Oesophageal obstruction by a hairball in a cat

Oesophageal obstruction caused by a hairball is described in a nine‐year‐old Persian cat. Diagnosis was based upon radiological and oesophagoscopic findings. The obstruction was managed conservatively by forceps delivery of part of the hair, repulsion of the remainder into the stomach, and oral laxative medication. The fur was clipped prophylactically. At follow up one month later, oesophageal function was normal.