Why isn't my cat eating after a hairball? Is it an emergency?

Question

My long haired cat coughed up a hairball on Monday. He stopped eating on Tuesday. I took him to the vet Wednesday and was given Laxatone. He munched a few bites then walks away. I have tried baby food, tuna in oil and sardines in oil but he walks away. I even tried Vaseline as a lubricant. How long does it usually take to cough up a stubborn hairball? His vet is closed today. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 years and 1 month old | 1214 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Poor Simba! There are many things that can cause cats to stop eating, so I wouldn't necessarily assume this is due to a hairball. Simba could have a GI problem like pancreatitis or an intestinal obstruction, a systemic illness such as liver or kidney disease, or may have ingested something toxic. If he hasn't been eating since Tuesday, this is very concerning and warrants an immediate vet visit. If your regular veterinarian isn't open, then I would recommend taking him to an emergency clinic today to be seen. The veterinarian there can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and see what kind of treatment is needed.

Why isn't my cat eating after a hairball? Is it an emergency?

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