Preventing Hairball Problems

This is the third in our series of posts on the topic of Fur Balls in Cats.  If you missed the first two, you can read them here. 

Preventing Hairball Problems?

As with all pet health issues, the best medicine is always prevention. You can reduce or even prevent hairballs with daily grooming.  A daily brushing (or combing) will remove a lot of hair and will reduce the amount of hair your cat actually ingests. 

A High Fiber Diet

You can now buy cat food especially designed to help fur balls, particularly for indoor cats. These foods are high in fiber and may say ‘reduces hair/fur ball's’. The high fiber diet will help your cat pass the hair through its system instead of getting stuck either in the gut or intestine, which it often does with a lower fiber diet. This stops the hairball from actually forming and is highly recommended for all house cats.  Many high fiber cat foods and treats include pumpkin, which is a natural ingredient that adds beneficial fiber to a cat’s diet.

Fleas, Ticks and Other Skin Conditions

If your cat has fleas, ticks or other parasites on his skin, he’ll be more prone to excessive grooming, which can lead to excessive hair in his stomach, gut and intestines.  Be sure your cat is free of these parasites.  Your vet will prescribe an appropriate program of treatment to assure that fleas and ticks aren’t contributing to fur ball problems. 

If Your Cat Can’t Regurgitate

If your cat is having problems regurgitating a fur ball then take your cat to the vet. They can either prescribe or recommend a medicine.  The medicine will usually come in cat friendly flavors and will lubricate your cat’s stomach and intestines. This makes it easier for the hair or hairball to pass from the stomach into your cats litter tray.

Take Fur balls Seriously.

A large hairball can be very uncomfortable for cats and can cause serious medical conditions. A hairball that can’t be regurgitated will continue to grow within the stomach. Large fur balls become painful and cause blisters and ulcers. Hairball pain can also cause cat depression and anxiety.  A hairball that can’t be regurgitated can lead to stomach and bowl conditions causing your cat much pain and stress.  He’s counting on you to keep him healthy, so if you think your cat has a problem with hairballs, contact your vet right away.

For the 1st blog on hairballs Click Here.
For the 2nd blog on hairballs Click Here.

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!

Do You Have a Pet First Aid Kit?

We have first aid kits and supplies for people in our homes and in our cars but our pets tend to get overlooked. Your pet is a valuable member of your family and pets are just as likely to get injured or have an accident as any other member of your family. So be prepared and have the tools that you need for when your pet has an accident. You will be happy you did.

The ASPCA suggests that your first aid kit should include:

• Pet First Aid Book
• Phone numbers: veterinarian, nearest emergency veterinary clinic (and know how to get there!), poison-control center or hotline (such as ASPCA poison control center at 1-800-426-4435)
• Paperwork (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies vaccination status, copies of other important medical records, current photo of your pet in case he gets lost
• Nylon leash
• Self-cling bandage (Stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur—available at pet stores and through pet supply catalogs)
• Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (as long as pet is not vomiting, choking, coughing, or otherwise having difficulty breathing)

Basic supplies

• Absorbent gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
• Blanket (foil emergency blanket)
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Gauze rolls
• Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting when directed by a veterinarian or poison control)
• Ice pack
• Non-latex disposable gloves
• Petroleum jelly (to lubricate thermometer)
• Rectal thermometer (your pet's temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)
• Scissors (with blunt ends)
• Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
• Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
• Tweezers
• A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment
• A pet carrier

Additional useful items

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. Vet must specify correct dosage for your pet’s size.
• Ear-cleaning solution
• Expired credit card or sample credit card (from direct mail credit card offers) to scrape away insect stingers
• Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or those with low blood sugar)
• Nail clippers
• Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
• Penlight or flashlight
• Plastic eyedropper or syringe
• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to clean thermometer
• Splints and tongue depressors
• Styptic powder or pencil (sold at veterinary hospitals and pet supply stores and your local pharmacy)
• Temporary identification tag (to put your local contact information on your dog’s collar when you travel)
• Towels
• Needle-nosed pliers

In addition to the items listed above, include any items recommended by your veterinarian specifically for your pet. Check the supplies in your pet first aid kit occasionally. Replace any items that have expired.

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. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!