Cat Hairballs
Hairballs are the result of your cat’s fastidious grooming. When licking its coat, your cat will ingest excess hair. Most of this hair passes through a cat’s digestive system without a problem, but sometimes a large amount of hair will accumulate in the stomach and the cat will cough it up. This is usually not an issue if it happens once or twice a month, but frequent hairballs may be a sign of a bigger issue. In addition, if a cat is unable to cough up a hairball, the hairball can obstruct his/her gastrointestinal tract and cause serious or life-threatening problems.
Cat Hairballs Symptoms
Hairballs are dark, matted lumps that are frequently mistaken for feces. When your cat tries to remove a hairball, you may hear it make a harsh, hacking sound. There are several symptoms that can indicate that your cat has a hairball problem.
- Frequent coughing or hacking
- Lethargy
- Lack of interest in food
- Frequent vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Swollen abdomen
Cat Hairballs Treatment
If your cat exhibits any of the above symptoms, consult your veterinarian. To prevent hairball problems, brush your cat regularly. Encourage frequent water consumption by keeping your cat’s water bowl full. If your cat isn’t a big drinker, consider a system like Petmate’s Fresh Flow Purifying Pet Fountain, which will make water fresher and more appealing to your cat. Fiber, either in the form of a special food such as PRO PAC Hairball Reduction Formula Premium Cat Food or a simple container of cat grass try Bell Rock Growers Pet Greens Garden Pet Grass Self Grow Kit will make it easier for your cat to pass hair through its system. Products that lubricate your cat’s digestive system, like Tomlyn Laxa-Stat Hairball Prevention Gel, can also be beneficial.
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