Hair ball. What should we do if our cats cough after licking its own fur?

Hairballs (trichobezoars) are balls of hair that end up in a cat's stomach when the cat licks its fur as part of its regular grooming routine. Many cats have no problem with hairballs whatsoever. Sometimes though, especially in long-haired cats, hairballs can cause your cat to engage in gagging or retching in an attempt to vomit up the hairball. The cat may or may not actually vomit. On occasion you can actually see the balls of hair in the vomit, but sometimes the hairball will just upset the stomach and the cat will bring up food or liquid and not the hairball itself. Occasional hairball episodes (1-4 times a month) are normal for most cats and usually prevention is the best treatment. The best treatment for hairballs in cats is the prevention of hair buildup in the first place. This can easily be accomplished with daily brushings of your cat's fur. Less loose fur on the cat equals less fur in its stomach. This brushing should become part of a daily routine when you first get the cat and most cats simply love it. If daily brushings aren't working then other treatments for cats with hairball problems can include a cat food with a hairball control component (usually extra fibre). You can even try a teaspoon of canned pumpkin mixed in with their regular food or mixed with some tuna water from the can. There are also petroleum based laxative type medications that you can put on you cat's paw and it will lick it off. These medications should only be used as directed. Also, Any hairball problem that cannot be solved with extra daily brushings should be referred to a veterinarian. Cats vomit for different reasons, sometimes serious reasons, and you should not automatically assume that the vomiting is hairball related.

Yes, it is quite normal. One of my cats has a terrible time with hairballs. I usually give him a hairball medication we can get at the pet store called either Laxatone or Petromalt. You might try going to your pet store and see what they have for hairballs. Also, brushing your cat frequently will help cut down on the hair they swallow.

yes i think thats totally normal.. i suggest getting some hair ball meds to give your cat.

don't worry about it. It's normal and grosse. Cats always puke up hairballs.

Yes, it is normal for cats to vomit hairballs. The hair is not digested in his stomach, it is usually passed in their stools. You can get Petromalt or some other hairball solutions at your local pet store or vet's office.