Hairballs in Cats

This is the first of a three-part series on hairballs in cats.  If you own a cat, especially an indoor cat,  you may come across hairballs (also called fur balls) on the floor, or you may have witnessed your cat trying to cough up fur balls.  What exactly are hairballs?  What causes them?  How can you prevent or treat them? Are they dangerous to your cat? 

The first thing we want you to know is that fur balls are natural, and the occasional fur ball causes no harm to your cat. It is however important for all owners to understand what fur balls are and the possible risks of excessive fur balls.

·    What are the symptoms of fur balls?

·    Are you having cat fur ball problems?

·    Are there cat fur ball remedies or cat fur ball treatments that can control cat fur balls?

·    Can you even cure cat fur balls?

What is a Fur ball?

Cat fur balls form when your cat grooms. When your cat grooms, the tongue takes all of the dead or lose hair off the coat. This is a natural way for your cat to keep his coat in clean and healthy.  Unfortunately, once the hair is in his mouth, the cat can’t spit or pick it out. He has to swallow it. Usually, the hair will be digested and pass through your cat, but sometimes the hair can’t be digested, in which case it remains in the stomach. Over time, the hair will build up and mix with the fluids in your cat’s stomach, and eventually a ball shape will form. When the ball gets large enough, it will start to irritate your cat’s stomach. That irritation is what causes your cat to vomit, to bring up the fur ball.  Remember that hairballs are completely natural,  and it is normal and healthy for your cat to bring up a fur ball if it forms.  But problems can arise when there are too many fur balls, or when a cat has difficulty clearing them from his stomach. 

In future posts, we’ll cover much more on this topic, so be sure to subscribe so you get this important information. 

Be wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!