Cat Health Guide

A common – and regular – cat health problem we must have to deal with as cat owners is the appearance of cat hairballs, also called furballs and hair-balls. Many people at first don’t know about this regular problem and they end up disgusted but what appears to be a ball of wet poop. The sole act of expulsing the cat hairball can bring concern as you see your cat hacking and vomiting.

What is a Hairball and Why do Cats Cough Hairballs?

Cat hairballs are big balls made of fur that are formed in the stomach of your cat or kitty. This is caused because cats are always grooming themselves, and well, this means a lot of licking, and although their tongues are their effective tools to groom, a lot of fur ends up getting stuck on them. If you have a cat with long hair, the chances of a hairball forming multiply by the way.

This is a cat hairball

Normally, when a cat swallows hair, it can go through the digestive system without noticing it, you’ll only know your cat has a hairball when it is expelled. A cat hairball looks like a wet sausage-like form on the floor.

Preventing Cat Hairballs

You can help your kitty or cat reduce hairball problems by brushing your cat regularly – thus helping to remove the excess fur he might swallow. In the case of a kitten, it is preferably to brush daily, so you’ll build the habit of brushing your cat, making things easier in the long run. You have to know also when it is shedding season in your zone, because it is critical to brush your cats at this stage t avoid furballs.

A good diet will also help preventing cat hairball problems, as it will help keeping the coat in good shape, preventing excessive shedding.  Keep also in mind that shedding increases when your cat feels stressed.

How Cats Deal With Hairballs?

When a cat licks off their hair, it goes through their digestive system to then be eliminated. There are times, though when the amount of fur in the cat’s belly becomes to big to be eliminated in their stool, so the cat vomits the hairball.

Cats also have an instinct to know what helps them, so in this case, they sometimes eat grass outdoors to help passing the hairball.

Complications of a Cat Hairball

Hairballs in cats - Prevention is key

There are cases where a cat or kitten is unable to eliminate the hairball through the stool or vomiting, in these cases a blockage in the intestine can form, producing constipation.  You should seek a veterinary immediately because sometimes the only way to get rid of the hairball is through surgery.