How to Spot Hairballs in Cats

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By ajmaddox
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Cat

Cats are known for being clean and grooming themselves, but sometimes this can cause a problem. When dead hair attaches to your cats tongue and he swallows it, a hairball may form. Long haired breeds are notorious for having hairballs. Here are ways to tell if you cat is suffering from a hairball.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Step 1

First, watch your cat. Vomiting, gagging, and retching are signs that he may be trying to expel a hairball. This will be a very annoying sound and is quite aggrivating to your cat as well.
Step 2

Next, see if his eating habits have changed. A lack of appetite could indicate he is suffering from a hairball.
Step 3

Also, does he lay around more than usual? Cats tend to sleep a lot, but if he is being lethargic you may need to treat him for a hairball.
Step 4

Check for changes in bowel movements. Both constipation and diarrhea can be signs of a hairball.
Step 5

Finally, if you feel your cat could be suffering from a hairball, do not wait to long to treat it. A hairball can cause intestinal blockage that can be dangerous for your cat. You can purchase a hairball removal product or a laxative to help the hairball move. Try brushing your cat more and helping him groom. This may help prevent another hairball from forming.

Comments

ramblin62 said

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on 11/20/2009 My kitty has had a few hairballs, and your signs of them on right on. Any time I notice him gag/coughing and kind of looking unsure about eating I know he's got some hairball build up. Nice tips.

urbanchristmas said

on 11/19/2009 Great advice in spotting hair balls in cats. I used to put a dab of vaseline on my cat's paws every couple of days to help prevent them from getting the hair balls. 5* and recommend