How to Tell if a Cat is Vomiting Hairballs or Actually Vomiting

There are three main methods to determine if a cat is vomiting hairballs or actually vomiting: checking the cat's vomit, observing the frequency of vomiting, and observing the cat's mental state.

Firstly, if a large amount of hair is found in the cat's vomit, it may be vomiting hairballs. If the vomit is food, foam-like mucus, or yellow water, it is not vomiting hairballs and immediate medical attention should be sought. Secondly, a cat vomiting hairballs usually does not vomit more than 2 times a day. If the cat vomits multiple times a day, along with symptoms such as depression, loss of appetite, etc., it is likely due to illness and it is advised to consult a professional pet veterinarian.

Check the cat's vomit

Usually, if a cat is vomiting hairballs, a small or large amount of hair can be seen in the vomit. However, simple vomiting usually results in food, foam-like mucus, or yellow water. Therefore, when a cat vomits, the owner can take a look at the vomit. If hair is found, it means the cat is vomiting hairballs, which is a normal phenomenon.

Observe the frequency of vomiting

Cats vomiting hairballs have a low frequency of vomiting and a certain regularity. They usually do not vomit more than 2 times a day. Vomiting frequency is generally higher and without regularity, often secondary to certain digestive tract diseases, and the cat may vomit multiple times a day. Therefore, if a cat vomits multiple times in a day, it means the cat is sick and needs to be taken to a pet hospital for examination and treatment.

Observe the cat's mental state

When a cat vomits hairballs, it will have dry heaving similar to vomiting. Some cats may have a relative decrease in mental and appetite due to vomiting hairballs, while some cats are not affected. If it is actual vomiting, the cat's mental and appetite will significantly decrease, becoming very poor. There may also be symptoms such as diarrhea, lethargy, and fever. Therefore, once a significant abnormal mental state is observed in a cat, it is necessary to take the cat to a pet hospital as soon as possible for further examination and treatment.