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My cat threw up a hairball and is now lethargic. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Himalayan | Female | spayed | 2 years and 6 months old | 7 lbs

My cat threw up a big hairball yesterday and is now lethargic and not moving much. She did drink some water this morning and she makes little sneezes occasionally. She’s 2 yrs old excessively cleans a Himalayan and rarely has a hairball

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on August 16th, 2020

I strongly recommend getting your cat seen by your vet right away. Lethargy is a worrying sign after such an incident and she must continue to eat or she can develop liver disease in a matter of days. There may be more hair that cannot get back out or that may be causing an intestinal blockage. If this is the case, without treatment it can be life-threatening. Your vet will do an exam, x-rays, possibly lab work, and base don these results will be better able to tell you what is wrong and how best to treat it.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    I strongly recommend getting your cat seen by your vet right away. Lethargy is a worrying sign after such an incident and she must continue to eat or she can develop liver disease in a matter of days. There may be more hair that cannot get back out or that may be causing an intestinal blockage. If this is the case, without treatment it can be life-threatening. Your vet will do an exam, x-rays, possibly lab work, and base don these results will be better able to tell you what is wrong and how best to treat it.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on December 29th, 2017

    I think it would be best to have Nikki seen by a veterinarian today. This behavior could be related to infection or even something more serious like respiratory disease or an intestinal obstruction. Your veterinarian may be able to provide her with medication to make her feel better quickly and prevent dehydration. Nikki may need blood work or X-rays to fully determine the cause of her illness. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Nikki makes a speedy recovery!

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