Bezoars are gastrointestinal masses that can affect dogs, cats, humans, and other animals. Most bezoars that occur in cats are basically hairballs. Many bezoars are vomited up or will pass through a cat's GI tract without issue.
What animals have bezoars?
Humans and cud-chewing animals, such as cows, oxen, sheep, goats, llamas, deer, and antelopes get hairballs or other types of "bezoars" (pronounced BE-zor). A bezoar is a mass of nondigestible matter that collects in the stomach.
How do I know if my cat has a blockage?
Common symptoms of a gut blockage include:
- Vomiting.
- Pain (growling, hiding away or not wanting to be handled)
- Pooing less.
- Low energy (lethargy)
- Little or no interest in food or drink.
- Weight loss.
- Other signs of feeling sick i.e. drooling, lip smacking and swallowing.
- A string hanging from their mouth (never pull it).
