Hairball Issues
Hairballs are a common problem with cats. Hairballs are caused when cats groom themselves and swallow hair. Most of this hair will be digested, but sometimes a cat will gag or vomit the loose hair. This is called a hair ball.
Symptoms of Hairballs
- Hacking, gagging and vomiting
- A decrease in appetite
- Constipation
Treatment and Prevention
- To avoid hairballs, groom your cat daily to decrease the amount of loose hair.
- Clean your cat with a damp cloth to remove loose hairs after brushing.
- Feed your cat food designed to decrease shedding and formation of hairballs.
- Ask your veterinarian about lubricant supplements to help hair pass through the digestive track.
- If cat has gagging, constipation, or diarrhea for more than one day, call your veterinarian. Occasionally, a hairball will block the esophagus or intestines and require surgery.
Contact us with questions about hairballs or to make an appointment.