Distinguishing Vomiting from Hairball in Cats: A Quick

Ⅰ. How to Distinguish Between Cat Vomiting and Hairball Formation

Cat hairball formation often presents with dry heaving or retching, similar to vomiting. However, the key difference lies in the presence of hairballs in the vomit, which is typically evident each time. While some food that hasn't been digested may also be present, hairball episodes usually last for about 2 days. Some cats may experience a decrease in appetite and energy, though some may not be affected at all.

If you suspect your cat is experiencing hairballs, first, check for the presence of hairballs. Second, observe if there is any accompanying diarrhea. If the cat is also very weak and the diarrhea persists for more than 2 days, it's advisable to take it to the vet for further examination and treatment.

Ⅱ. What to Do If a Cat Can't Vomit Hairballs

Regular vomiting of hairballs can significantly impact a cat's health, as stomach acid can irritate the esophagus. If a cat is unable to vomit hairballs and cannot digest them internally, the presence of hairballs in the digestive tract can be harmful. You can offer your cat some hairball gel or cat grass to help expel the hairballs. If the cat still cannot vomit and shows signs of distress, it's best to seek veterinary care promptly for surgical removal.

Ⅲ. At What Age Do Cats Typically Vomit Hairballs?

Cats do not have a specific age at which they start vomiting hairballs. This occurs because cats are generally very clean and often groom themselves, ingesting some hair in the process. The bristles on their tongues can cause them to swallow hair, which then forms into hairballs when it cannot be digested. The most common symptom of hairball formation is frequent dry heaving, especially after eating, and sometimes, cylindrical hairballs or even just liquid are expelled.

Ⅳ. Differentiating Cat Hairball Vomiting from Asthma

1. Cats with hairballs often exhibit discomfort, characterized by frequent dry heaving, occasional vomiting of hair, and sometimes nothing at all. They may also have difficulty defecating, leading to constipation. Symptoms can include dry, hard stools with hair, lack of appetite, dull coat, bloated abdomen, and more.

2. Asthma in cats is marked by episodes where the cat extends its neck, its eyes may appear larger than usual, and some may drool. They may produce loud wheezing sounds, which can last for seconds to minutes, with little to no reaction to shouting or touching. Coughing and symptoms resembling vomiting can occur, leading to rapid breathing and difficulty breathing, sometimes even openmouth breathing. If these symptoms arise, immediate veterinary care is necessary for specific diagnosis and treatment.

Ⅴ. Differentiating Cat瘟 Vomiting from Common Vomiting

Cat瘟, also known as panleukopenia or feline enteritis, is an acute, highly contagious disease characterized by high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and a decrease in white blood cells. Common vomiting does not typically accompany these symptoms and may only involve hairballs or food. It's recommended to consult a vet for a thorough examination, including Xrays and cat瘟 testing, to rule out this disease.

Tip: Click on "How Many Causes of Cat Vomiting Do You Know?" to learn more about the reasons behind cat vomiting.