Hairballs. Yuk!

If you are a cat owner you know that hairballs are gross but we have to deal with them.  It's not just that they are disagreeable to us because we have to clean it up, but it can lead to intestinal blockage for your feline friend.

Even if you brush your cat regularly they are going to continue to groom themselves.  That rough little tongue of theirs catches loose and dead hairs which are then swallowed.  

Most of that hair passes through the digestive tract with no problem.  But if hair starts accumulating in the stomach a hairball will form.

Usually the cat will vomit it up but sometimes it can cause a blockage.  This may call for a costly visit to the Vet.

As a cat ages they will develop more hairballs because they become more proficient in their grooming skills.

I can always tell when Fanny has a hairball.  She gets a little grumpy and she will have some retching.  Then she will be finicky about eating.  

Two days ago Fanny ate 2 meals and then later vomited those two meals up all at one time.  And guess where?  On our bed of course.  Although it was "gross" I just had to deal with.

But I had been observing her for a day or so since she was grumpy.  I made sure she was pooping and drinking water.

Then yesterday she was in the living room, started retching, then vomited the hairball.  

We praised her and she immediately felt better and started asking to be fed.  

I suggest that after a cat vomits up a hairball to only feed them small amounts of wet food for the rest of the day since their esophagus will be irritated.

There are numerous hairball remedies out there.  I have tried hairball control food before but didn't see much benefit from it plus Fanny is now strictly on a renal diet for her kidney disease.

There are pastes and gels which you can smear on their paws if they don't lick it off your finger. Those are hit or miss depending on if your cat likes the taste or not. And watch out....they will try to flick it off their paw.

I have recently tried the two remedies I have pictured above. Both are in treat form.

I found that they are better suited for Fanny since I can incorporate them into her nightly "treat game". They are infused with lubricant to facilitate the hairball being passed through the digestive tract.

Whatever method you use be sure to consult with you Veterinarian.  

 

Hairball Symptoms:

Ongoing gagging, hacking, retching, vomiting without producing a hairball

Lack of appetite

Lethargy

Constipation

Diarrhea

Hope you and your fur babies stay happy and healthy.