A Cat Coughing up a Hairball

Hairballs and furballs (known by the scientific name of Trichobezoar) are a common condition caused by an accumulation of fur in a feline's stomach. Although the occasional hairball isn't a cause for concern, a cat that frequently expels or attempts to expel hairballs may be suffering from constipation, necessitating a trip to the vet. The good news is that hairballs can easily be treated with a laxative prescribed by your vet.

  1. Causes

    • Cats ingest fur when they groom themselves. Most of this fur passes through the digestive system. However, if too much builds up in the stomach to be passed through the feces, the cat will expel it by coughing up a hairball. The occasional hairball is normal but frequently coughing up hairballs can be a sign of over-grooming. Cats that are stressed, bored or suffering from an allergy or parasite-related skin condition may groom themselves excessively.

    The Process

    • Cats expel hairballs by a combination of coughing and retching; cats crouch low and open their mouths wide when they are retching. The hairball, when it is produced, looks like a sausage of wet matted fur.

    Complications

    • Constipation is a common complication of hairballs because the accumulated hair blocks the intestinal passage. The cat may become dull and lethargic and will pass a reduced amount of feces that may contain hair and be dry. Overweight cats already suffering from poor bowel function due to a sedentary lifestyle are particularly susceptible because their limited mobility may make them over-groom to relieve boredom.

    Treatment

    • An orally-administered laxative is usually prescribed to encourage the passage of the hairball in constipation cases. A high fiber diet may also be prescribed, with the added advantage that it helps obese cats lose weight. Regularly grooming your cat, playing with it to relieve boredom and administering preventative treatment for fleas and other parasites can help stop hairballs from becoming a problem.