My cat is sick and not eating. Hairball? Should I give a laxative?

If Lilly has gone more than 24 hours without eating, she should be seen by the vet. For regular maintenance use, if Lilly has a tendency to get upset stomach from hairballs I recommend using a hairball supplement such as this one: Remedies_SMRT-_-Product_Listing_Ads-_-Smart_Shopping&kpid=go_6526132049_75197113101_383951179912_pla-709770020843_c&utm_config=tad0iunwp&utm_campaign=PTC_P_SUP_PLA-GG_FY19_SBU04_Cat_Supplements Remedies_SMRT&utm_source=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0aOl6aeR6AIVSrzACh2xjgDAEAQYAiABEgLvL_D_BwE I also recommend brushing Lilly daily so she ingests less hair.

I strongly recommend getting your cat seen by your vet right away. Lethargy is a worrying sign after such an incident and she must continue to eat or she can develop liver disease in a matter of days. There may be more hair that cannot get back out or that may be causing an intestinal blockage. If this is the case, without treatment it can be life-threatening. Your vet will do an exam, x-rays, possibly lab work, and base don these results will be better able to tell you what is wrong and how best to treat it.

I’m sorry to hear about Sapphire! If she is not vomiting and is drinking water, you can try a dose or two of laxatone: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/tomlyn-laxatone-tuna-flavored-hairball-lubricant This helps with mild constipation, especially due to hairballs. You can also try ONE dose of miralax liquid (regular human strength. Give 1/4 tsp by mouth once. (If there are other things going on it could worsen dehydration so do NOT give more than one dose just in case). But the truth is, once Sapphire goes 24 hours without eating, it’s time to see the vet. At that point we have to consider something else like a fever, infection, injury, organ disease, toxin etc. Even if it is regular old constipation, an enema or stronger laxative may be needed. Do no under any circumstance try to give an enema to Sapphire at home. I hope this helps and best of luck to you and Sapphire!

Hi there. Poor Mittens! Unfortunately with her history I would highly recommend having her seen as soon as possible-she could be blocked (it actually sounds like she is). It is possible she could pass it with laxatives and iv fluids without surgery (your vet would have to do x rays to determine this). The sooner she gets checked out the better if it's already been a while. I hope all goes well and my best to you both!

Hi and thanks for posting! Hard stool can certainly be an indication of constipation and while a hairball formula can help, you can also try a higher fiber diet (one that is formulated for hairball control) or just give a few teaspoons of plain canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) in her food which can help. However, if she is not eating and is acting lethargic, you may want to take her in to see a veterinarian to get checked out. Sometimes underlying health conditions such as liver or kidney disease or certain endocrine problems like diabetes can cause dehydration and can lead to harder stools and episodes of constipation as well as decreased appetite and lethargy. Certainly worth a veterinary visit if the hairball cream doesn't seem to be making a difference in her appetite or energy level. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor kitty. It should be ok to give her a laxative to help her poop if she is straining to go. However, I would strongly suggest taking her in to a vet soon as you can to have her looked at. Hopefully she contines to have a good attitude, eat and remains stable until you can get her seen. I wish Hope well moving forward. Take care.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Vomiting, especially after wanting to eat, is a concern for an obstruction or something stuck in her stomach. I would recommend having her seen by a vet and have an x-ray done. She could just have a gastritis or a sore upset stomach, however not eating for 6 days for a cat is a concern. Your vet may also check Snowball's liver values for a disease called 'fatty liver'. Best of luck with Snowball.