Cat - three hairballs in a fortnight, doesn’t normally get them

pinkteapot

Should I be worried? Kitty is 7 years old. We’ve had him since age 2. He’s had maybe two hairballs come up in five years.

Now we’ve had three large ones (think dead mouse sized!) in about two weeks.

Totally fine and normal otherwise - eating/toileting/behaving normally.

He did have a fever and runny eyes/nose a week or so ago but the vet thought that was a slight bout of cat flu as it’s happened before and he could have had it in rescue in a kitten. Antibiotics cleared it right up.

Anyway I’ve googled and not really found anything on cats suddenly having lots of hairballs where they didn’t used to get them. Or maybe he’s just bringing up five years worth of hair!! :eek:

Any experienced kitty owners got any thoughts?

cuddlymarm

Hi
I should think it’s the weather causing him to groom more often so causing more hair balls. If you think it’s a problem the vet is always there to help though.
Cuddles

[Deleted User]

One of mine brings them up every other day. He's probably fine but you could help by grooming him frequently to get rid of loose hair before he swallows it.

Brambling

You can get expensive stuff from the vet to help ease them down but my lovely vet (sadly now retired) told me to buy sardines in olive oil as it was cheaper. I knew my cat was using the litter tray ok, as she would come in to use it:cool: so there was no worry of a blockage.

she had really thick fur and was always grooming herself so I also brushed her every day especially during the spring and summer

KxMx

As it is abnormal for your cat I would have a chat with the vet by phone/ email at least.

I think extra grooming (by you) and some hairball paste would be a good place to start.

Unless it persists despite treatment or additional gastro symptoms develop I wouldn't be too worried

Claddagh_Noir

When I had a cat, we fed him tuna once a week to help the hairballs pass.

pinkteapot

Thanks all. He has hairball paste (when we remember *ahem*) so we are now making extra sure that’s every day. We also brush him most days yet we’ve still been hoovering LOADS of his fur so could just be the season. Surprised he’s got any left!

We’ll keep an eye and give the vet a ring if it carries on.