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Although most cat owners would rather not think about them, hairballs
can affect your cat’s health. Cats are fastidious groomers, they
spend most of their day grooming themselves and licking up, well, hair.
Normally, the hair is expelled in your cats stool, however sometimes
this isn’t always the case. Sometimes the hair accumulates in your
cats digestive system, forming a hairball. Most times the hairball is
vomited up in a fit of coughing and choking.
The occasional hairball is a normal occurrence for most cats. However,
if your cat seems to be having chronic problems, it could develop into
something more serious like an intestinal blockage. Signs of an intestinal
blockage include:
- Vomiting of undigested food
- Dry heaving
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Swollen abdomen
- Lack of Appetite
If you think your cat has an intestinal blockage, call your veterinarian
immediately. Severe blockages may require surgery for removal. Before
you get to this point though, you can help prevent hairballs with a few
easy steps.
The best way to prevent hairballs is through grooming your cat. Brushing
is the fastest and easiest way for you to reduce the amount of hair that
your cat consumes. PetSupplies4Less has a variety of brushes that your
cat is sure to love, including:
Another way to help prevent hairballs is though a high fiber diet. PetSupplies4Less
offers cat food specially formulated to help with hairball problems,
such as Pro
Pac Hairball Reduction and Royal
Canin Feline Nutrition Intense Hairball.
Laxatives are also a good alternative for preventing hairballs. The
laxatives help coat the swallowed hair, making it easier for your cat
to pass it. You can use a hairball remedy such as Laxatone.
It is tuna flavored, which your cat will love.
In addition to all of the above suggestions, be sure to provide you
cat with a constant source of fresh water. You can use a Le
Bistro self-waterer or if your cat prefers running water a Petmate
Fresh Flow Fountain is a good investment.
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