests such as blood tests, urinalysis o image diagnosis if a digestive or metabolic disorder, or a possible obstruction, is suspected.
What you can do at home
If your cat is active, eats well and has only coughed up a hairball on the odd occasion, you can help by taking some preventative measures:
Brush him regularly, especially if he has a long coat or is moulting. Brushing reduces the amount of hair he swallows whilst grooming himself.
Check whether they are licking themselves excessively. Excessive grooming may be linked to itching, allergies, pain, stress or skin problems.
Make sure your cat stays well hydrated. Some cats don’t drink much, so water bowls or wet food can help to increase their fluid intake.
Do not use laxatives, oils, malt or hairball remedies on a regular basis without veterinary advice, especially if your cat is vomiting frequently or has other symptoms.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Book an appointment if your cat frequently vomits hairballs, if these episodes occur more than once a month, or if you notice any changes in its appetite, weight, behaviour, stools or activity levels.
At Benivet Benissa, we can assess whether the issue is a minor one related to moulting or grooming, or whether we need to investigate digestive, dermatological or metabolic causes.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
