Allin1PetCare
08-14-2008, 03:47 AM
Hairballs are formed when a cat grooms itself and swallows hairs. Since hair is not easily digested, it can compact with undigested food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Impactions are serious business, and sometimes must be removed surgically. In lesser cases they can cause painful constipation.
How to Recognize Hairball Problems:
-Cylindrical (cigar-shaped) masses on the floor or furniture.
-Constipation, or hard stools with hair showing.
-Dry, matted coat
-Frequent dry coughing or hacking, particularly after meals
-Lack of interest in eating.
-Depression or lethargy.
Hairballs can be so easily prevented. The NUMBER ONE WAY to avoid hairballs: BRUSHING!
Most cats enjoy being brushed, and the bonding that develops during cat and human during these brushing times is an added bonus.
Other ways of preventing or aiding hairball relief involve feeding "slippery" substances that will help the passage of hair and digestive waste down the intestinal tract. These come in several different forms:
-Special Hairball Formula Food - the trick is finding one with high quality ingredients.
-Commercial Hairball Remedies - These come in various forms, including tube-served gels and granules to be sprinkled on food. It should be noted that many hairball relief remedies contain mineral oil. Taken in quantities, mineral oil can deplete the body of vitamin A. If using one of these formulas, ask your veterinarian if a vitamin A supplement might be in order.
-Home Solutions - Some cat owners have had success by giving their cats a small amount of butter (about 1/2 teaspoon) two or three times a week. Others have offered a teaspoon of canned pumpkin (non-flavored) or baby food squash. Cats generally enjoy these extra "treats," and they may help by adding lubrication or soft bulk to help hairballs pass. The pumpkin or squash are also sometimes used to help with constipation or diarrhea, because of their added fiber.
How to Recognize Hairball Problems:
-Cylindrical (cigar-shaped) masses on the floor or furniture.
-Constipation, or hard stools with hair showing.
-Dry, matted coat
-Frequent dry coughing or hacking, particularly after meals
-Lack of interest in eating.
-Depression or lethargy.
Hairballs can be so easily prevented. The NUMBER ONE WAY to avoid hairballs: BRUSHING!
Most cats enjoy being brushed, and the bonding that develops during cat and human during these brushing times is an added bonus.
Other ways of preventing or aiding hairball relief involve feeding "slippery" substances that will help the passage of hair and digestive waste down the intestinal tract. These come in several different forms:
-Special Hairball Formula Food - the trick is finding one with high quality ingredients.
-Commercial Hairball Remedies - These come in various forms, including tube-served gels and granules to be sprinkled on food. It should be noted that many hairball relief remedies contain mineral oil. Taken in quantities, mineral oil can deplete the body of vitamin A. If using one of these formulas, ask your veterinarian if a vitamin A supplement might be in order.
-Home Solutions - Some cat owners have had success by giving their cats a small amount of butter (about 1/2 teaspoon) two or three times a week. Others have offered a teaspoon of canned pumpkin (non-flavored) or baby food squash. Cats generally enjoy these extra "treats," and they may help by adding lubrication or soft bulk to help hairballs pass. The pumpkin or squash are also sometimes used to help with constipation or diarrhea, because of their added fiber.