Behavior Change from Hairball?

by Nate
(Tucson, AZ)

3 days ago our 3 year old cat, Sis, coughed up a small hairball. Our 2 year old cat, Kitty, saw this and has been traumatized. She has always been a cuddle bug both with us and with Sis. She has been keeping to herself the past three days and will hiss at Sis any time she is in the same room. She also is much less social with us tending to stay in another room. Although she has come out and cuddled and purred a couple times, as soon as Sis comes in the room she hisses, "growls", and creeps away getting as low to the ground as she can and slowly makes her way to another room. Is this something that will fix itself or is there anything we should do?


Dear Nate,

If you saw your cat, Sis, cough up her hairball, I'm sure you know that the appearance can be rather frightening. Your other cat was likely just as scared by it as you may have been. Things will return to normal eventually, but in the meantime, there are some things you can try to help her calm down.

Encourage your cats to be around one another in a positive way by offering enticing treats and toys when they are together. Also, pheromone diffusers and sprays by Feliway can be used throughout your home to help calm your kitties.

Cat hairballs can be stressful for the cat themselves, other cats in the household, and for cat owners. Deshedding tools by FURminator are the best way to prevent hairball problems in the future!

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely