Did you know that cats typically spend 30 to 50% of their day grooming themselves? Cats can get hairballs by licking their coats and swallowing the loose hair, which then accumulates in the stomach, forming a wad. Whilst this is a normal by-product of a cat grooming, if the hairball becomes too big, it can get lodged in different parts of the body and pose as a serious health threat.

Leo is a beautiful Maine Coon who was brought to Concordia after his family noticed that he showed loss of appetite and repeatedly vomited for 2 days. Using ultrasonography, an intestinal obstruction was diagnosed, and surgery was carried out promptly to relieve the obstruction. It was found to be a large hairball!

After the surgery, Leo’s owners sent us an update, saying that he recovered very well, and was eating and drinking regularly. To avoid large buildup of hairballs, they have also opted to keep a soft e-collar on to limit his self grooming, and brush him regularly to remove loose hair. And they are also happy to report that Leo is quite relaxed and enjoying life!

So, whilst hairball production in cats is not uncommon, owners should always be vigilant with possible intestinal obstruction symptoms, which include loss of appetite, vomiting, repeated episodes of unproductive retching, and lethargy. If such symptoms persist, please contact us right away for a prompt intervention.