My long-haired cat is throwing up hairballs and food. Is it normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed
My long-haired cat is throwing up hairballs and mostly-digested dry food (no blood or mucus). I thought a hairball now and then was normal, but this is the 3rd time she's had one in the last month. She doesn't have a signal (drooling, etc) that indicates she's about to throw up. She's an older indoor/outdoor cat and the second time she threw up lizard chunks also came out with it. I give her Lax'aire every so often (about once a week or so), but now I'm not sure if it's helping or not.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 12th, 2017
While vomiting hair occasionally is normal for some cats the increased frequency you have described is concerning. It is possible at Midnight is grooming more due to a seasonal coat shedding or she may have some underlying intestinal irritation contributing to the vomiting. Cats that hunt are at higher risk for parasites and this can also contribute to vomiting. If the increased frequency of vomiting continues or if you notice any other signs such as decreased appetite, lethargy or weight loss, I would recommend that you have her seen by your veterinarian. They may recommend checking a stool sample for parasites and possibly blood work to rule out other potential causes for vomiting such as kidney disease or thyroid problems.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 6th, 2017
You are monitoring all the correct things to ensure your kitty doesn't get sick. If you haven't seen any vomiting, regardless of whether she vomits up hair, it is hard to interpret that this is a hair ball issue. Her walking changes could be due to a source of pain inside her body, such as joint pain, anal gland pain or even an area of the skin that is painful. I recommend looking her over closely, even under the tail, in the groin and underarm areas to ensure there are no areas of matted hair or skin changes. If you do not find anything, I suggest taking her to your veterinarian for a complete physical examination so that any abnormalities that could be contributing to her movements and lack of a good appetite be cared for as quickly as possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 29th, 2018
A change in behavior could be from pain or anxiety. Vomiting could have a range of causes, including hairballs, food allergy, eating too fast, GI blockage, intestinal parasites, etc. I would give her some time to calm down. If she is still acting odd or continues vomiting or has a poor appetite, I would definitely have her examined by the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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