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by Veronique Fournier September 09, 2019 4 min read
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Hairballs are a common problem among our feline friends. I say problem, because although they are frequent, they are not necessarily normal.
Since hairballs are of veterinary importance, they are entitled to a scientific name. They are called trichobezoars.
As you know, our feline friends use their tongues to groom themselves. Unlike dogs, they spend many hours licking their coat in order to clean it, or to remove dead hairs and debris that can be found there.
Ingested hair is normally discharged in the animal’s stools. Therefore, not all cats vomit up hairballs.
On the other hand, when a cat has long hair, as found with Maine Coons or Persians for example, the digestive system can become overloaded with hair. This is why hairballs are formed.
If your cat vomits hairballs, you will notice a gelatinous cluster of hairs often in a tubular form on your floor, reflective of the shape of the feline digestive system.
Generally, cats will expel a hairball after making sounds that resemble coughing, an impending sign of regurgitation.
Although it is difficult to prove, popular belief is that a cat that eats plants or grass is trying to induce vomiting. This could be a sign that it is trying to cough up a hairball.
Knowing that your cat companion forms hairballs, you have some tools at your disposal to help him cough them up. Here are some tips to help your pussy cat expel his trichobezoars:
A number of laxatives are for sale at the vet. They help lubricate the digestive tract and pass the hairballs through the stool.
Some people recommend administering oils. Personally, I prefer the idea of laxatives because oils are always risky to administer. If the cat inhales the oil, it may develop pneumonia. Additionally, some oils are absorbed by the digestive system so do not provide any help in lubricating it.
We have a product for Hairballs. It will help you avoid complications, all from the comfort of your home.
The logic goes without saying! Help your furry friend to get rid of its excess hair with regular brushing. When shedding, or if your cat is long-haired, it is even more important to comb them! In addition, this grooming session will help you forge strong connections with your cat.
A high fiber diet promotes a healthy and effective digestive system, which helps the hairballs to pass more naturally through the stool. In addition, this food will help promote a rich and silky coat, which helps prevent hair loss.
A depressed cat will groom itself compulsively. Provide toys to your kitty and play with him, take him outside on a leash. In short, distract him from licking!
A cat that has fleas will tend to lick excessively to relieve the itching.
Our natural Hairballs product can be used before having hairballs issues. You want to help your cat getting rid of its hairballs, but you also want to help preventing their formation in the first place.
In more serious cases, if your cat can’t cough up hairballs, it could develop a blockage. The mass of hair can completely obstruct its digestive system, which often requires surgery to fix.
An untreated obstruction can lead to death. If you have any doubts and think that this may be the case for your kitty cat, you must act quickly and tell your vet.
Moreover, there are other conditions that can cause coughing in your feline friend. A cat that coughs does not necessarily mean that he is trying to cough up a hairball!
Again, a persistent cough must be evaluated by a vet. Respiratory problems are very serious in cats.
In conclusion, hairballs are common, but not insignificant. Many cats will suffer from this unpleasant condition, but now you are well-equipped to help relieve them and prevent possible complications!
ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN
Véronique Fournier uses her extensive knowledge to write articles about pet health for Zumalka.
She earned her degree in Animal Health from Cégep La Pocatière in Quebec. Her experience includes internships on animal production farms and rehabilitating birds of prey; managing the care of up to 100 wild animals in a day at the SOS Miss Dolittle Refuge; working at the Aquarium of Quebec, where she monitored 10,000 animals of 300 different species. She worked as a chief animal health technician in a veterinary clinic in British Columbia, as well as a few contracts in various other veterinary clinics.
She also makes lots of canine friends by volunteering at local shelters, fostering, and dog sitting for friends.
February 10, 2023
How I help my cats, specially Simba he have long hair and he soffer with asma. What I can give to him to make him better?
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February 10, 2023
Thanks Teresa, our customer support has sent you an email to help you further !