Cat Hairball

How to Prevent and Alleviate Cat Hairballs

Cat hairballs can really become a problem for your cat, especially if they occur frequently. What causes hairballs? Cats are very clean animals. They wash themselves constantly, and in the process, they ingest a lot of fur. Eventually, all that hair builds up creating a hairball. Cat hairballs are not only uncomfortable for you cat, but they can also lead to other problems like constipation. There are ways, fortunately, to reduce and even prevent hairball buildup.

So if you already own a cat, or if you just adopted a cat, and need information on cat hairballs, here is some information about the symptoms and prevention of hairballs. You'll also find information on Cat Hairball remedies.

Hairball Symptoms

A hairball problem is somewhat easy to spot. Your cat will start hacking and coughing, followed by vomiting. These episodes might occur frequently, especially if you have a long-haired cat.

Even if you don't see your cat going through what I call a "hairball episode", you can still see the evidence: a ball of hair on the floor, or the carpet, or wherever your cat chose to spit out the ball. Usually, a hairball is an long mass of hair, similar to a cigar in shape. It is definitely not a pretty sight.

Hairball Prevention and Remedies

The easiest way to help your cat from developing hairballs is brushing your cat on a regularly basis, preferably every day. Even if brushing does not completely eliminate hairballs, it will reduce the amount ingested, thus reducing the frequency of the problem. Furthermore, brushing your cat will help your cat stay in great condition. And remember that a grooming session is always a great bonding opportunity.

If despite your efforts your cat continues to have hairball problems, try a Cat Hairball remedy. Consult your vet, and he or she will suggest the best treatment for your cat. Some common Cat Hairball remedies include petroleum-based gels, which are given orally. You may also give your cat a fiber-rich diet, or special-formula food designed to prevent hairballs.

You may also try home treatments, like giving your cat a little bit of butter once or twice a week. Canned pumpkin is another known home remedy used to treat hairballs. You can mix a bit of pumpkin with your cat's wet food. Again, always consult your vet before using any of these remedies.

Claudia Escobar loves all things cat-related. For more on cat hairballs and great cat gifts ideas visit her site at http://www.cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com.

Cat Hairballs, is food change to blame?
I have a 14 year old male cat, who is also slightly overweight. He has a history of pancreatitis, which occurred in 2003. Several months ago, I switched him from Science Diet, which was doing nothing for his health or his weight, to Halo. Since he has been eating Halo, he has lost some weight, and is much more active and happy. It has made a noticeable improvement. The only problem is, since being switched to Halo, he suddenly has a hairball problem. He's never had hairballs before, and I now find at least one a week. Is the food change to blame & what can I do to help him? And I know taking him to the vet would be the obvious answer. I have called, and he just wants to run test after test. I'm not going to put my elderly cat through any tests, unless I have already exhausted all other options. He is not a good patient, they have to sedate him to even examine him. And he's just too old for the stress of a visit to the vet. So any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! The vet also told me that changing food will never cause a cat to have sudden hairballs. I find it hard to believe that it?s a coincidence.

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I've noticed a strange reddish veiny looking worm in my cats hairball upchuk. Any clues to what it is ?
The wormy thing is about an inch, very thin & curls up as soon as I picked it up to inspect.

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Vet told me to give my cat hairball treatment, the main ingredient is petroleum jelly. Can this cause diarrhea?
I've been giving it to her 2 times a week like the vet said, to help with her hairballs, and I noticed today there was diarrhea in her litter box. Could that be caused by the petroleum jelly?

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Why does my puppy eat disgusting things?
In particular, my puppy tries to eat my cats hairballs. I know there's probably not a clear cut answer, but maybe there's something I can do to stop him, or make him know it's wrong?

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Do you think my cat will be okay?
Today i was trimming my long haired cats hairballs on his neck area he tends to get. I brush him but he still seems to get them... anyways when i was cutting them he meowed which isnt unusual but when i looked at the hair i just cut i noticed to my horror I CUT HIS SKIN! id say the wound is abou the size of a dime. I just spent 100 bucks taking my dog to the vet and im tapped out... Do you think hell be okay? It s not gushing blood in fact even right after it happened there wa sjust surface blood on the wound. He isnt acting funny or anything. he is eating and purring like usual.

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