Hairballs in cats

What to Do About Hairballs in Cats

Hairballs in cats and healthy cats are unpleasant. And they’re not just disagreeable for the person who has to clean them up -- they can cause intestinal blockages, digestive problems, which can be a serious health problem, for your cat and little friend. It’s a given that your cat is going to groom himself.

What Causes Hairballs in Cats?

Hairballs may be disgusting, but they develop as a result of your cat’s healthy and fastidious grooming routine. So don’t worry about hairballs and try to solve this normal problem by the help of your vet.

When your cat grooms him/herself, tiny hook-like structures on his tongue catch loose and dead hair of skin, which is then swallowed. The majority of his body hair passes all the way through the digestive tracts with no problems. But if some hair stays in the stomach, it can change form to a hairball. Ultimately, your cat will vomit the hairball to get rid of it and feel better. Because hairballs pass through the narrow esophagus on the way out, they often appear thin and tube-like, rather than round.

Hairballs in cats are more likely to appear in long-haired breeds, like Persians and Maine Coons.

Symptoms of Hairballs in Cats

It can be disturbing to watch your little friend eliminating a hairball. Some common hairball symptoms include hacking, gagging, and retching. Usually, your kitty will then vomit the hairball in relatively short order.

If you notice the following hairball symptoms, be sure to contact your vet, as they could indicate that a hairball has caused a potentially life-threatening blockage:

·         Ongoing vomiting, gagging, retching, or hacking without producing a hairball

• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Constipation
• Diarrhea