| Most cat owners have at some stage heard the rough, raspy gagging a hairball can cause – and to new cat owners this can be quite frightening. Whilst in most cases the cat will pass the hairball in its stool or vomit, it can become a “hairy” situation.
Hairballs develop when cats lick their fur and bodies, to rid themselves of dirt and loose hair. The hair then passes through the gastrointestinal tract and either exits through the faeces or is passed by vomiting. Typical symptoms of hairballs are coughing, vomiting and weight loss or a decreased appetite if the hairball hasn't passed. Other symptoms include hard masses of hair on the floor or furniture; constipation or hard stools with hair showing; a dry, matted coat; and depression or lethargy.
There are several ways to minimise hairballs for your cat:
- Brushing and grooming your cat regularly means there is less loose hair for your cat to swallow whilst grooming itself.
- Feeding your cat catnip, cat grass or a high fibre diet on a regular basis keeps your cat's digestive system healthy.
- There are also special hairball formula foods, as well as various commercial hairball remedies on the market, which minimise hairballs.
It is, however, advisable to speak to your veterinarian before attempting any kind of hairball remedy.
It is also important for cat owners to be aware of hairball symptoms – if a hairball is not passed normally, it could pose a very serious threat to your cat by creating a blockage. This in turn, can lead to a blockage in the oesophagus , stomach, small intestine or colon. In severe cases, surgery may even be required to remove the blockage.
It is also important not to mistake other illnesses that cause vomiting for hairballs. If your cat has persistent vomiting or vomits often, consult your vet, as there may be another cause.
Visit www. petwise.co.za and read more about pet nutrition and pet care. You can also learn about reliable manufacturers in the pet food industry, who are also members of the Pet Food Industry (PFI) Association. |
