If you have had a cat for long enough, especially a long haired one, you will find that they vomit hairballs from time to time. These hairballs, which are technically called trichobezoars, may be unsightly, but they are just the results of a clean cat. Hairballs are just clumps of hair that has been swallowed during grooming, mixed with digestive fluids.
It is quite common for long haired cats to bring up a hairball every week or two. Most of the time, they are harmless and just a normal result of their cleaning habits. Yet there are times when they can be of concern and be a real health hazard. There are also some things you can do to help your cat with hairball issues, including:
- Brush or comb them on a daily basis. This will get the dead hairs out, so they will not be swallowed when they groom.
- Try using a cat hair mitt if your cat does not care for being brushed. These mitts are similar to a glove and have been designed to gather dead hairs as you pet the cat.
- Use a hairball remedy, which is a petroleum-based laxative, on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
- Try feeding your cat hairball control food or treats.
If you notice that your cat is not eating or is lethargic, this may be the symptoms of hairballs that have caused blockages in their intestines. You should always get your cat into the veterinarian in order to determine what is causing the symptoms and what can be done to alleviate them.
If you have questions about cat hairball control contact the veterinarians at Pet Doctors of America. We can provide you with all the advice you need on helping to address cat hairballs, as well as help to determine what is normal and if there are any problems present. Contact us so we can help address all your veterinarian needs. We service the entire Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach area.
