| If you notice your cat coughing and hacking, chances are he has hairballs. You may find an unappetizing, slimey blob on the floor, which is your clue that your cat has managed to disgorge 1 of his hairballs.
Exactly what is a hairball? It is a mass of hair and undigested food that gathers within the cat. Loose hair collects on his tongue when he grooms himself. Just as cat hair will gather into a roll when you pass your hand over the cat's favorite cushion, the hair comes together into a ball in his stomach instead of simply passing through his body. Since hairballs can't be broken down and digested, cats must cough them up to get rid of them.
Intestinal Blockage
Although the product is unpleasant for their owners, most cats don't have a problem dislodging hairballs. However, if the hairball passes into a cat's intestines, it can cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening problem.
Signs to look for indicating a serious condition are:
your cat seems to be constipated he seems lethargic and his coat is dull and unhealthy looking he is eating less than usual. You should take him to your veterinarian right away for an examination.
Hairball Prevention
Preventing hairballs, of course, is much better than treating them afterward. Since hair is a major ingredient, 1 of the easiest preventive steps is to groom him frequently. Remove excess hair by combing or brushing your cat each day.
If you start when he is a kitten, he will look forward to being groomed. If your cat doesn't like brushes or combs, use a grooming glove.
Dietary Aids
If you have a regular program of prevention and your cat still presents you with the occasional hairball, there are several dietary aids you can try. 1 is dry cat food specially formulated to prevent hairballs. Before you buy, though, be sure the food is also high in protein and other nutrients, as well.
If your cat already has a hairball, you use a gel lubricant designed to help the hairball pass through his body. This gel is widely available at pet and grocery stores. Talk to your veterinarian before using these hairball remedies for a long period of time, as they might remove vitamins and minerals along with the hairballs.
Home Remedies
Home remedies and recipes for removing hairballs are plentiful. For example, butter, mineral oil, and pumpkin.
Before using 1, please ask your vet. Make sure you aren't unintentionally causing more harm than good. |