05/21/2026
WHEN A HAIRBALL BECOMES AN EMERGENCY
A little education for cat owners, because two of my clients’ cats recently needed emergency surgery for intestinal blockages caused by fur accumulation.
This brought back a scary memory of my own.
A few years ago, I rushed my Maine C**n, Biggles, to the emergency vet at 1:00 a.m.
He was coughing and trying desperately to bring up a hairball, but he couldn’t dislodge it. He was essentially choking, and I felt it was an emergency situation.
Under veterinary supervision, he was finally able to bring it up. Two hours later we were back home, and thankfully Biggles was completely fine.
That frightening experience cost $749, and he was one of the lucky ones.
People often ask: If cats are always swallowing fur, why is it sometimes dangerous?
Here’s why:
Cats groom themselves constantly, and their rough tongues pull loose fur into their mouths. Fur is made of keratin (the same material as our hair and nails), and it cannot be digested.
Normally, small amounts pass safely through the digestive tract and come out in the stool.
Sometimes fur collects in the stomach and forms a hairball. When this happens, cats cough, gag, or retch because their body is trying to bring it back up.
The problem happens when too much fur is swallowed, or when digestion is moving more slowly than normal.
Because fur cannot be broken down, it can compact into a dense mass. If that mass gets stuck in the digestive tract, it can create a blockage that prevents food and fluids from passing - a true medical emergency that often requires surgery.
The good news is there are ways to help.
Along with regular brushing and coat maintenance, there are hairball gels, lubricants, and specialized treats designed to help fur slide more easily through the digestive tract so it can pass naturally instead of building up.
For my own cats, I use Therabites Hairball & Stool treats, and they’ve worked well for us. There are lots of good options out there, though, and every cat is different.
Ask your vet what they recommend for your cat. You can also find hairball support products at most pet stores, sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find one your cat actually likes.
Breeds more prone to heavy shedding and fur accumulation include:
• Maine C**ns• Persians• Ragdolls• Siberians• Himalayans• Norwegian Forest Cats• British Longhairs• Domestic long-haired cats• Dense-coated short-haired cats like some British Shorthairs and Exotic Shorthairs
Other risk factors include:
• Overgrooming from stress, allergies, or pain• Senior age and slower digestion• Poor hydration
Warning signs that need veterinary attention:
⚠️ Repeated vomiting or retching⚠️ Trying to cough something up but nothing comes out⚠️ Not eating⚠️ Lethargy⚠️ Hiding or acting painful⚠️ Constipation or straining⚠️ A swollen or tender abdomen
Hairballs may seem normal, but frequent hairballs often mean your cat is swallowing more fur than their body can comfortably handle.
A little prevention - regular brushing is most important, along with good hydration, and hairball support when needed. This can help avoid a very scary (and expensive) emergency.
Good Hydration comes from fresh water daily, and feeding canned food, not just kibble.
A reminder: Place the water away from their food bowl to encourage more drinking.
Our cats depend on us to notice when something isn’t right. 💛
