Condition3 connections · 1 source
Hairballs
Trichobezoars in cats from ingested hair that fails to pass through the GI tract normally.
Key Facts
- Healthy cats should pass swallowed hair in feces
- Frequent hairballs suggest underlying GI disease
- Possible causes: IBD, GI cancer, motility problems, stress over-grooming
- Long-haired cats at higher risk — regular brushing helps
- May indicate pain-related over-grooming (urinary, musculoskeletal, abdominal)
- Diagnostic workup may include bloodwork, ultrasound, radiography
- Treating underlying cause preferred over just treating symptom