It’s no secret cats shed, but are you aware of the causes and dangers of hairballs? “Because cats groom themselves with their tongues, they naturally ingest some hair in the process,” says veterinarian Shelby Neely, also known as “The Cat Doctor.”
According to Dr. Neely, most of the hair will pass though the intestinal tract, but some remains in the stomach. Over time, as more is added, a hairball develops as the hair becomes dampened by bile and other digestive fluids. “Fortunately, by reducing the amount of hair your cat ingests, hairballs can be prevented.”
Below are signs and symptoms of hairballs in cats and when you should seek veterinarian attention:
Ongoing vomiting, gagging, retching or hacking without producing a hairball
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Constipation
Diarrhea
One simple way to help prevent hairballs in cats is to groom your furry friend regularly.
Remember every loose hair brushed is one less to swallow.
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