April 29: The Day Dedicated to Hairballs

Did you know there is a day dedicated to hairballs? April 29 is National Hairball Awareness Day. Cat owners understand the unfortunate event of their feline suffering with hairballs. It is important to understand why hairballs occur and what you can do to help your cat in these situations.

 

What causes hairballs in cats?

Normal grooming behavior results in your cat swallowing some hair, whether they are short- or long-haired. Occasionally, the hair will wad up in the stomach and turn into a hairball that is then vomited as a long, tubular mass. A monthly hairball, although gross, is generally not cause for concern.

 

When do hairballs cause problems?

When too much hair remains in the stomach or small intestine, it can cause a serious blockage if your cat cannot vomit it up. Additionally, if your cat continues to gag, retch, or vomit without producing a hairball, they could have another issue going on. Appetite loss, diarrhea, constipation, and lethargy are also signs that your cat may have a hairball blockage. If your cat grooms to the point of causing bald areas and skin irritation, they may have allergies, parasites, or other health conditions that require veterinary treatment.

 

What should you do about your cat’s hairballs?

If your cat’s hairball production seems excessive, talk to our team about possible solutions. They may include:

  • Hairball diets — Certain cat foods may help prevent or control hairballs. These diets are generally high in fiber to help improve gastrointestinal motility and move hairballs along. 
  • Professional grooming — If your cat is long-haired, they may need more grooming assistance than you can offer at home. Short-haired cats are sometimes difficult to groom, making a professional bath and brushing necessary to remove dead hair.

 

Speak to our team if your cat seems to be having trouble with hairballs. In case of a severe hairball emergency, contact our team right away.