Cat Hairball Impaction Symptoms. The symptoms of intestinal blockage vary according to whether the blockage is complete or partial, and the treatment for the blockage depends on the cause. If the impaction goes on for too long, your cat may require emergency surgery.
If the litter box is suspiciously low on feces for a day or two, this may be the cause. Other indications of a hairball problem in your cat can include a dry cough, gagging or retching after meals, lethargy, fatigue and a general loss of interest in daily activities. All three of these symptoms could mean that your cat’s throat, stomach or intestines are blocked by a hairball obstruction.
If the impaction goes on for too long, your cat may require emergency surgery.
In the severest of situations a hairball can cause a blockage of the intestine. Ongoing vomiting, gagging, retching, or hacking without producing a hairball; Special commercial cat foods and treats that claim to prevent and / or control trichobezoars; Q are furballs a cause for concern in older cats?