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How To Prevent Cat Hairballs
Cats are fastidious
animals. They like things clean and apparently one thing
they like clean the most is themselves. Therefore they
spend an excess amount of time just grooming. The act
of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose
hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task.
They are covered with little bumps and toward the center
of the tongue is tiny barb-like bumps that act to snag
the hair. Unfortunately, this habit of grooming can
lead to the formation of hairballs.
Cats are unable to digest the hair they
swallow. However, they are able to have the hair pass
through the digestive system in small amounts. A problem
is caused if the cat is most likely low on fiber, which
renders it incapable of passing the hair. The hair builds
up and forms a hairball. The hairball can develop either
in the stomach or toward the back of the throat.
The distressed cat begins to cough and
attempts to throw-up the hairball. For the loving cat
owner, the gagging and retching is worrisome not to
mention the annoying cleanup afterwards. While the occasional
hairball is probably nothing to be too alarmed about,
frequent hairballs could be a cause for concern. Constant
hairballs can result in digestive track troubles such
as loss of appetite and constipation.
You cannot eliminate your cat from swallowing
all its loose hair. However, there are actions you can
take and natural remedies along with commercial products
that you can use. The best way is combing or brushing
your cat to prevent swallowing as much hair as possible
in the first place. Longhaired cats should be combed
or brushed daily and shorthairs probably only require
it once or twice a week.
If your cat needs more assistance with
its hairballs, there are commercial products that can
be applied to the top of its front paws. The cat will
attempt to lick these off; which will aid in the hair
passing through the digestive system. People have used
other similar lubricants such as Crisco All Vegetable
Shortening, mayonnaise or butter as a substitute to
these store bought products. Yet be careful, because
the use of these can cause other digestive problems.
Then again, some people have used Vaseline though this
also should be applied only occasionally. It is recommended
that you check with your veterinarian on the use, frequency
and amount of any of these products before administering
them to your cat.
You may also feed your cat specially
made cat food diets and treats that are intended to
prevent the development of hairballs. Another interesting
solution is to mix in about a teaspoon of canned pumpkin
to your cat's normal food. One more method used as a
preventive is to feed your cat grass a couple of times
a week. You can grow the grass indoors. Rye, wheat or
oat grasses are the best types to use and can be purchased
at pet stores or on the Internet. Do not feed your cat
grass from a chemically treated lawn.
Still, it must be noted that cats will
throw-up for various reasons. Some of these may be from
serious underlying conditions. Therefore before attempting
any of these remedies, it is advised that you consult
with your veterinarian to rule out any other illness
and to see which, if any of these solutions should be
tried. Along with your vet's help and one or more of
these suggestions, it is possible that your cat will
be able to live virtually hairball free.
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