Why is my cat vomiting hairballs almost every hour? Should I be worried?

Since last night, my cat has been vomiting up hairballs almost every hour. It's not unusual for her to have them occasionally, but this frequency is concerning. I'm worried that something might be wrong — could there be an underlying issue causing her to groom excessively or some other problem? Should I be taking her to the vet as soon as possible?

Answer

Your cat's frequent vomiting of hairballs every hour is unusual and concerning. It's important to determine if there's an underlying issue causing the excessive grooming or another problem contributing to this behavior.

  • Frequent hairballs may indicate an underlying health issue.
  • Excessive grooming can be linked to stress or skin conditions.
  • Immediate veterinary attention may be necessary if symptoms persist.

When a cat vomits hairballs frequently, it may be a sign that something more than regular grooming is happening. This could include gastrointestinal issues, stress, or even skin problems that are prompting your cat to groom excessively. In cases like these, it's essential to have her evaluated by a veterinarian to identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Book a consultation with a licensed vet at Dial A Vet for just $49 AUD if you're unsure or symptoms are getting worse.

If this is an emergency, please seek immediate veterinary care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What could be causing my cat to vomit hairballs so frequently?

    Frequent hairballs may result from excessive grooming due to allergies, skin irritation, or stress. It's also possible that an underlying gastrointestinal issue is affecting her ability to digest hair normally.

  • How can I tell if my cat's grooming behavior is excessive?

    Excessive grooming might be identified by noticeable hair loss, bald spots, increased frequency, or if your cat seems to be grooming more often than eating or playing.

  • When should I take my cat to the vet for hairballs?

    If your cat is vomiting hairballs more than once a week, seems uncomfortable, or if you notice changes in appetite, behavior, or weight, it's time to consult a veterinarian.

Next available appointment

Loading…