Why is my cat overgrooming and getting hairballs on thyroid meds?

Question

she never stops cleaning herself, most days I have a hair ball to clean up. She is -15 and just started thyroid medication. Are all the hair balls because of her thyroid. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 15 years and 3 months old | 10 lbs

Penelope Graben, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello! Hyperthyroidism can cause obsessive behaviors (ie. overgrooming), as well as vomiting. You should see a decrease in her vomiting over the next few months as the medication levels stabilize. I would recommend adding a hairball supplement to her diet in the mean time though. It usually comes in a stinky paste form that they love and helps lubricate the hair to move it along. If she lets you, brushing her regularly can reduce the amount of hair she's able to ingest. The Furminator brand brush is a lifesaver for serious shedders. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! :)

Why is my cat overgrooming and getting hairballs on thyroid meds?

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