Hairball Awareness Day

Did you know that April 29th is Hairball Awareness Day? It’s also National Peace Rose Day, International Dance Day, and National Shrimp Scampi Day. While we know that those are all much more pleasant topics, we’re going to focus on the hairballs. In this article, an Oconomowoc, WI vet discusses hairballs.

As you may know, kitties are very clean little furballs. Fluffy will spend time each day grooming her coat, and keeping it soft and shiny. Inevitably, your furry little diva will swallow some of her hair during her daily beauty rituals. Since cats can’t digest fur, well, you probably know what happens next. We’ll spare you the description. (It’s worth noting that some of our feline friends have a knack for leaving hairballs in the worst possible spots, but that’s another topic.)

There are some things you can do to help prevent hairballs. First, feed your feline pal a good, nutritious diet. Proper nutrition will keep Fluffy’s fur shiny and healthy, and can reduce the amount of fur your kitty sheds. The less dead fur your cat has, the less she’ll swallow. Regularly brushing your furball can also help, as you’ll be trapping that dead fur with a brush before she can swallow it. Keeping your pet indoors can also help. Indoor kitties often shed less than outdoor cats, because they aren’t as exposed to weather changes that trigger shedding. Last but not least, ask your vet about using a hairball remedy. This is especially recommended for super-fluffy cats.

Hairballs are much more than an unsightly nuisance. They can actually be quite dangerous. Sometimes kitties can’t throw up their hairballs. This can cause serious issues with Fluffy’s digestive system, and can make her very sick. While an occasional hairball is, unfortunately, somewhat par for the course with kitties, if your cat is throwing up excessively or dry heaving, bring her to the vet ASAP so she can be examined. When it comes to treating health issues in kitties, it’s always important to address any concerns right away. When it comes to treating our feline friends, the sooner a problem is found and treated, the better!

Do you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? We can help! Call us, your Oconomowoc, WI animal clinic! We are here to serve all your pet’s veterinary care needs.