Hairballs
-Problem: Hairballs are a condition where a cat throws up hair that has accumulated in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Hairballs can become dangerous in severe cases where they block the passage of food.
Hairballs are more common in longhaired cats and cats who groom compulsively.
Symptoms:
Treatment: The best treatment is to prevent hairballs as much as possible by regularly grooming your cat, especially if your cat has long hair. Feeding her a cat food high in fiber and making sure she stays hydrated can also help encourage healthy digestion.
If a cat does have difficulty with a hairball, petroleum-based hairball lubricants can help a cat pass the hairball. In extreme cases, surgery might be needed to remove the hairball from the cat’s stomach.
Hairballs are more common in longhaired cats and cats who groom compulsively.
Symptoms:
- Hacking and vomiting - if this continues over long periods of time without producing a hairball, there may be a blockage. Other signs of a possible blockage include
- Decreased appetite and/or won't drink
- Lethargy
- Bloated, hard abdomen
- Constipation or diarrhea
Treatment: The best treatment is to prevent hairballs as much as possible by regularly grooming your cat, especially if your cat has long hair. Feeding her a cat food high in fiber and making sure she stays hydrated can also help encourage healthy digestion.
If a cat does have difficulty with a hairball, petroleum-based hairball lubricants can help a cat pass the hairball. In extreme cases, surgery might be needed to remove the hairball from the cat’s stomach.