Your cat's well-being is crucial. The many health issues your cat may experience can all be explained to you by your veterinarian, but it is also essential that you educate yourself on these issues. You need to be alert to your cat's symptoms of illness if you want to make sure they get the best possible treatment.
Hairballs are a common condition in many cats. Although some degree of hairballs are typical for a cat, if you suspect the problem is getting out of hand you should talk to your veterinarian immediately.
The main reason cats get hairballs is that they constantly groom themselves. Cats don't like water, but they like to be constantly clean, which they naturally do by licking their coat. Your cat probably grooms often during the day.
Cats ingest a lot of their own hair because they also molt. The majority of them are normally eliminated by the cat, but sometimes the hairs get tangled in the stomach and form a ball of hair too big to be eliminated naturally. The cat then vomits up the hairball.
Consult your veterinarian if your cat seems to have an abnormally high amount of hairballs. Hairballs that can't pass or be vomited up account for about 25% of all intestinal obstructions in cats, and they can make your cat extremely sick. Huge hairballs the size of baseballs can develop in a cat's stomach. A hairball that big can easily end your cat's life.
There are many signs that your cat has a hairball problem. Your cat may have a hairball problem if he gags frequently, has impaired digestion, or has a swollen belly. Your veterinarian may be able to provide cat-flavored medication for your pet. The non-digestible lubricating oils it contains will make it easier for your cat to pass hairballs.
Regular use of this medication will prevent your cat from developing similar hairballs in the future. A high-fiber diet, possibly along with a fiber supplement, is another great strategy to prevent hairballs from appearing. Home remedies, on the other hand, are not advised as they can lead to additional stomach problems for your cat.
If in doubt, contact the veterinarian treating your cat. Veterinarians are trained specifically to help you help your pets. No matter how many hairballs your cat produces, the best way to keep him healthy and safe is to report any health abnormalities to your veterinarian.
