Now…some of you might be wondering why something so “yucky” gets its own day of recognition. The truth is, frequent hairballs are NOT a normal part of a healthy cat’s life. So, let’s get down to the root of this hairy problem…AND, how to fix it!
It’s no secret that cats shed their fur (one look at my house would confirm it!). What most people DON’T know is how hairballs are formed and what dangers they can cause.
What is a hairball?
A hairball is a collection of ingested hair (caused by the cat’s natural grooming process) which a cat may regurgitate along with mucus or bile. The ASPCA says, “During a cat’s daily grooming regimen, he may inadvertently swallow loose hair, which generally passes through the digestive system into the cat’s stool. Some hair can remain, however, and collect in the stomach or small intestine, causing the cat to hack, gag, or retch until he vomits the offending [material]. The hair that is vomited can appear matted or tubular in shape.” Hairballs are commonly thought of as a normal part of a cat’s life; however, most vets agree that if your cat hacks up more than 1-2 hairballs per year, it’s a problem.
Besides the “yuck” on my carpet, what are symptoms of hairballs?Hairballs can also cause constipation and decreased appetite. They can also cause upset stomach or general gastrointestinal discomfort, which may in turn cause vomiting of the hairball or of mucus or food.
Why are hairballs dangerous?
The ASPCA stresses hairballs can be indicative of several things. First, it may indicate that your cat may need tweaks to her diet. By improving diet—and thus, coat and skin health—you can help reduce your cat’s ability to efficiently move groomed hair safely through her digestive tract.
Second, hairballs may block the esophagus or intestinal tract, causing surgery to correct. In rare cases, they may be symptomatic of serious disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or even cancer.
Lastly, it can indicate a behavioral issue, such as obsessive-compulsive type activity.
How can I prevent hairballs?
As we’ve already said above, a good diet can make a HUGE change in the amount of hair your cat has a potential to ingest. Look for a high-quality food; some brands have hairball control formulations that may be of benefit. Some pet stores also sell hairball lubricants or food additives which may help lubricate the digestive tract.
Some types of cats are more prone to hairballs, such as long-haired breeds. Brush your cat often—if
long-haired, brush daily—to help decrease the amount of hair he may ingest during grooming.If your cat shows tendencies to groom herself excessively, try distracting her with a new toy or by initiating playtime activities. This strategy has the added benefit of spending quality time with your favorite feline!
Below are sources and resources containing helpful information and valuable tips for keeping your kitty healthy and hair-free!
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/hairball.aspx
http://www.furminator.com/Blog/National-Hairball-Awareness-Day.aspx
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Content By: Jocelyn Alexander
Jocelyn Alexander is a rescue foster for dogs and cats, as well as a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS). She has a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever named Dixie, who is a registered Pet Partners therapy dog and Canine Good Citizen; and Chloe, a 10-year-old tuxedo cat who rules the house with a velvet glove.
Images: 1, 2, 3
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