What happens if a cat doesn’t expel its hairballs?
Expert Answer
When cats groom themselves they swallow some fur, which builds up in the stomach as hairballs. If a hairball cannot be expelled by vomiting or defecation, it may grow in the intestines and cause a blockage, leading to serious digestive problems including vomiting, reduced appetite, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Severe hairball blockage can even press on internal organs and affect the normal function of the gut, liver, or kidneys, and in serious cases cause organ failure. To avoid this, grow some cat grass at home or regularly feed an appropriate amount of hairball paste.
My cat's hairball blockage scare meant the vet and the lesson to stay on top of grooming and hairball paste, because an unmoved ball can obstruct. I'd watch for constipation and appetite loss, not just the occasional hack. Mine's fine with regular paste, but I'd treat a cat that stops eating and strains as urgent, the blockage is serious, don't assume it'll pass, get him seen.