Hairballs

As we all know, cats are very clean animals. So clean that they lick their fur and bodies to rid themselves of dirt and loose hair. When a cat grooms hair passes through the gastrointestinal tract and exits in the cat's feces. However, this hair can get lodged in the
stomach or intestine where larger clumps of hair can build up. Generally, this does not cause a problem and the cat will pass the hairball in its stool or vomit. If the hairball is not passed normally the hairball can create a blockage and cause a variety of problems
including blockage of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon. If not treated these problems can become serious. In severe cases surgery may be necessitated to remove the blockage. If you suspect your cat is having trouble passing a hairball consult your vet.
 

Symptoms to look for:
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Weight loss or decreased appetite (if the hairball isn't passed)

Treatment:
Most hairballs pass normally. If your cat is having trouble with a hairball consult your vet. Generally feeding your cat a bit of catnip, a bit of cat grass, fiber, or a vet-approved laxative (usually petroleum based) will be enough to help your cat remove a hairball. However, in more extreme cases surgery may be needed to remove the hairball. Also note that other illnesses which cause vomiting are often mistaken for a hairball problem. When a cat vomits, any hair which is already in the stomach will be expunged. This sometimes leads
owners to think the vomiting is *just* from a hairball. If your cat has persistent vomiting or vomits often consult your vet, there may be another cause.

Precautionary measures:
Brush and groom your cat regularly. The more hair you brush off your cat, the less he/she will swallow. You can also feed your cat catnip, cat grass (sold at pet stores), or a high-fiber diet (dry cat foods are usually a good source of fiber as compared to wet foods) on a regular basis to keep your cat's digestive system in check and healthy. Always consult your vet before giving your cat any home-based medication or over-the-counter medication. And never give your cat any made-for-human medications without the expressed authorization of your veterinarian.

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***Medical and care advice in this article is for your knowledge and information only. It is
not a substitute for a veterinary appointment or an actual diagnosis for your pet. If you feel
your pet has a health or behavior problem, please consult your veterinarian immediately for
specific advice tailored to your individual pet.