Did you know that April 28h is Hairball Awareness Day? It’s also National Blueberry Pie Day and Kiss Your Mate Day. However, while those are certainly much more pleasant topics, we’ll stick to what we know: hairballs. Hairballs are not something we care to celebrate. However, it is important for people owned by cats to understand what they are and how they form, and to be aware of the potential dangers they can pose. Read on as a Frisco, TX vet discusses hairballs.
How Hairballs Form
As we all know, kitties are very good at keeping themselves clean. Fluffy may spend several hours a day grooming herself. Unfortunately, your furry little diva will end up swallowing some of her own fur during these beauty rituals. However, our feline friends cannot properly digest cat hair. You probably know what happens next. Suffice it to say, it is not the best part of having a cat.
Hairball Habits
You may have noticed that cats seem to be very precise about where they leave hairballs. Is this deliberate? So far, no studies have officially confirmed that Fluffy does deliberately leave hairballs in the spots where we are most likely to step on them. We remain skeptical.
Preventing Hairballs
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce or prevent your cat from producing hairballs. Brush your kitty regularly, especially during peak shedding times. That way, you’ll capture that dead fur and dander before Fluffy swallows it. You also won’t find as much cat fur stuck to your clothing and upholstery. Making sure your furball is eating a proper diet is also very important. Good nutrition will help keep your pet’s fur soft and shiny, and will reduce the amount of fur she sheds. Last but not least, ask your vet about using a hairball remedy.
Hazards
Hairballs are certainly no fun for us. They aren’t pleasant for Fluffy, either. In fact, they can be very hazardous. Occasionally, cats are not able to expel their hairballs. This can lead to dangerous—even life-threatening—intestinal blockages. If you notice that your kitty is producing a lot of hairballs, or seems to be trying to throw up but can’t, contact your vet right away.
Please contact us, your Frisco, TX pet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are here to provide your feline pal with excellent care!
